Ski Reports

17-21st April 2007 Ski touring in “Parc National de la Vanoise”

Many thanks to Alison Culshaw from the British Alpine Ski School, Chamonix for these ski touring reports from the Southern French Alps and the Austrian Silvretta....

Whilst it was beginning to feel very summery in the valleys, the high mountains were still plastered in snow. We spent 4 days touring in the Vanoise, a destination that enabled us to stay high and avoid too much walking. We were rewarded with some excellent spring snow and stunning views to help complete another piece of the alpine jigsaw.

Starting in Aussois and heading clockwise meant that we made the most of the uplift and got some good long descents. From the lift system we headed over the Col d’Aussois and then had 13km of downhill into Pralognan la Vanoise (1418m). We had been reliably informed that you could ski to within a few hundred metres of the village and were not to be disappointed: although Zoë’s lift ensured we had time for refreshments before catching the last chairlift up. We then had an hour and a half’s skin up to the Refuge du Col de la Vanoise where a delicious curry was awaiting us. Full compliments to the guardian in the hut – some of the best hut food we have ever eaten!

Timing was critical the next day to ensure a good ski off La Grand Casse (3855m), descend too early and it would be rock hard, too late and it would be like skiing through a slush puppy! We got it just about right, arriving on the summit just after 1pm, after the team used different techniques to ascend the long steep section, each striving to find the most efficient way to travel. I think booting got the edge over following the shallow icy skiing track this time! The descent was fantastic and over all too soon. We had great spring snow all the way back to the hut, and I would rank it up there as one of the best ski peaks in the Alps. (See video footage) The following day we continued our journey back across the high plateau, through the Col du Dard and up to the Dome de Chasseforet (3586m). Once again we were provided with a wonderful descent, initially off the north face, and on down to the Refuge de l’Arpont. The hut was right on the snow line and provided some of the team with a venue for afternoon bouldering: others for a snooze in the sun.

As we took our ski boots off in Aussois, I had an underlying feeling that they would not be going on again this season. Temperatures were soaring, the snow was melting and it was time to head south and go bolt clipping!