and finishing points
The stated heights for these points were taken from the relevant IGN 1:25000 scale maps.
Height gain
The height gain is the difference in height between the starting point and finishing point plus any significant additions due to undulating terrain. The resulting figure has been rounded off to the nearest 10m.
Time
The time required has been calculated on the basis of an average climb rate of 300m per hour, a descent rate of 1000m per hour and a 30-minute break at the summit. Where appropriate, extra time has been allowed for tours that cover long distances or when there is more than one climb. The time required will also depend on snow conditions: it is much quicker to climb and descend in perfect spring snow conditions than in breakable crust!
Orientation
The predominant orientation of the descent(s) is given. This is very important for the timing of your day as changes in the qaulity and stability of the snow are related both to the ambient temperature and the warming effect of the sun. Do not hesitate to start early if the descent faces east or south.
The terms right bank and left bank used refer to the true (orographical) right and left banks of rivers and glaciers.
Difficulty
All grading systems are subjective. This is even more so for skiing, as the difficulty of a slope (both for going up and for skiing down) is as much a function of the snow conditions as the gradient. Though it isn’t possible for any grading system to take into account snow conditions, the grades here assume these are reasonably good.
The grade descriptions themselves are defined by the gradient of the slope, the length of the steepest sections and the presence of cliffs, or other obstacles, which would make the consequences of a fall more serious. The system adopted, which does not claim any equivalence with any other system used to describe ski tours, uses six grades ranging from easy to extreme (the extreme grade is beyond my own capabilities and thus there are no extreme tours in this guide). Please see the table below for grade descriptions.
The majority of the tours in this book fall into the moderate and quite difficult categories and should be within the abilities of most competent, experienced ski tourers.
Multi-day tours usually involve slopes with different orientations so you are unlikely to have perfect conditions all the time. It is important to get into the habit of observing the changes in snow conditions during the climb to get a better idea of what is likely to be waiting for you during the descent.
The length of the climb can also contribute to the difficulty of a tour. It is much more difficult to ski well after doing a 1000m climb, especially if you are carrying a heavy rucksack, than when you step off a ski-lift!
N.B. Like all mountain sports, ski touring can be dangerous. Do not over-estimate your abilities; tours should be chosen to suit the weakest member of the party. Embarking on a ski-tour assumes that you have the necessary technical skills to move safely in mountain terrain. If you do not have these skills one of the best ways to learn is to go with a guide.
GRADES
EASY
Generally quite gentle slopes but may include very short sections of up to 30°
MODERATE
Longer slopes of up to 30°, possibly including short sections of up to 35°
QUITE DIFFICULT
Slopes of around 35°, possibly including short sections of up to 40°
DIFFICULT
Slopes of around 35 to 40°, possibly including short sections of up to 45°
VERY DIFFICULT
Long slopes of around 40 to 45°
EXTREME
Slopes of above 45°
Inserted blue text
This give additional information that is not covered by other parts of the description, or to comment on a particular point of interest of the tour.
Itinerary
The itineraries described are not necessarily identical to the ski routes marked on the maps. However, the detailed description of the itinerary and the sketch map are designed to be used in conjunction with the relevant topographical map; the sketch maps give an overview of the tour to help in orientating yourself on the topographical map. Neither the description nor the sketch map can replace the topographical map since snow conditions, changes in the weather, accidents or even fatigue may necessitate major changes to your itinerary.
Alternatives
The Alternatives section, placed in the introduction to each chapter, suggests a number of ways of making the tour longer or shorter and harder or easier. It also mentions other interesting tours in the same general area.
Other itineraries
This section, in the introduction to each chapter, locates other itineraries in the same region that may be followed in addition to those described in the tours. Details of the climb, such as the name, the height and the difficulty, are given. Some comments about the nature and features of the climb are also noted.
Skinning up to the Pointe de Combe Bronsin (Day 1) with the Pic du Rognolet and the Grand Pic de la Lauzière in the background
Chapter 1: The Lauzière
Introduction
The Lauzière is a relatively small massif lying between the entrances to the Tarentaise and Maurienne Valleys, and extending for approximately 35km from Albertville in the north to La Chambre in the south. It is essentially one long line of rocky summits running from north to south, forming the watershed between a series of south-east and north-west facing combes. The highest point of the chain, the Grand Pic de la Lauzière (2829m), is home to the massif’s only glacier.
Ease of access, reliable snow conditions throughout the season and the moderate nature of much of the skiing, make the Lauzière one of the most popular ski touring areas in Savoie. Sunny Sundays can see the area invaded by up to 1000 ski tourers and snowshoers. Do not expect to find virgin snow! Fortunately, during the week most of the locals are at work and then it is easier to appreciate the beauty of the mountains and the fantastic skiing that is to be found here.
As the geography of the area does not really lend itself to multi-day tours, I have presented three of the best one-day trips that are to be had. There is also a three-day circuit, which will allow you to combine two great classics with a lesser known tour.
Access
Access is possible both from the Tarentaise Valley, via Le Biollay or Celliers, and from the Maurienne Valley, via Lieulever. All the tours described in this chapter start from the Tarentaise side of the Lauzière. That being said, the direct, and more usual access, for the Grand Arc (Day 3), from the Maurienne Valley to Lieulever, should be used if snow conditions are not stable enough for the traverse of Mont Bellacha.
From
