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
