FATMAP by Strava

Sospel to Col de Turini

Into wild terrain- a mellow journey in trees and on ridges.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
24 km
Ascent
2.1 km
Descent
861 m
Duration
1 day +
Low Point
339 m
High Point
1.9 km
Gradient
18˚
Sospel to Col de Turini Map

Once again a hard big slog to get going, with skis on your packs initially, following the GR52 on good trails. But you'll be on snow today, unless you've come too late in the season! We managed to get our skis on just below Mangiabo, at about 1700m. The old refrozen snowpack meant the descent N along the ridge from Mangiabo was sensationally exposed yet no harder than a blue run in angle. We broadly stuck to the main GR52, skirting around Mont Giagabella, 1911m. You can then traverse off L and down to get to accommodation at the Col de Turini. What we actually did was enchain this day with the following day, crossing the whole of the Southern Mercantour and finishing a 3am. This was to avoid a big storm that was coming in the following day, and turned into a massive 4500m ascent/descent day. Splitting it at Col de Turini would be infinitely preferable!

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

Medium Exposure (E2)

2 out of 4

As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between February and March

Features

  • Alpine
  • Tree Skiing
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons