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Canyon Zube - Foric (Giacchetti)

Alagna

Monte Rosa

The Zube Canyon, known as Giacchetti couloir, is a beautiful variant of the more popular descent to the Otro valley - a steep and narrow couloir between high rocky walls.

Ski Touring Severe

Distance
1.5 km
Ascent
0 m
Descent
653 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
2.2 km
High Point
2.9 km
Gradient
47˚
Canyon Zube - Foric (Giacchetti) Map

The Giacchetti couloir is a short, steep descent. It is good on a snowy day or in bad weather conditions because it is easy to reach compared with the main Otro valley route. The descent between the high rock walls is far more beautiful than it is technical, however the access to the couloir remains steep and narrow.

Description

From the top station of Passo Salati follow the Salati piste to the end of the first flat road, after the first steep section. Head off-piste on the left side of the piste, under the north face of the Corno Rosso. At the end of a long traverse you start to climb along a narrow valley, before you reach Passo Zube at 2,874m (a 45 minute climb). Starting from the pass in the direction of Alagna, follow the gully straight ahead until you reach the entrance of the couloir. The first section is steep and narrow (45°). Occasionally, the snow has been scraped away in the centre making it quite difficult to negotiate on skis, however the space becomes wider as you descend. The final pitch makes for an awesome descent.

To exit, aim for the last part of the piste coming down from Col d'Olen (Passo Salati Alagna side) and the lift station in Pianalunga.

Difficulty

Severe

Steep skiing at 38-45 degrees. This requires very good technique and the risk of falling has serious consequences.

Low Exposure (E1)

1 out of 4

Exposure is limited to that of the slope itself. Getting hurt is still likely if the slope is steep and/or the snow is hard.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between January and April

Features

  • Cliffs
  • Walk Required

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area