Description

This is a great trip which feels disproportionally wild considering how little physical effort is required to do it.

Start at the Col du Lautaret, which seems to be cold on virtually every day of the year and is particularly freezing in winter! Skin up north-west from the col, aiming for a vague and wide ramp descending from the summit of the Montagne de Chaillol.

Upon reaching this ramp climb up it until it steepens to the point at which you can no longer skin.

Don crampons and bootpack onto the summit ridge of the Montagne de Chaillol.

Follow the ridge easily to summit on foot or skis depending on the conditions.

The view from the summit is truly spectacular and you'll be able to see the legendary Meije and many of the other famous peaks in the Ecrins Massif such as the Pic Gaspard.

You'll also have a good view down onto the deep valley which is home to the legendary ski village of La Grave. Having taken in the panorama put skis on and retrace your steps back down the summit ridge before quickly dropping off left into a stunning gully.

The only problem with the gully is that it's not long enough but - as long as it lasts - it's a brilliant ski.

The gully soon opens up into an open slope interspersed with some rolling features and bowls to play with.

Ski down the slope wherever looks most fun to reach a snow-covered jeep track. Follow the track as it swings round south to deposit you above the col.

Rip down the final slope back to the col.