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The Ski Patrol's Couloir

Morzine

Avoriaz

Portes du Soleil

A legendary couloir known to be popular with the local ski patrol, for expert skiers only.

Freeride Skiing Severe

Distance
1.4 km
Ascent
42 m
Descent
610 m
Low Point
1.6 km
High Point
2.2 km
Gradient
48˚
The Ski Patrol's Couloir Map

This couloir is very simple to access from Avoriaz but is prone to avalanches due to its south facing orientation.

Description

Take the Chavennette chairlift from the Fornet bowl and, once at the top, climb up to the ridge directly in front of you (approximately 20m). The entrance to the couloir is very obvious at the top. You can even request information about the conditions in the couloir at the ski patrol's just as you get off the chairlift.

This descent begins quite steeply and is narrow most of the way down - it is recommended for expert skiers only. After you have dropped about 200m you will be in the middle of a plain that eventually joins the piste to the Grand Paradis where you can return to Avoriaz via a couple of lifts.

Difficulty

Severe

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

High Exposure (E3)

3 out of 4

In case of a fall, death is highly likely.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

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

Best time to visit

between January and March

Features

  • Cliffs

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area