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Lac du Lou from Caron

3 Valleys

Val Thorens

Vanoise Massif

A Val Thorens mega-classic and a must do for anyone visiting the Belleville valley.

Freeride Skiing Moderate

Distance
6.7 km
Ascent
57 m
Descent
1.2 km
Low Point
1.8 km
High Point
3 km
Gradient
32˚
Lac du Lou from Caron Map

This is a great long run off piste from one of the highest points of Val Thorens down to its lowest lift. From the Cime de Caron cable car take the Col de L'Audzin red piste for about 600m - after a big right hand bend and long flat section turn left just before the piste drops over a small col. From here follow a series of small depressions into the main Lou valley - lots of variations are possible here but early in the season stick to the gullies as it is rocky underneath! A first flatter section leads to short steepening, this soon opens out and leads to an obvious flat-bottomed valley - boarders may wish to deploy poles before taking a run-up at this. Once over the flats trend right down a series of gentle slopes until a long traverse takes you round above the right bank of the Lac du Lou. At the far end cross the lake just before the mouth; in spring this is a popular spot for a waterslide for those not afraid of getting wet!. Once over the lake and past the refuge follow the obvious road/track for a few hundred metres. When the Plan de L'Eau lift is visible you can drop off the track and pick a line through the lumps and bumps straight to the lift.

Difficulty

Moderate

Slopes become slightly steeper at around 25-30 degrees.

Low Exposure (E1)

1 out of 4

Exposure is limited to that of the slope itself. Getting hurt is still likely if the slope is steep and/or the snow is hard.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between December and May

Features

  • Bowl

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area