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Pointe de Ressachaux: La Lanche aux Chamois

Morzine

Avoriaz

Portes du Soleil

Magnificent and very steep couloir on the north side of Ressachaux.

Freeride Skiing Extreme

Distance
3.4 km
Ascent
74 m
Descent
1.1 km
Low Point
1.2 km
High Point
2.2 km
Gradient
44˚
Pointe de Ressachaux: La Lanche aux Chamois Map

Take the road from Morzine to Prodains and stop at the Covagnes car park (1,160m). From Covagnes, begin your hike up the trail leading to the southwest through the Acquv woods to reach the 1,421m point marked on the map. Ascend below the northeast face to reach the bottom of the couloir. Climb up the couloir and if possible onto the ridge at the top (the way onto the ridge is often blocked by an enormous cornice). Climb to the summit and descend via the same route.

Description

This is a challenging route with slopes reaching 50° and is often not in condition until later in the season once the whole couloir has filled with snow. However, by this point the cornice has built up at the top and often becomes impassable, so it is very difficult to make the full ascent and descent incorporating the summit.

Alternatively you can approach via the lifts using Les Hauts Forts freeride line.

Difficulty

Extreme

Extreme skiing terrain above 45 degrees. These routes are reserved for experienced experts.

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

  • Cliffs
  • Walk Required

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Crampons

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area