FATMAP by Strava

La Combe Ouest des Arandelieres

Les Arcs

Vanoise Massif

Exposed Bowl on north west face

Freeride Skiing Severe

Distance
815 m
Ascent
0 m
Descent
443 m
Low Point
2.7 km
High Point
3.2 km
Gradient
36˚
La Combe Ouest des Arandelieres Map

Take the Cable car to the top of the Aguille Rouge. From here you need to enter les Cables Couloir from the very top but start traversing left to reach a wide face which is the Arandelieres bowl. You can work your way across this face being careful to no go near the cliffs, This is a no fall zone as you are above a large cliff band to start with until you reach the northwest facing couloir, only then should you ski the fall line until you reach the piste. Be careful on this line as there are people below you, if there has been recent snowfall then it's easy to set off slides or sluff which could endanger the people below.

Description

The other option to reach this face is to hike directly along the ridgeline from the cablecar, this is a long and very exposed walk with a lot of risk. You do get to ski the couloir from the very top though so if you are experienced then it could be a good route.

Difficulty

Severe

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

High Exposure (E3)

3 out of 4

In case of a fall, death is highly likely.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between February and March

Features

  • Cliffs
  • Glacier

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area