SKI TOURING
If you’ve been seduced by the increasingly popular sport of ski-touring or split-boarding you’ll know that there’s a lot to gain from getting away from the crowds, skinning up the mountains and earning your turns back down. As well as stunning views, and working up an appetite for your fondue or raclette supper, it’s the opportunity to get to know the terrain and get that little bit closer to nature.
But where to go, and what itinerary to choose? Let us help you out. We’ve compiled a selection of our favourite ski-touring routes to whet your appetite for adventure labelled them for beginners, intermediates and experienced ski-tourers.
Before you go
Hang on a second ! Before you go, it would be remiss of us not to highlight the fact that ski touring, even on marked routes, involves a certain level of risk. We strongly recommend that you take precautionary measures including checking the avalanche risk and the weather forecast. Do also think to let someone know when and where you are going. Equipment-wise, as a minimum, you should carry a fully charged mobile phone, a transceiver, shovel and probe and don’t forget your clothing layers, water and snacks too.
SAVOIE
MÉRIBEL
Méribel valley offers a wide variety of ski-touring options from Les Allues at the entrance of the valley to Mottaret at the top. There are groomed and signposted routes for beginners as well as excellent off-piste routes for the more adventurous. Equip yourself at La Varappe, specialist ski rental shop, just a few doors down from our office, next to the newsagents
BEGINNER
Route name: Altiport de Meribel, forest route
Length: 3km
Climbing: 345m (from 1,680m to 2,025m altitude)
Time: Allow 2.5 hours
This is a perfect route for a first time ski-tourer up a signposted and groomed route through the Altiport forest and up to the Pic noir (direction Col de la Loze). The descent back down is on blue and green runs.
INTERMEDIATE
Route name: Refuge de la Traie – Col de la Lune
Length: 5km
Climbing: 615m (from 1,170m to 1,785m altitude)
Time: Allow 3.5 hours
This is a fantastic route for getting away from the crowds in resort centre and finding some tranquility in the forest. Setting off from the village of Les Allues, you climb through the forest to the plateau where you will find two refuges, the original Refuge de la Traie and the new Refuge du Christ. From here, the forest thins out as you make your way to the Col de la Lune for an off-piste descent back to resort.
EXPERIENCED
Route name: Col du Fruit via plan de Tueda
Length: 8km
Climbing: 820m (from 1,705m to 2,525m altitude)
Time: Allow 4 hours
Setting off from the car park below Lac Tueda in Mottaret, you will cross the Tueda plain to access an area within the Vanoise National Park which has been authorised for skiers to make your ascent of the imposing Col du Fruit to the Emilienne Point. The descent is off-piste down the north face (Courchevel side) of the Aiguille du Fruit.
VAL D’ISÈRE
Val d’Isère is known worldwide for its stunning skiing and this reputation extends to its awesome ski-touring and off-piste routes too. It’s easy to get away from the most tracked routes on either touring skis or split board and find yourself in an altogether wilder landscape. Book your equipment with Oxygène and choosing either shop fit or in-chalet fit.
BEGINNER
Route name: La Daille – Folie Douce
Length: 3 kms
Climbing: 500m (from 1,850m to 2,350m altitude)
Time: Allow 2 hours
A simple climb on the edge of a green run or signposted route through the forest takes you up through the trees for an arrival at the famous Folie Douce bar/restaurant. Descend back to la Daille however you choose, either off-piste, or on green, blue or red runs.
INTERMEDIATE
Route name: Montée de Solaise
Length: 7 km
Climbing: 615m (from 1,850m to 2,400m altitude)
Time: Allow 2-3 hours
To climb to the top of the Solaise there are two route options: a physical route that will take around 1 hour 45 minutes and a much gentler route that takes you via le Fornet and the summer route of the Col de l’Iseran. Descend back to resort on blue or red runs.
EXPERIENCED
Route name: Bellevarde summit (by the off-piste)
Length: 3 km
Climbing: 850m (from 1850m to 2700m altitude)
Time: Allow 4 hours
The climb is well worth it for the views over Val d’Isère and the off-piste couloirs
LA PLAGNE
La Plagne is a skier’s paradise and ski-tourers can take their pick of routes across the Paradiski area. There are numerous possibilities whatever your level. Book your equipment with Oxygène and choose to collect it in store or have it fitted and delivered in the comfort of your holiday accommodation.
BEGINNER
Route name: Col de Forcle from Plagne Bellecôte
Length: 5 km
Climbing: 350m (from 2000m to 2350m altitude)
Time: Allow 2.5 hours
This is an ideal route if you’re new to ski touring. It alternates between groomed and ‘off-piste’ with a stunning view of Mont Blanc. Join the route just above the Roche de Mio gondola station and wind your way up to the Dou du Praz plateau. Continue to climb, following the Col de Forcle trail. From there cross the ski slope and hike up to the top. This last part isn’t groomed and will get you used to climbing off-piste. The descent back to resort is on a blue run.
INTERMEDIATE
Route name: Verdons
Length: 5km
Climbing: 500m (from 2000m to 2500m altitude)
Time: Allow 3-4 hours
Leaving from Plagne Centre, follow the slope towards the start of the Verdons Nord chairlift. Start your climb, either by the piste or in the valley to your right for a hike closer to nature. Your efforts will have been worth it when you reach the summit to a 360 degree view of the Vanoise mountains, the 3 Valleys ski area, the villages of La Plagne and the famous Mont Blanc. For the descent, it’s up to you. Choose off-piste or red or blue runs.
EXPERIMENT
Route name: Mont Jovet
Length: 8km
Climbing: 750m (2100m to 2850m altitude)
Time: Allow 4 hours
From Aime La Plagne climb the slope to the Becoin ridge. Follow the ridge line along until you pick up the line of the Cretes draglift then descend slightly to the Col du Martinet. Climb a further few metres to end up in a wide valley. From here climb up to the Pas des Brebis, before following the stunning ridge up to the summit of Mont Jovet. Descend off-piste in the valley until you join the bottom of the Etroits black run.