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Roc Des Blanchets Main Couloir

La Plagne

Vanoise Massif

An all time classic La Plagne descent

Freeride Skiing Difficult

Distance
503 m
Ascent
0 m
Descent
262 m
Low Point
2.3 km
High Point
2.6 km
Gradient
43˚
Roc Des Blanchets Main Couloir Map

The main couloir on the front face of the Roc des Blanchets is one of the best bangs for the buck in La Plagne. It is easy to access if you know the route, but us is just far enough away from the action to see very little traffic.

Description

To get there, you need to get to the peak of the Roche de Mio. Just to the right of the top of the Carella chairlift is a paragliding take off zone. Just below it you will find a knife ridge that takes you across the top of the bowl and under the Pointe du Tougne. You will need to sidestep up a bit at times, but after about 10 minutes you will end up in an obvious saddle.

Once there you will try and hold your speed as you go across to the other side of the saddle. It is here that you will need to do a short boot pack up the shoulder of the Roc des Blanchets. Once on the ridge, you can traverse across to the center point between the Roc des Blanchets and the Roc du Serac.

You will want to ski cut the top before you drop in. Once in it is a perfect 350 or so meter decent down to the Restaurant Les Killis.

On the lower section, be careful of death cookies. They tend to lurk under the surface due to wet snow releases from above.

Difficulty

Difficult

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

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 January and April

Features

  • Face
  • Couloir
  • Walk Required

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