Combe à Marion
An exciting ski tour in one of the wilder parts of the Aravis.
Difficult Ski Touring
- Distance
- 3.7 km
- Ascent
- 765 m
- Descent
- 765 m
Sun, Snow and Solitude : Ski Tour the Aravis
10 ski tours in the peaceful Aravis range which don't require any use of lifts and quickly take you away from the crowds.
Ski Touring Moderate, Difficult
Description
Nestled between some of the best known destinations in Europe - Chamonix, Annecy, Albertville and Geneva - lies a mountain range which is, despite the proximity of those famous towns, wild and largely untouched. The Aravis mountains are not (by the standards of nearby Massifs) particularly high - the highest mountain in the range (Pointe Percée) is just over 2700 metres - but they are dramatic, aesthetic and full of exceptional ski tours.
There are some ski resorts in the Aravis such as the famous freeride mecca of La Clusaz - /discover/guidebook/7432 - but most of the range can only be skied by human power. The 10 tours listed in this guidebook are all car to car trips and require expenditure of energy rather than money! All of the tours feature wild scenery, peaceful mountains and epic ski terrain of all shapes and sizes.
If, after 10 days of touring without any lift assistance, you're keen for a little bit of an easier few days, check out our guidebook to the touring around Les Contamines, to the south-east of the Aravis. There are some excellent car to car tours above Les Contamines but there are also some brilliant trips which start with a lift bump, and provide some easy wins when your legs aren't up to a big mission!
Routes included
Pointe de Merdassier West-Northwest Face
A scenic tour which comes into condition quickly and therefore makes for a good early season objective.
Difficult Ski Touring
- Distance
- 4.2 km
- Ascent
- 845 m
- Descent
- 844 m
Les Quatre Têtes North Couloir
A long tour through staggering scenery which culminates with a descent of a beautiful hanging face.
Difficult Ski Touring
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 1.4 km
- Descent
- 1.4 km
Pointe d'Andey - A Hidden Gem in the Haute Savoie
An easy, accessible and safe ski tour - perfect for beginners
Moderate Ski Touring
- Distance
- 5.7 km
- Ascent
- 860 m
- Descent
- 863 m
Montagne de Sulens
A Local classic best done after fresh snow and cool temperatures.
Moderate Ski Touring
- Distance
- 9.1 km
- Ascent
- 1 km
- Descent
- 1 km
Cabane Du Petit Pâtre
A fine ski tour on the wilder side of the Croisse Baulet.
Moderate Ski Touring
- Distance
- 5.6 km
- Ascent
- 759 m
- Descent
- 759 m
Col de Balafrasse
A justifiably popular ski tour in amongst the big limestone cliffs of the Aravis.
Moderate Ski Touring
- Distance
- 8.5 km
- Ascent
- 864 m
- Descent
- 864 m
Aiguille Verte
A short fun classic of the Aravis that gives a good taste of the area.
Moderate Ski Touring
- Distance
- 4.9 km
- Ascent
- 666 m
- Descent
- 666 m
Col de la Toulle
An excellent introduction to the stunning area around Mont Charvin.
Moderate Ski Touring
- Distance
- 4.9 km
- Ascent
- 682 m
- Descent
- 682 m
Tête d'Auferrand
A quiet ski tour in a wild setting with fun skiing.
Moderate Ski Touring
- Distance
- 8.7 km
- Ascent
- 767 m
- Descent
- 767 m
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