Descent to Châtelard

A real adventure taking you well away from the lift system, linking bowls and steep faces all the way to the town of Châtelard. Hike from the Tête de Balme to L'Arolette summit. Traverse high round to the col before side stepping up onto the west face of the Pointe du Van. Turn left to ski the weakness down the face leading into the forest below. The route links open meadows with tight forested terrain before arriving at a reservoir. From here start traversing right on a hiking trail back to Châtelard. You do not finish at the lifts and will need to get the bus/train to rejoin the resort. Beware this area sees some big avalanches and experienced skiers have been caught out despite the apparently relatively innocuous terrain.