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Trient Hut to Champex

A big descent down the Val d'Arpette and out to Champex

Ski Touring Moderate

Distance
8.2 km
Ascent
41 m
Descent
1.7 km
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
1.5 km
High Point
3.2 km
Gradient
52˚
Trient Hut to Champex Map

Leave the comfort of the Trient Hut and ski down a short distance onto the glacier, then swing gradually to the north skirting the rocks close to the Pointe d’Orny. Stick to the right bank of the glacier dropping down past a steepening towards the Col des Ecandies. Give the crevasses to the left a wide berth, on the steeper icefall section as some big slots are often thinly covered here. All too soon a traverse cuts over to the right to a ski depot below the col. This short climb is often achieved with a relatively short boot pack, but it’s worth being cautious as the top section can be icy, wind-scoured or even dry with loose rock.

Description

The descent of the Val d’Arpette awaits sporting 1300 meters of downhill into Champex. The initial gradient is slightly steeper than the valley below, ski straight down before taking a line on the right side of the valley, aiming to maintain a bit of height. Towards to end of the valley join the track into the small Champex ski domain. Most people will have pre-booked a taxi from the Trient Hut to allow a quick transfer from Champex to La Chable and onwards through the Verbier lift system.

Difficulty

Moderate

Slopes become slightly steeper at around 25-30 degrees.

Low Exposure (E1)

1 out of 4

Exposure is limited to that of the slope itself. Getting hurt is still likely if the slope is steep and/or the snow is hard.

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 March and April

Equipment required

  • Rope
  • Skins
  • Crampons

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area