868 m away
Contamine Couloir
A great alternative to the Spencer: slightly steeper and narrower.
Extreme Ski Touring
- Distance
- 512 m
- Ascent
- 305 m
- Descent
- 305 m
An historical steep descent first made in 1967 by Sylvain Saudan, the original pioneer of extreme skiing.
Ski Touring Extreme
From the mid-station of the Aiguille du Midi cable car (Plan d'Aiguille), follow signs for the Lac Bleu and start skinning eastward and under the Aiguille du Plan and the Blatière. Cross over several small moraine walls (might require a couple of very short boot packs) and head towards the Nantillons Glacier. Drop over one final short but steep moraine wall and onto the Nantillons Glacier. Skin up a little further until under the first rock wall you come to a steepening. Transition to boot packing and climb up a brief steep and rocky section often involving very faceted snow (tiring boot packing). The angle decreases before steepening again up to 45 degree in a small couloir. After the couloir it is normally possible to transition back to skinning before reaching another steeper (sometimes icy) slope. Then reach a small flat area which marks the entrance to the Spencer Couloir. The couloir is sustained at 45 degree before steepening to 50 at the top. Ski back down the same way, or it is possible to exit the upper section of the Nantillons Glacier skier's right. Ski back to the mid station or back to town if snow cover allows.
NB, as of summer 2017 a section of blank rock slab has opened up in the upper reaches of the Nantillons Glacier due to the recession of permanent ice there. If there is not a good build-up of snow covering it, this could prove to be problematic.
Extreme
Extreme skiing terrain above 45 degrees. These routes are reserved for experienced experts.
868 m away
A great alternative to the Spencer: slightly steeper and narrower.
Extreme Ski Touring
963 m away
A technical ski tour coming straight back down the same way if the Spencer is not in condition.
Severe Ski Touring
1.8 km away
A beautiful and varied run with a tricky ending.
Extreme Ski Touring
1.8 km away
A satisfyingly long descent from the Alps' highest summit.
Difficult Ski Touring
3.4 km away
The classic ski-mountaineering trip of the area, taking in some mind-blowing scenery.
Difficult Ski Touring
3.5 km away
One of Chamonix's most famous and sought after steep descents; sustained and an immaculate ski line.
Extreme Ski Touring
4.6 km away
An iconic, sought after and serious line on one of the greatest peaks in the Alps.
Extreme Ski Touring
4.6 km away
Scenic alternative exit from the West Face of the Midi
Severe Ski Touring
4.7 km away
Another gem of a steep line on the East Face of Mont Blanc du Tacul
Extreme Ski Touring
5 km away
The classic steep ski line of the area, featuring beautifully open and exposed skiing. Whilst not in the realms of true extreme skiing, it is a very serious run for experienced ski mountaineers only.
Extreme Ski Touring
5 routes · Freeride Skiing · Ski Touring
5 routes · Freeride Skiing · Ski Touring
49 routes · Freeride Skiing · Ski Touring