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Col d'Argentiere

Chamonix

Les Grands Montets

A slightly steeper alternative to the Col du Tour Noir

Ski Touring Moderate

Distance
12 km
Ascent
1.1 km
Descent
1.7 km
Duration
5-6 hrs
Low Point
2.5 km
High Point
3.5 km
Gradient
42˚
Col d'Argentiere Map

This is a very popular day tour and you will need to be on the first bin to avoid the crowds.

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. Continue to the Glacier du Tour Noir and skin easily up it, avoiding the steepest ground. From the Col d'Argentière there are breathtaking views into Switzerland. Ski back down the same way or take a variant into the Glacier des Rouges du Dolent and continue down the Glacier d'Argentière and out all the way back to Lognan.

Difficulty

Moderate

Slopes become slightly steeper at around 25-30 degrees.

Medium Exposure (E2)

2 out of 4

As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.

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 December and May

Features

  • Alpine
  • Single Descent
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Rope
  • Skins
  • Ice axe

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area