From the parking skin up the road towards Col de la Colombière (the parking is where the road is ploughed up to normally) then leave the road where it turns to the north. Continue up gentle terrain to the Col de la Colombière and the closed café. In summer it can be busy here with cars, motorbikes, cyclists, walkers and climbers but in winter it is peaceful and a nice place to pause before continuing on. It is worth having couteau (ski crampons) to hand especially with an early morning, spring snowpack.

A rising traverse above the café takes you to a flattening and a building, and from here ascend up mellow slopes until it steepens into slightly tighter craggier terrain. Go up this with the odd kick turn to a brief flattening and then continue up the sustained slopes above picking the easiest line.

Without losing height around the lake, climb up and traverse the slopes under the cliffs of Pointe Blanche before steepening terrain leads to the Col de Balafrasse. Soak up the views and ambience of the Aravis, which are impressive!

The descent is by the same line but with imagination there is plenty of terrain to play with. Timing will be everything if you're hunting spring snow and with a good eye you will be able to pick the slopes where a slight change in aspect will provide perfect spring skiing.