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Couloir Davin

Briançon

A local classic couloir, a must for any steep skier.

Ski Touring Severe

Distance
11 km
Ascent
1.6 km
Descent
1.6 km
Duration
6-7 hrs
Low Point
1.5 km
High Point
3.1 km
Gradient
51˚
Couloir Davin Map

A big tick on any steep skier's radar, this is a 1000m couloir that just keeps on giving. Just make sure you leave something in the legs for the descent.

Description

Park at Le Casset (tight parking in the village). Follow a ski du fond track west to the Pont du Clot du Gué then continue up the Petit Tabuc valley. Leave the path and cross over to the Torrent du Glacier de Casset. Follow the bowl up the torrent as far as you can, passing the petit couloir Davin on your left. At the end of the bowl you will see the couloir on your left. Climb the couloir, which just keeps going - it is normally a bootpack from near the bottom.

As you near the top the line splits - you can climb left to the access the glacier for a longer and slightly steeper route, or climb right to stay on the classic line of the Davin. The last section is steep and in the rocks so care is needed. The top gives you amazing views down on to the Glacier du Casset.

Now comes the fun part if your legs are up for it! Ski the couloir - it is a good constant angle all the way down. At the bottom of the couloir you can ski back across to the way you came in (a little climb needed), or you can stay on skiers right of the river, this line does join up with your ascent path near a little bridge but can be tight in the trees.

Difficulty

Severe

Steep skiing at 38-45 degrees. This requires very good technique and the risk of falling has serious consequences.

Medium Exposure (E2)

2 out of 4

As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between January and May

Features

  • Alpine
  • Couloir
  • Single Descent
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area