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Aiguille du Argentiere, Y Couloir

Arve Valley

A fantastic route which is surely on every steep skier's tick list

Ski Touring Extreme

Distance
2 km
Ascent
664 m
Descent
664 m
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
3.2 km
High Point
3.8 km
Gradient
57˚
Aiguille du Argentiere, Y Couloir Map

Although the Y Couloir is one of the most frequently descended steep lines in the Argentière Basin, it is still a demanding undertaking.

Description

From the top of the Grand Montets cable car, ski down the very start of the Point du Vue piste before quickly ducking the rope and heading skier's right and down the Glacier du Rognons. Take care to watch out for some large crevasses on the upper section. Keep to skier's right of the Rognon itself (a large rock island). Alternatively it is often possible to keep a high traverse on the Glacier du Rognons, weaving in and around crevasses and small seracs with the odd bit of sidestepping. This route saves twenty minutes or so of skinning up the Glacier d'Argentière. There are two good options for skiing the Couloir Y; on-sight via the Glacier du Milieu, or by climbing the couloir itself. The Milieu is a slog but is slightly technically easier to climb. If going via the Milieu, continue to the summit of the Aiguille d'Argentière. It is possible to ski both branches of the 'Y'. They are both around the same level of difficulty to ski. The entrance of the skiers R branch is the steepest section at 50 degrees. The direct branch faces true south for its entire length meaning the sun stays on it longer. For the direct branch, crampon down the ridge to the left until at a small notch above the couloir entrance. A short down climb or abseil into the couloir is sometimes needed. At the bottom of the Y Couloir a 30 meter abseil is needed to pass the rock step and bergschrund and there are two in-situ anchors in place to choose from. If you prefer to climb the line, skin up the Glacier des Amethystes to approach the bottom of the line. There is normally a small ice or mixed step at the bottom (two ice axes can be useful). After descending the couloir, continue down the Glacier d'Argentière and out all the way back to Lognan.

Difficulty

Extreme

Extreme skiing terrain above 45 degrees. These routes are reserved for experienced experts.

High Exposure (E3)

3 out of 4

In case of a fall, death is highly likely.

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 January and May

Features

  • Alpine
  • Cliffs
  • Single Descent
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Rope
  • Skins
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area