A serious but fantastic route with a combination of fast, flowing skiing and some steep narrow sections.

Statistics

3

m

912

m

40

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Severe

Description

Although serious, this is a must for anyone with the necessary skill and experience.

Hike from the top of the Tête de Balme chairlift to the summit of L'Arolette traverse on skis to the col to the north before side stepping up onto the west face of the Pointe du Van.

Ski the west flank tending right to the west col and from here enter the wide open bowl.

The right side of the col tends to be corniced and is often windloaded.

Ski the open bowl which narrows lower down to the valley floor before returning to Trient.

This line frequently avalanches in its entirety so, as well as making sure you don't set it off, you'll need to know that it hasn't already gone as otherwise you'll be skiing a lot of unpleasant debris at the bottom.