An Epic Long Weekend of Ski Touring in La Clusaz

Escape the ski resort crowds and disappear into the wilds of the Aravis range with 3 incredible ski tours.

Charlie Boscoe

Images

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Confins with the Grand Cret behind

by Sophie Nicholson

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Descending the steeper slopes in Paccaly

by Duncan McCallum

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Careful descending required

by Duncan McCallum

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Heroic pose at the bottom of the Grand Cret

by Sophie Nicholson

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Steep approach to the Trou with Grand Cret behind

by Duncan McCallum

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Looking through the Trou into the Combe of Paccaly

by Sophie Nicholson

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Finding the line in Paccaly

by Duncan McCallum

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Steep at the top of Paccaly

by Duncan McCallum

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The infamous Trou

by Duncan McCallum

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Looking down into couloir no. 1 - the NE couloir Paré du Joux

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The NE couloir Paré du Joux

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The NE couloir Paré du Joux

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The NE couloir Paré du Joux

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Ascending from the Combe du Paccaly

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The NE couloir Paré du Joux

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Combe du Paccaly with NE couloir Paré du Joux in the background

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Combe du Paccaly with NE couloir Paré du Joux in the background

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The NE couloir Paré du Joux

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Chamois for company on the lower slopes of Bella Cha

by Sophie Nicholson

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Looking up Bella Cha towards the col which can be accessed by the La Clusaz lift system

by Sophie Nicholson

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The final section up to the ridge between the two combes

by Sophie Nicholson

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Sun affected slopes at the top of the Bella cha combe

by Sophie Nicholson

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The final steep passage to the summit of Tete Pelouse

by Sophie Nicholson

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Pointe Percée in the background

by Sophie Nicholson

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Spectacular views of the Mont Blanc Massif

by Sophie Nicholson

Description

In recent years La Clusaz has been put on the map by local hero Candide Thovex, whose videos are amazing and terrifying in equal measure. The one-man tourism board that is Candide has turned La Clusaz from a sleepy little resort into a freeride destination, and the area is definitely worthy of its recent hype. Just check this out if you don't believe us -

https://fatmap.com/guidebooks/7432/killer-freeride-lines-in-la-clusaz

What is less known about La Clusaz is that it's the gateway to some incredible, wild-feeling ski touring in the Aravis mountains. The limestone peaks of the Aravis are completely different to the granite spires of the nearby Mont Blanc Massif and the area is also much quieter than the celebrated peaks above Chamonix as well. Again, if you're not convinced, take a look at this lot -

https://fatmap.com/guidebooks/12900/sun-snow-and-solitude-:-ski-tour-the-aravis

The tours close to La Clusaz are all car to car affairs and require you to earn every metre you ski. As all good ski touring connoisseurs know, that's usually a sign of both and quality and solitude! There are 3 tours listed here and all take you deep into empty, wild valleys and onto some spectacular high ground as well. Almost as a bonus, they all feature some pretty blower skiing too!

Adventures