Description

This is a stunning long day out which is accessible from the lift system.

The Glacier du Gebroulaz is quite recognisable from many places within the ski area with its large seracs.

Although it is not one of the biggest glaciers around - at only 4km long - it has become one of 5 French glaciers that are monitored as part of the World Glacier monitoring service. The day requires a first lift start and a speedy piste ski to the beginning of the route at the top of the 'Col' chairlift, where skins can go on for the climb up to the Col du Gebroulaz. From here the descent on the Glacier can be taken to the left or right of the Dôme de Polset with careful decisions made relative to current conditions.

(If needs be, the route can be adapted from here by continuing the descent along the glacier to the Nature Reserve ‘Plan de Tueda’, eventually arriving in Meribel.) Exiting the glacier close to the Refuge de Péclet-Polset (which is usually manned) allows you to stop for a great lunch. We are now skiing through the heart of the Vanoise National Park where it is not uncommon to see heards of Bouqetin and Chamois.

Heading through the valley towards Pralognan, the surrounding terrain only grows into steep sided rock towering above.

Refuge du Roc de la Peche is another manned Refuge more than worthy of a coffee stop before the push and skate out to the town. Buses go from Pralognan town centre, although it seems obscure, they leave from the exact end point on the route - outside the Hotel Mileade.

Change at Bozel to return to Courchevel. Although the terrain is never particularly steep, snow conditions can be very changeable.

This tour requires reasonable fitness due to a traverse/push and skate finish. https://www.thealplife.com