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Chenavier Couloir

Arve Valley

Often overlooked, but a fantasic steep line beneath the Aiguille Chenavier

Ski Touring Extreme

Distance
1.4 km
Ascent
661 m
Descent
661 m
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
3.1 km
High Point
3.7 km
Gradient
60˚
Chenavier Couloir  Map

This is steeper than its neighbours, but not as steep as some of the other 5.4s in the range. This descent also benefits from having two options for attacking it; to climb the line itself, or to drop into it on-sight after having climbed the North-east face.

Description

From the top of the Grand Montets cable car, ski down the very start of the Point du Vue piste before quickly ducking the rope and heading skier's right and down the Glacier du Rognons. Take care to watch out for some large crevasses on the upper section. Keep to skier's right of the Rognon itself (a large rock island). This soon brings you down onto the Glacier d'Argentière. Skin up and towards the bottom of Les Courtes North-east face on your right or keep on going further round to the start of the Chenavier. The bergschrund can sometimes be large and therefore tricky to access the Chenavier couloir. At the top of the line, it joins up with the upper slopes of the classic North-east face. This top section of the Chenavier is the steepest and sometimes it is mixed ground.

Difficulty

Extreme

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

Extreme Exposure (E4)

4 out of 4

In case of a fall, the skier faces certain death.

Remoteness

4 out of 4

In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.

Best time to visit

between April and May

Features

  • Cliffs
  • Single Descent
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Rope
  • Skins
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area