Fraîche Waterfall

Accessible to the public from May to October, enjoy an easy hike of about 50 minutes to 1 hour. The trail winds through the tall, majestic spruces of the Vanoise, with a total elevation gain and loss of 150m each—approximately 35 minutes uphill and 15 minutes downhill.

Be patient: the full reward comes at the end of your walk. Upon arrival, you’ll feel the cool mist of the waterfall, admire the clear water contrasting with the surrounding rocks, and listen to the calming sound of its flow.

Pack a backpack with a water bottle, a map, a first aid kit, and a fleece jacket. To make the most of the sun, the ideal departure time is late morning or early afternoon. Since the waterfall faces southwest, bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Ready? Let’s go!

How to get there from Le Télémark

From the center of Pralognan-La-Vanoise, head towards “Les Bieux, le Martinet,” then follow signs for “via ferrata access.” After 200m, take the path on the right marked “Cascade de la Fraîche.”

At the base of the waterfall, which carves its way through the rocks, a footbridge allows you to cross the Doron de Pralognan and view the cascade. After crossing, the trail climbs slightly to the left toward “Les Fontanettes,” a ski run. Ignore the first path on the left. After a few switchbacks, leave the ski run for a small trail through the shrubs. 300m later, continue on the path that descends to the left, marked “zipline access.”

Cross the wooden bridge over the Doron again, then take the left-hand trail—the beginning of the descent.

At the next intersection, turn left onto the GR5 while continuing downhill. Walk through a beautiful spruce forest, enjoy the fresh pine scent, and emerge onto a stunning viewpoint overlooking the village of Pralognan-La-Vanoise.

After taking in this panoramic view, head back down to the village.