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Col de l'Encrenaz

Chamonix

A superb variant, accessed from Le Buet or via the Col de Beugeant descent.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
3.6 km
Ascent
32 m
Descent
1.4 km
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
1.4 km
High Point
2.7 km
Gradient
38˚
Col de l'Encrenaz Map

Beautiful and sheltered east-facing slopes. From the village of Le Buet it's a 1200-meter climb to the Col de l'Encrenaz.

Description

From the village of le Buet beginner slopes, skin up and leftwards through a more open area, then pick your way up through the trees until you reach a bench just above the treeline. Skin leftwards under the rocks of the Aiguille de Mesure, following the small riverbed of the l'Eau Noire and up to the Col de l'Encrenaz.

Ski down the same way, or traverse the col and ski down the slopes above the Col des Montets, trending left as you descend to pick the easiest line through the trees. In good conditions, you can traverse slightly less far to the left into a tight, snowy couloir, easily visible from the road.

You can also access this col from Flegere via Col Beaugeant—see description for that route. This is the route marked here. From Col Beaugeant traverse down and skier's right below the Aiguille des Chamois and the Aiguille Martin to the Col de l'Encrenaz and descend as above.

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

High Exposure (E3)

3 out of 4

In case of a fall, death is highly likely.

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 February and April

Features

  • Cliffs

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Crampons

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area