Point du Van Couloir

The Van couloirs are all steep, serious and avalanche prone - skiing them requires a great deal of experience. This line frequently avalanches in its entirety so, as well as making sure you don't set it off, you'll need to know that it hasn't already gone as otherwise you'll be skiing a lot of unpleasant debris at the bottom. In the right conditions this offers an incredible descent with sections of 50 degree skiing. Hike from the Tête de Balme chairlift to L'Arolette summit. Traverse high round to the col before side stepping up onto the west face of the Pointe du Van. Contour round to the N face and enter the couloir from the shoulder. The initial wide slopes narrow through a short technical rock band. Ski the remainder of the couloir which is tight, narrow and serious. The slopes open in the bottom allowing fast flowing freeride! Traverse back to Trient via the Ski du Fond track.