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Bishop's Couloir

Courmayeur

One of the best couloirs in the area, this is steep and straight.

Freeride Skiing Severe

Distance
2.1 km
Ascent
16 m
Descent
694 m
Low Point
1.8 km
High Point
2.5 km
Gradient
48˚
Bishop's Couloir Map

This couloir is probably the most rewarding in the area. It's steep, straight and is reserved for very good skiers with a good understanding of snow conditions. The line can be very dangerous after heavy snowfall, when the snow is wind loaded or when temperatures are high. Natural avalanche are frequent when temperatures are warm. From the top of Arp traverse rightwards (the same beginning as for the Vesses couloir) to reach the Col Youlaz. Keep traversing (now leftwards) into the big bowl and continue almost to its end. Traverse leftwards to the end, following the shape of the mountain. At the last moment you'll reach a small pass that takes you into a small bowl. Enter it and ski all the way to reach the entrance of the steep couloir on the right. Often some rock are hidden in the small bowl and in the entrance, depending from the snow cover. Ski all the way down the superb couloir on the right to reach the Val Veny road at the bottom of the valley. Follow the track (via some sections of poling) back to Zerotta chairlift.

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 March

Features

  • Trees
  • Cliffs

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area