FATMAP by Strava

L'Ouilette East Face

Espace Killy

Tignes and Val d'Isère

Vanoise Massif

Charbonnel Group

A hidden gem for turn earners!

Ski Touring Severe

Distance
2.5 km
Ascent
92 m
Descent
472 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
2.6 km
High Point
3 km
Gradient
44˚
L'Ouilette East Face Map

On the face of it, this is a route that requires a lot of effort for pretty scant reward in terms of vertical descent but the quality of the terrain makes it worth it for powder-hungry steep skiers!

Description

Bootpack up the ridge on your left when you reach the top of the Cugnai chair. Depending on snow conditions this steepish ascent can be quite straightforward or a real battle in deep snow. When you reach the summit, turn right and continue south along the ridge. This is usually a fairly technical scramble and be very careful of what can be huge cornices.

The most obvious route is a well-sheltered wide couloir that descends the first 200m of the face. Alternatively, continue along the ridge to reach a small face featuring numerous spines and rocks that will make you think you've taken a wrong turn and ended up in Alaska.

After the top pitch, a long traverse round to the left will take you back to the bottom of the Pays Desert drag (may need to pole/skate/walk up the road). Alternatively descend directly down to the road to join the route to the Col des Fours.

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

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between January and April

Features

  • Cliffs
  • Walk Required

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area