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Glacier du Cul du Nant

Albertville

La Plagne

Vanoise Massif

THE off-piste in La Plagne

Freeride Skiing Difficult

Distance
8.4 km
Ascent
74 m
Descent
1.9 km
Low Point
1.5 km
High Point
3.3 km
Gradient
41˚
Glacier du Cul du Nant Map

This magnificent descent is the reference in off-piste skiing in La Plagne. It covers extremely varied terrain and faces the most beautiful summits in La Vanoise. The Cul du Nant Glacier reveals itself just over the ridge that separates it from the Chiauppe Glacier. You access that ridge by a quick walk straight out the arrival of the Glacier chairlift.

Description

The glacier is quite wide with few crevasses (mostly early in the season), bur it's preferable to stay on its right side, as it is also better to stay the right side of the huge undulating terrain that follow the glacier. Under the Refuge de Plaisance, the wide valley narrows into a first constriction where you must cross over onto the left bank (warning : the river hides dangerous potholes under a layer of snow). The slope then widens again into an avalanche deposit zone. Do not follow the river that flows into a waterfall in the Laisonney valley, but cross to the left and follow a summer trail that can be tricky. Finally, a last slope with uncertain snow conditions (generally a lack of snow) leads to the Champagny le Haut cross-country trail. Skate along (while yielding to the Nordic skiers) for 3km until you reach Champagny le Haut. Then a bus will take you to Chamagny-en-Vanoise and the Champagny gondola back to the resort groomed slopes :)

Difficulty

Difficult

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

High Exposure (E3)

3 out of 4

In case of a fall, death is highly likely.

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

  • Bowl
  • Trees
  • Cliffs
  • Glacier
  • Walk Required

Equipment required

  • Glacier kit

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area