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VANOISE SKI TOURING
by
Paul Henderson
2 POLICE SQUARE, MILNTHORPE, CUMBRIA LA7 7PY
About the Author
Paul Henderson was born in Durham in 1963. His love for the mountains started at school with walks in the Lake District, but his main interest quickly turned to rock-climbing. He was first introduced to skiing on family holidays to the Lecht in the Cairngorms long before the lifts were installed. His skiing career really began with ski trips to the Alps in the late 1980s. On moving to France, in 1995, he was introduced to the delights of ski touring by French friends and soon became obsessed by this new sport. He has spent the last seven years exploring the mountains around his new home on foot as well as on skis. The idea for this guide was born when he realised friends that had spent their whole lives in the area were asking for advice about where to go.
He lives in Chambéry with his wife Alice, where he works as an English teacher and translator.
© Paul Henderson 2002
ISBN 1 85284 375 6
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank my wife, Alice, for all her encouragement and for being prepared to go skiing with me even when the conditions were awful!
A special mention must go to a great friend, Richard Champeney, for his enthusiasm and support, and to his wife, Jo, for allowing him to spend so many of his holidays in the mountains with me.
I would also like to thank my friends, Claude and Marie-Christine Bertholet, Pierre Lortet and Philippe and Jeanne Roche, for showing me the ropes at the beginning of my ski touring career, and for being willing partners on some of my more exploratory outings.
Finally, thanks must also go to Philip Whitick for his constructive criticism and help in correcting the text.
Advice to Readers
Readers are advised that while every effort is taken by the author to ensure the accuracy of this guidebook, changes can occur which may affect the contents. It is advisable to check locally on transport, accommodation, shops, etc, but even rights of way can be altered.
The publisher would welcome notes of any such changes.
Warning
Mountaineering can be a dangerous activity carrying a risk of personal injury or death. It should be undertaken only by those with a full understanding of the risks and with the training and experience to evaluate them. Mountaineers should be appropriately equipped for the routes undertaken. Whilst every care and effort has been taken in the preparation of this guide, the user should be aware that conditions, especially in winter, can be highly variable and can change quickly. Holds may become loose or fall off, rockfall can affect the character of a route, snow and avalanche conditions must be carefully considered. These can materially affect the seriousness of a climb, tour or expedition.
Therefore, except for any liability which cannot be excluded by law, neither Cicerone nor the author accepts liability for damage of any nature (including damage to property, personal injury or death) arising directly or indirectly from the information in this guide.
Cover photograph: Traversing the Col de Comberousse to the Col de la Valloire on Day 2 of the Belledonne tour (photo by Sebastien Perrier)
CONTENTS
Snow Conditions and Avalanches
Day 1: The Pointe de Combe Bronsin
Day 2: Traverse of Mont Bellacha
Day 4: Traverse of the Pointe des Marmottes Noires
Day 6: The Grand Pic de la Lauzière
Chapter 2: The Belledonne
Introduction to the Area
Alternatives
