Refuge de la Femma to point Mean Martin

Vanoise Massif

A mixture of ski touring bootpacking and scrambling

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance: 10 km
Ascent: 1 km
Descent: 1.1 km
Duration: 5-6 hrs

Low Point: 2.3 km
High Point: 3.3 km
Gradient: 37˚

Refuge de la Femma to point Mean Martin Map

This is a popular ski touring route which is generally considered to be difficult. It's extremely remote, it features high exposure (e3) and is typically done between February and April. From a low point of 2.3 km to the maximum altitude of 3.3 km, the route covers 10 km, 1015 vertical metres of ascent and 1052 vertical metres of descent. It's graded 3.1 and Labande grade 3. You'll need skins, crampons and glacier kit to complete it safely.

Approach Mean Martin Photo: Thomas Reeve

Boot pack Mean Martin Photo: Thomas Reeve

Description

This is a day trip from Refuge de la Femma up to Mean Martin with sections of glacial travel and bootpack with crampons.

Difficulty

Difficult

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

High Exposure (E3)

In case of a fall, death is highly likely.

Remoteness

In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.

Best time to visit

Features

Equipment required

Similar routes nearby

2.4 km away

Pointe de la Sana, ENE Face

An imposing ENE facing line that watches over Val d’Isére.

Extreme Ski Touring

Distance: 3.6 km
Ascent: 383 m
Descent: 796 m

2.6 km away

Pointe de la Sana, SE Face

A great peak that provides an epic day out for strong ski tourers, or the perfect training peak for the fit!

Moderate Ski Touring

Distance: 3.2 km
Ascent: 20 m
Descent: 792 m

2.6 km away

Glacier de la Leisse via Pointe de la Sana

A rarely visited gem that takes you through some breathtaking alpine terrain.

Severe Ski Touring

Distance: 1.9 km
Ascent: 15 m
Descent: 577 m

2.6 km away

Pointe de la Sana, NW Face Direct

Steep, consistently exposed and tricky route finding - one for the seasoned experts.

Extreme Ski Touring

Distance: 482 m
Ascent: 0 m
Descent: 360 m

2.6 km away

Pointe de la Sana, NW Face

A wild face which quickly funnels into a narrow couloir leading back to Tignes via the Vallon de la Leisse.

Extreme Ski Touring

Distance: 5.9 km
Ascent: 214 m
Descent: 970 m

5.3 km away

Pointes de Pierre Brune

A stunning face on the large mountain of Pierre Brune which flanks the southern end of the Vallon de la Leisse, descending back into the valley towards the Refuge de la Leisse.

Severe Ski Touring

Distance: 6.9 km
Ascent: 888 m
Descent: 879 m

5.3 km away

Refuge du Col de la Vanoise Ski Tour

This multi-day tour takes you around the Grande Casse in spectacular scenery.

Severe Ski Touring

Distance: 21 km
Ascent: 1.7 km
Descent: 1.5 km

6.7 km away

Refuge de la Leisse Ski Tour

What this ‘descent’ lacks in quality skiing, it more than makes up with some of the most stunning ski touring available for beginner backcountry skiers.

Easy Ski Touring