0 m away
Circuit des 3 Combes (NE couloir Col de Paré de Joux and N couloir of Rochers de la Sallaz)
A Double Couloir Aravis Traverse
Severe Ski Touring
- Distance
- 7.4 km
- Ascent
- 1.1 km
- Descent
- 1.1 km
An accessible but highly rewarding Aravis classic
Ski Touring Difficult
The Trou de la Mouche - or Flyhole - ski tour involves 1,100m of ascent up the Grand Crêt combe. The 'summit' is a spectacular hole in the Aravis limestone that you pass through before making the descent back down the combe of Paccaly.
The tour starts at the Confins car park which is located about 5km from the nearby ski resort of La Clusaz. It is an extremely popular route and can be busy during weekends and peak holiday periods.
If you're looking to avoid sharing the skin track with too many others then we advise making the trip during the week but even when it is busy, you can almost always find fresh tracks and a sense of solitude as the environment is so huge and easily absorbs ski traffic.
The ascent of Grand Crêt is reasonably straightforward but just be conscious that sluffs and slides often come down from the Paré du Joux on your left as you begin so stay in the middle of the combe if you can. Continue straight up the Grand Crêt, finding the safest and most appropriate route until you reach around 2,000m. At this point you need to strike left (north) up steeper terrain in the direction of Roche Perfia (2,499m) and towards the Trou itself (located at 2,467m to the left of Roche Perfia).
The terrain does get pretty steep about 50-100m below the Trou so you'll probably have to remove your skis and bootpack the final meters - unless you're a seriously proficient and/or determined ski mountaineer!
At the top there is a reasonably large and flat area to transition, eat snacks and take pictures without feeling cramped or stressed by other skiers/groups. The views are spectacular so make sure you take it all in.
Once you pass through the Trou, you have several descent options based on skill level/snow conditions but care is required on all routes as the initial section is reasonably steep. Head left for the steepest slopes or right for slightly less demanding terrain.
The combination of the N/NE facing aspect and relatively sheltered terrain holds snow well when other more exposed itineraries can get hammered by sun and wind.
Enjoy the spectacular big mountain environment and make your way towards the base of the combe, sniffing out the best snow and the safest route. Make your way through a small forest before joining the path that runs from the wooden Paccaly farm back in the direction of the Grand Cret.
This track will lead you back to where you started at the car park in Confins.
Difficult
Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.
0 m away
A Double Couloir Aravis Traverse
Severe Ski Touring
513 m away
A Quick Aravis Hit With A Spectacular Summit
Difficult Ski Touring
5.8 km away
An exciting ski tour in one of the wilder parts of the Aravis.
Difficult Ski Touring
6.2 km away
A justifiably popular ski tour in amongst the big limestone cliffs of the Aravis.
Moderate Ski Touring
6.4 km away
A short fun classic of the Aravis that gives a good taste of the area.
Moderate Ski Touring
7.8 km away
A scenic tour which comes into condition quickly and therefore makes for a good early season objective.
Difficult Ski Touring
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A fine ski tour on the wilder side of the Croisse Baulet.
Moderate Ski Touring
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A quiet ski tour in a wild setting with fun skiing.
Moderate Ski Touring
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A beautiful tour with an easy approach and fabulous skiing.
Moderate Ski Touring
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