FATMAP by Strava

Serac Paradise

La Grave

Les Deux Alpes and La Grave

A committing steep skiing line with a long and highly-technical entry.

Freeride Skiing Extreme

Distance
11 km
Ascent
1.5 km
Descent
2.4 km
Low Point
2.3 km
High Point
3.5 km
Gradient
55˚
Serac Paradise Map

Despite being highly visible from many spots in and around La Grave, only a handful of recorded ski descents of this line have ever been made.

Description

Access to the line takes almost a full day (when moving as quickly as possible), and requires multiple climbs and traverses.

The final step is a (x2) 50m rappel down the cliffs at the entrance of Serac Paradise couloir. There are no ropes or anchors in place, meaning that this is the crucial barrier to getting into the couloir.

Once inside the couloir, a narrow +50-degree slope then opens out into a wider face, with some small cliffs to navigate out of the bottom.

After the couloir and face, it opens out into a large bowl of fresh snow at around 35-40 degrees.

While this zone is filled with fresh powder, it also needs to be skied as fast as possible, as it is exposed to the Seracs far above that give this line its name: "Serac Paradise." This exact route was skied by Sam Anthamatten, Johnny Collinson and Benjamin Ribeyre for the "Faction presents La Grave" movie.

Difficulty

Extreme

Extreme skiing terrain above 45 degrees. These routes are reserved for experienced experts.

Extreme Exposure (E4)

4 out of 4

In case of a fall, the skier faces certain death.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between February and April

Features

  • Cliffs
  • Glacier
  • Walk Required

Equipment required

  • Rope
  • Skins
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons
  • Length of rope

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area