Rocher Carré

The chutes from the Rocher Carré (Square Rock) ridge are steep but not long and lead into some excellent trees. However, the area is particularly avalanche prone so great care should be taken. From the Grande Gargouille piste, cut left well above the netting that marks the edge of the ridge. The main entrance is just behind the high point on the ridge. Recently, signs have gone up in the area warning of potential fines for skiing off piste. The ban on skiing here is ostensibly to protect young trees and has been put in place by the forestry office, not the resort, so while fines are a possibility they are pretty unlikely. The Rocher Carré seems to mark the edge of this zone but it is a bit of a grey area. Therefore, the line is included here with the caveat that it may be (just) in the restricted area so you may run the risk of a fine should a forest ranger take exception to your presence. If you still decide to ski it, try not to linger on the steep section for longer than necessary and expect, at the very least, significant loose surface slough as you descend. Once in the trees you can go more or less where you like before cutting back to the Grande Gargouille piste before the Prorel gondola mid station. Look for a poorly defined walking track to lead you back to the piste. If you get too low it isn’t that serious but if you reach a snow covered road, head to the right along it and you’ll end up back on the Vauban piste.