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Combe Obscure

Briançon

Featuring some coool gully skiing, this is a fun tour.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
11 km
Ascent
1.1 km
Descent
1.1 km
Duration
5-6 hrs
Low Point
1.7 km
High Point
2.8 km
Gradient
34˚
Combe Obscure Map

This feels like a steeper line than it is, as you are in a small combe with cool rock formations, which gives interesting skiing without being to difficult. Overall, it's a really flowing line.

Description

From the parking at Le Laus take the ski du fond track heading south east. At the first junction turn left and follow it as it rises. After passing the 1994m height you will come to a wide opening in the trees heading east, follow this until it narrows. Here you have two options; the first is to turn to the north and follow a road that winds up the hillside to the Bergerie de Balais and from there head east to the col de Chaude Maison (easier option) with some steeper slopes just before the col; Or go straight up from where it narrows this is a steep way of accessing the upper slopes of the Col de Chaude Maison and you will rejoin the other line for the last slopes to the col. From the col follow the ridge north until the height of 2855m. You arrive at the side of a big open bowl.

From there descend into a bowl and begin heading left. until you come to the start of the combe. Follow the combe down through some tight rock walls. At the bottom of the combe you enter some trees, continue down through the trees a short way and return to the ski du fond track. Follow this back to the parking.

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

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

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between January and April

Features

  • Bowl
  • Couloir

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area