FATMAP by Strava

Aiguillette des Posettes

Balme (Le Tour)

Chamonix

Balme

A relatively easy tour to great views. Mostly worthwhile for the up hill journey away from the crowds.

Also in Valais, Switzerland

Ski Touring Moderate

Distance
4.5 km
Ascent
721 m
Descent
237 m
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
1.5 km
High Point
2.2 km
Gradient
25˚
Aiguillette des Posettes Map

A relatively gentle tour starting from the bottom of the Le Tour / Balme ski resort. The route mostly follows on a track through the forest and then on to the summit. It's possible to traverse under the summit and double back to avoid the last steep climb. The top of the Aiguillettes des Posettes has incredible views to the Mont Blanc Massif and back to Mont Buet and the Aiguilles Rouges.

Description

Whilst it's a well frequented route, some of the terrain is exposed to avalanches so check the avalanche bulletin and only go during stable snow conditions.

There are a few options for the descent. You can ski back down the way you came, staying further skiers right for the best turns - as described in the Freeride route for the Aiguillettes des Posettes. You can also easily access the descent from the ski resort so don't expect to get the full value for 'earning your turns.'

If the snow conditions aren't so good you can easily make a few turns to bring you back to the main ski resort and descend on the piste as show here - which is still a worth while day out to stretch the legs.

Or for a bigger adventure take on the steep north facing Posettes couloirs down towards Vallorcine - which will mean taking the ski lift or the train to get you back to your starting point.

Difficulty

Moderate

Slopes become slightly steeper at around 25-30 degrees.

Low Exposure (E1)

1 out of 4

Exposure is limited to that of the slope itself. Getting hurt is still likely if the slope is steep and/or the snow is hard.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between December and April

Features

  • Single Descent

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area