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Col du Tacul

Aiguille du Midi

Chamonix

Skyway Monte Bianco

A mellow ski tour which often holds good snow

Ski Touring Moderate

Distance
7.5 km
Ascent
797 m
Descent
1.6 km
Duration
3-4 hrs
Low Point
2.2 km
High Point
3.2 km
Gradient
46˚
Col du Tacul Map

Starting from the Aiguille du Midi cable car, exit the lift station and walk down the arête. Ski down the Vallée Blanche, crossing over to the Italian side. Continue skiing down the skier's right side of the Gèant Icefall until just above the Salle à Manger. Transition here to skinning. Be aware of the La Noire serac now overhead which is sometimes active and has been known on occasion to reach the Salle à Manger, so this is no place to stop for a picnic. Skin up the Périades Glacier towards the Col du Tacul until you reach the steeper slopes below the Col du Tacul. Turning around here, ski back down the same way before trending skier's right side in the lower half, descending 30 degree slopes on the moraine above the Mer de Glace. Continue down the rest of the classic Vallée Blanche route.

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

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 January and May

Equipment required

  • Rope
  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area