Pointe de la Masse, an emblematic summit in Les 3 Vallées combining skiing, panoramic views and wildlife protection

A summit open all year round

The Pointe de la Masse gondola climbs 1,000 metres in eight minutes. In summer, its cabins have glass floors, giving passengers a clear view of the landscape passing beneath them. A terrace at the top station gives a 360° panorama over several Alpine massifs, including Mont Blanc, the Vanoise, the Écrins and the Tarentaise, as well as the Vallée des Encombres.

Skiing and hiking: a range of options

In winter, the Masse sector offers a range of pistes for different abilities, alongside well-known off-piste and freeride routes. The Friendly Natural Park, a play area open to all, rounds out the offer. First Track lets skiers ride freshly groomed pistes before the ski area opens, accompanied by piste patrollers, followed by breakfast on the mountain. In summer, several hiking and trail-running routes set off from the summit or the valley, crossing ridges, mountain pastures and high-altitude lakes, with courses to suit different levels.

Dining and entertainment at altitude

Three restaurants serve the Masse sector: Le 2800, a bistronomic, panoramic restaurant at the top station of the gondola; Les Roches Blanches, halfway down the sector's pistes; and Le Chalet de la Masse, beside the Vallons run, known for its sunny terrace. The gondola's pedestrian lift pass gives access to the machine room, freely open at the top station. Using videos and a LEGO model, it explains how the gondola works: motors, acceleration, the clutch system, cabins, pylons and the line's profile.

A site of high ecological value

The Masse sector has a quiet zone for black grouse, set up in partnership with the Parc national de la Vanoise. Across Les 3 Vallées, more than 260 birds have been fitted with GPS tags, including 83 black grouse recorded in the Belleville commune, to better understand their behaviour and protect their habitats. The initiative, praised by the Office français de la biodiversité, reflects a balance between tourism and species protection. The site is also home to the Ludizone – Friendly Natural Park, an educational area developed with the Parc national de la Vanoise that introduces visitors to Alpine wildlife, flora and landscapes in an interactive way.

"Complètement à la Masse", a sporting and festive event

Every year, Pointe de la Masse hosts "Complètement à la Masse", a downhill event of more than 5 kilometres open to all snow-sports disciplines, along a course lined with obstacles and entertainment. Several course formats let participants take part according to their level and age, solo or in teams.

Key points

1. The Pointe de la Masse gondola climbs 1,000 metres in eight minutes to reach the summit, at an altitude of 2,804 metres.
2. More than 260 birds, including 83 black grouse recorded in the Belleville commune, have been fitted with GPS tags as part of a partnership with the Parc national de la Vanoise to protect their habitats.
3. The sector has three restaurants: Le 2800 at the top station of the gondola, Les Roches Blanches halfway along the pistes, and Le Chalet de la Masse beside the Vallons run.
4. The gondola's machine room, freely accessible at the top station, explains how the lift works using videos and a LEGO model.
5. The annual "Complètement à la Masse" event includes a downhill course of more than 5 kilometres, with several course formats to suit participants' level and age.