4.5 km away
Tignes to the Belvédère
The sort of route you would only take if you were totally determined to avoid a lift!
Moderate Ski Touring
- Distance
- 26 km
- Ascent
- 916 m
- Descent
- 1.6 km
An impressive south face on a stunning peak just a stone's throw from the Espace Killy
Ski Touring Extreme
The magnificent Grande Sassière (3747 meters) towers above the Lac du Chevral and the Tignes villages. There are no lifts to facilitate the approach to this amazing peak and despite being well outside the confines of the Espace Killy ski area, its omnipresence makes it a natural inclusion to any list of classic Tignes’ ski lines. Starting from Villaret du Nial the climb is 1900 meters vertical to the summit.
The Grande Sassière straddles the French-Italian border and derives its name from the Italian ‘Sasso’ meaning rock. It certainly is a very rocky formation, particularly its impressive and steep south face. Due to the rocky nature of this face, a good buildup of snow is needed and cold enough temperatures to make it safe. In good conditions the line can be skied cleanly through the rock band without a rappel. The top just exceeds 50 degrees in places so be sure of your ski technique!
There are two ways to approach the line. Firstly, starting from Villaret du Nial you can ascend the west side of the mountain by mostly low angle slopes where it is possible to skin almost the entire way. This can also provide a good alternative descent for those not wanting to attempt the south face or the Grande Sassière can also be descended via the north-west slopes (which often hold good, cold snow on the glacier). If approaching from the west and therefore skiing the south face onsight, be sure to check the conditions beforehand! The south face can also be climbed directly, starting also from Villaret du Nial. This has the advantage of a team being able to navigate a good way through the lower rock band on the way up, mitigating the risk of a route-finding error on the descent. The top of the Grande Sassière is a truly fantastic viewpoint and has the added bonus of being skiable right from the summit.
Extreme
Extreme skiing terrain above 45 degrees. These routes are reserved for experienced experts.
4.5 km away
The sort of route you would only take if you were totally determined to avoid a lift!
Moderate Ski Touring
4.8 km away
This route is not visible from resort so it’s tough to check how the conditions are faring or how filled in the whole route is, but this is one incredible descent - take our word for it!
Extreme Ski Touring
5.9 km away
A reversal of the approach used to ascend the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière which winds its way down the Glacier de la Sassière.
Difficult Ski Touring
6.3 km away
Taking in the classic peak of Tsanteleina, this line should be on the bucket list for all keen ski tourers in the region.
Severe Ski Touring
7.2 km away
A beautiful tour through remote scenery, ideal for working on your fitness and keeping yourself well away from trouble on those high-risk days.
Easy Ski Touring
7.8 km away
Fantastic skiing on a perfectly positioned glacier, a great full-on day covering a huge variety of terrain.
Severe Ski Touring
8 km away
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
9.4 km away
BIG day with an amazing north facing glacial ski from the top of Pointe de Méan Martin.
Severe Ski Touring
9.6 km away
Ski this huge descent which starts from the col splitting the two Tarentaise giants - the Grande Motte and the Grande Casse.
Severe Ski Touring
5 routes · Ski Touring
19 routes · Ski Touring
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