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Vens Hut to Maison Méane

Barcelonnette

Argentera

A logical link over 4 cols and a lovely N facing descent to finish

Also in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
18 km
Ascent
1.1 km
Descent
1.7 km
Duration
7-8 hrs
Low Point
1.7 km
High Point
2.9 km
Gradient
27˚
Vens Hut to Maison Méane Map

This is a great day, with a long and very beautiful valley to descend, out of the Mercantour and into the Ubaye region, at the end of the day. It would also be possible for a very fit party, to combine this with the previous day, but that would require optimal conditions and low avalanche risk.

Description

You begin with a short climb up to the Collet de Tortisse at 2591m, followed by a rising traverse onto a lovely exposed ridge which you follow until you get to the Pas de Morgon. There are variations for the next section, but an easy way is to descend to the NW on the Vallon de Gorgeon Long, around an unnamed lake at 2480m, then down to the Combe de Gorge Grosse at about 2350m. A short meandering climb on skins, taking the line of resistance, leads you to the Col de Pouriac. You are in Italy briefly, barely descending before heading up to the final col, the Pas de L’Enchastraye at 2910m. From here it is one long descent on lovely N facing slopes, never too steep but a nice angle, taking you down past the Lac d’Enchastraye, to join the Ubayette stream, then a track on its L side. This leads down easily, if a little flat, to Pont Rouge, where you stay L, and continue down. As you are opposite the hamlet of Maison Méane drop down to the river, over the bridge and up to the houses. We stayed in http://www.chaletdugermas.fr/fr/ and highly recommend it.

Difficulty

Difficult

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

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

4 out of 4

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

Best time to visit

between March and April

Features

  • Alpine
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons

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