A superb finale to the Vanoise circuit under the Grande Casse North Face.
Ski Touring Difficult
The final day of the Vanoise circuit travels through some of the most stunning and wild high mountain scenery the Vanoise has to offer. One of the highlights has to be skiing under the magnificent Grande Casse north face. A stable snowpack, a well filled in glacier and reasonable visibility are needed. The final ski towards Champagny is down a steep sided valley which, if it has not stripped of snow, will need careful consideration with regard to avalanche hazard and the start time for your day.
Leave the hut and ski down to the east side of Lac long where you can put your skins on. From here skin towards the moraine and ascend this to gain the Glacier de la Grande Casse. Choose the easiest angled terrain on the moraine, you may have to carry your skis if it has stripped of snow.
Follow the Glacier de la Grande Casse towards the Col where it starts to steepen. Further up it may be easier to transition to crampons and carry your skis. The col is narrow with towering rock walls either side and is very unique and wild place ! After transitioning the ski down starts with traversing along a glacial bench. Don’t forget to look up at the Grand Casse north face as you ski down but also be aware you are skiing parallel to any crevasses ! Chose your line and don’t drop too far down. You will turn to the north and leave the glacier here and if the timing is right there could be some excellent spring snow. Enjoy the excellent fall line skiing to the flattening near the Refuge de la Glière. Pop your skins on for a short distance before transitioning and skiing down the road to Le Laisonnay. If you're doing this tour earlier in the winter the road may be shut, in which case take the ski de fond tracks towards Champagny le Haut.
Finally, after five epic days, enjoy a well earned drink and some food in one of the restaurants at the road end.
Difficult
Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.
As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.
Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.
22 m away
A ski mountaineering classic involving a steep climb from the Refuge de la Vanoise to the summit of the Grande Casse, the highest in the Tarentaise.
Severe Ski Touring
2.7 km away
Only slightly easier than neighbouring ‘Face Nord Centrale’, the Petit Face Nord offers a great alternative to the Face Nord Centrale with slightly less exposure whilst retaining the amazing feeling of skiing on this wild north face.
Extreme Ski Touring
3 km away
An early start will be needed for this east-facing couloir.
Difficult Ski Touring
3 km away
A great tour for spring snow seekers.
Difficult Ski Touring
3 km away
A great 'medium-steep' spring snow line.
Difficult Ski Touring
3.1 km away
A prominent summit at the north end of the Glaciers de la Vanoise icecap.
Moderate Ski Touring
3.2 km away
A traverse from Pralognan to Chapagny-le-Haut through stunning scenery.
Moderate Ski Touring
3.2 km away
The huge line straight down the centre of the North Face, starting with a very steep, narrow opening from the centre of the top ridgeline of the Grande Casse. One only for the experienced skiers and mountaineers.
Extreme Ski Touring
5.9 km away
A very comfortable hut and an ideal entry point into the Vanoise national park.
Easy Ski Touring
6.1 km away
A big day up on to the Glaciers de la Vanoise
Difficult Ski Touring
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