Description

The Pointe de Chalune ski tour is a real Chablais classic and an ideal itinerary for newbie and experienced backcountry enthusiasts alike.

If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding adventure with 950m+ of ascent, big mountain ambience, an iconic summit, immense views and real powder skiing potential, the Chalune has it all.

An understandably popular route, it's worth bearing in mind that the Chalune can be busy so we recommend avoiding weekends if you're seeking a ski tour with solitude. Follow the road to the hamlet of Bonnavaz and park as far up as the snow allows.

Skin up the valley in the direction of Le Roc d'Enfer (2,244m). When you reach the Chalets du Foron (1,355m), the route swings round in a NW direction between the steep slopes of the Roc d'Enfer on your right and the Pointe d'Uble on your left (1,963m).

Make your way up the Combe du Foron until you reach the Col du Foron at 1,832m.

At this point traverse in a SW direction towards the Col de Chalune (1,896m). At the col, head in a N direction before joining the arete that leads steeply to the summit - the Pointe de Chalune at 2,116m.

The views from here are spectacular so make sure you take the time to soak up the panorama.

On a good visibility day you will be able to see most of the Haute Savoie, the spectacular Mont Blanc Massif, Lake Geneva, the Aravis, and much more. The classic descent from the summit takes broadly the same line as the ascent.

It's worth bearing in mind that the majority of the ski will be on S /SE facing slopes so can be sun affected. Seek out fresh tracks where you can by staying skier's right of the skin track where the slopes are more shaded from the sun. NB The track back to the car from the Chalets du Foron has long flattish sections so be sure to carry speed.

Snowboarder? Make sure you've got your poles out!