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Pic Negre d'Envalira N

Grandvalira

Steep terrain for alpine off-piste experienced riders.

Freeride Skiing Severe

Distance
676 m
Ascent
1 m
Descent
283 m
Low Point
2.5 km
High Point
2.7 km
Gradient
46˚
Pic Negre d'Envalira N Map

At the top of Pic Blanc chairlift turn right and hike up the western ridge of Pic Blanc (2639m). A wide but steep ridge will lead you to the summit. The ridge is also accessible by the Font Negre chairlift but you will have to hike back up the slope to get to Pic Blanc top station and access the ridge. Regarding safety, there can be cornices on the left of the ridge but the right side is clear and safe. The climb to Pic Blanc summit will take about 35 to 50 minutes depending on equipment and snow conditions. Crampons are not mandatory but are highly recommended in this climbing section due to ridge's exposure to and often icy conditions underfoot. Once at the top you can ride down the eastern ridge to the mountain pass and face up the last challenge; hiking and climbing up the western ridge of Pic Negre d'Envalira, a sharp ridge but wide enough to walk on which gives you access to the steep couloir hidden from the view. Crampons and ice axes are highly recommended, and even ropes for those not confident climbing. Rope length will depend on how many party members there are. There are two steep sections where climbing of ice and snow is required but complete ice climbing equipment shouldn't be necessary. There is a rocky flat area to stop just before the couloir and the mountain wall ahead. The couloir dropping to the left is easy to identify. A couple more access with less approach but steeper grading of steepness at the beginning are possible before this point. It's very wide. The short narrow entrance quickly opens to a very wide steep slope. A safety point is just below inside the valley where a little hill sits higher than the terrain around it. From there you can make your way down to Isards piste.

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

3 out of 4

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

Best time to visit

between January and March

Features

  • Cliffs
  • Walk Required

Equipment required

  • Crampons

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area