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Col de la Fenêtre, Les Contamines

Les Contamines

Megève Evasion Mont Blanc

A classic, easily accessed tour through gorgeous terrain.

Also in Savoie, France

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
8.1 km
Ascent
270 m
Descent
1.2 km
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
1.2 km
High Point
2.3 km
Gradient
39˚
Col de la Fenêtre, Les Contamines Map

Ski tours don't come much easier to access than this, and the effort:reward ratio is pretty good too.

Description

Start at the top of the Bûche Croisée chairlift and make a slightly tricky traverse south into the wild, open terrain that lies behind the Les Contamines ski area. Ski/pole until you are directly north-west of the Col de la Fenêtre and then put skins on and begin climbing up to the col. The first challenge is to navigate around a small rockband, which is usually passed easily via the route drawn here. Once above the rockband the skinning terrain becomes friendlier. Head up directly towards the col and, upon arriving, take in the massive view towards Mont Tondu, Monts Jovet and the imposing Dômes de Miage.

Strip skins off and ski east-southeast down fast and featured terrain towards the valley beneath Monts Jovet. The skiing is pretty straightforward once you've negotiated the slightly steep initial slope, and there's loads of potential for exploration - you could do this descent 10 times and choose a different line each time.

Once down in the valley, hang a left on a snow covered jeep track and follow it down through the hamlets of La Rollaz, La Giettaz and Nant Borant down to the charming church at Notre Dame de la Gorge. Hike along the road to the north for a kilometre or so to get back into the Contamines lift system.

Difficulty

Difficult

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

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 December and March

Features

  • Bowl
  • Tree Skiing

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area