Description

1000m of ascent, 1950m descent and 15km of ski touring, think you’ve got the legs for it? If you do, you’re rewarded with some of the finest ski touring in the region, covering almost every type of terrain. Start by taking the off-piste descent ‘Cuganï’ in a south west direction all the way down to just below the Refuge du Fond des Fours.

It is here where you can then attach your skins to your skis/splitboard and begin the ascent up to Méan Martin. You’ll soon pass the excellently situated Refuge du Fond des Fours, which could be open for a celebratory coffee/beer on your way back, depending on the time of the year.

Climb steeply from the refuge up to a long flat that leads to the base of the north face of Méan Martin. Climb up to the Col du Pisset which allows you to access the south side of Méan Martin (make sure you’re not too late here due to the aspect).

Once on the south side, ascend steeply to reach the north west ridge that leads up to the summit. The highest in the region, the 3,330m summit of Méan Martin affords a fantastic panorama down to Italy and up towards Mont Blanc. Once you've taken in the views, you’re left with the epic pleasure of skiing the steep north face of Méan Martin back down to the valley floor.

This north face usually holds cold, light and untracked snow weeks after the last snowfall due the remoteness and aspect of the face. Retrace your skin track, but keep heading down the Manchet valley rather than heading back up to Cugnaï.