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Canadian Bowl

Chamonix

Grands Montets

Les Grands Montets

A classic Grands Montets line; open, varied, great skiing

Freeride Skiing Difficult

Distance
2.2 km
Ascent
1 m
Descent
760 m
Low Point
2 km
High Point
2.8 km
Gradient
41˚
Canadian Bowl Map

This bowl holds great snow and is formed from the divergence of two ancient lateral moraines that used to border the edges of the ancient glacier that came much lower down the mountain. It can be accessed most quickly from the Herse piste. After the steep icy section of the piste near the top that goes down the fall line, traverse L off the piste as it begins to ease off in angle. You are aiming to traverse just below the top of a characteristic conical hill top, the Triangle de la Herse, that is easily visible from above, taking care for rocks on the traverse, to enter the large obvious bowl. The alternative is from the Bochard lift. Duck immediately under the barriers to the R as you exit the lift station, passing under the lift line and following an obvious high traverse R for a long way, passing onto a flatter shoulder with the odd windlip you might want to play on. From here the Triangle de la Herse is visible below and R. You can take any number of slightly steeper lines, aiming for a snow covered cat track that traverses the L side of it to enter the bowl. Keep your speed under control on the last section of this track as it is often mogully/icy/rocky.

Description

The bowl itself is a beautiful angle, holding great snow and gently easing off in angle as you descend. You can exit L or R to the adjoining pistes, or straight on, which has a number of much steeper pitches, leading you pretty much all the way down to Lognan.

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

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

in February, March, April and December

Features

  • Trees

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area