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Vanoise Ski Mountaineering

In the southern part of the French Alps, the Vanoise massif are not as popular for  ski mountaineering as many other areas, but they do have some excellent touring. The highest summit, the Grande Casse is 3855m high and can be skied in a long weekend form Pralongnan.

The Grande Casse, 3852m in summer conditions from just above Pralongnan. The central glacier is the normal route and is a steep winter ski ascent from the Col de la Vanoise hut, which is just behind the rock peak on the right.


Suggested Tour

This is quite a short one, just a week or so, and another recommended tour for beginners.

Day 1 From Pralongnan to Refuge de Col de la Vanoise
Day 2 Ski Pointe de Creux Noire, 3154m
Day 3 Ski Grande Casse, 3852m
Day 4 Ski to Arpont Hut via Dome de Chasseforet, 3507m
Day 5 Ski to Dent Parachee Hut over the Col Labby
Day 6 Ski to Peclet-Polset Hut (burnt down 2005)
Day 7 Ski out to Pralongnan

 


Map & Guidebook

French IGN sheet 3534

Alpine Ski Mountaineering Volume 1, by Bill O'Connnor


 

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