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Couloir de Cures

3 Valleys

Courchevel

Meribel

Vanoise Massif

Nice little couloir that's less tracked than the Grand Couloir

Freeride Skiing Severe

Distance
483 m
Ascent
28 m
Descent
239 m
Low Point
2.4 km
High Point
2.6 km
Gradient
46˚
Couloir de Cures Map

Less well known but much more fun than the Grand Couloir but it requires a little but very steep uphill bootpack. From the top of Saulire go along the ridge into the Grand Couloir now stay high follow the rock to your left go under the first spire and then look up to see the gap into the next Couloir. Shoulder your skis, it's too short to warrant putting them on your back pack and bootpack the 30-50m up the steep section to the entrance of the Couloir. Unless you are a very early bird there will already be a boot track to follow. The top is often a small narrow ledge. It can be tricky for some to get their skis back on, be careful and take your time- the run down is well worth the wait. The start is a bit narrow and steepish but then opens up nicely and mellows out before rejoining the Red Saulire run back into the Courchevel side Saulire lift station.

Description

Additional information:

  • The start is along the access to the Grand Couloir which is considered to be one of the hardest marked runs in the 3 Valleys
  • The whole Couloir is potential avalanche terrain so carrying appropriate equipment is necessary
  • Vertical is about 350m down this straight narrow Couloir
  • Top is about 40 degrees then mellows to 35 and to 30 at the end

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 December and April

Features

  • Walk Required

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area