Chambéry take either the A43/A430 motorways, or the N90 route nationale, to Albertville. From Albertville continue along the N90, towards Moutiers, as far as Feissons-sur-Isère where you pick up the D94 to the Col de la Madeleine. For Le Biollay, turn right just before Villard-Benoit (about 12km from Feissons-sur-Isère). The road is always kept open as far as a hairpin bend just after the village, at 1340m. At the end of March the road is usually opened as far as the hamlet of La Pautaz at 1500m. For Celliers, continue along the D94 as far as Celliers-Dessus at 1360m (21km from Feissons-sur-Isère). By the beginning of May it is usually possible to continue a few kilometres further up the road, thereby gaining another 150m of altitude. By the time the road is open all the way to the Col de la Madeleine it is usually too late for skiing.
Both Le Biollay and Celliers are about an hour’s drive from Chambéry.
Snow Conditions
Good snow conditions can usually be found from the beginning of January to mid-April and sometimes until early May. Because of the relatively low altitude of the area, the snow on south and south-east facing slopes transforms very quickly: spring snow conditions can sometimes be found as early as February.
Maps
3432 ET Albertville and 3433 ET Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne
Resort Skiing
The nearest ski resorts are Valmorel (accessible from the Tarentaise Valley) and St.-François-Longchamp (accessible from the Maurienne Valley). The ski areas of these two resorts are linked giving a total of 160km of pistes, most of them green and blue, although there are enough reds and blacks for an interesting day or two. Despite, or perhaps because of, the gentle nature of much of the skiing, these two resorts do not suffer from the ‘ski-factory’ atmosphere of some of the larger ski areas.
Several short ski-tours are accessible from St.-François, some of which use the lifts to reduce the amount of climbing. Among the many possibilities are the Roc Rouge (2375m, moderate), the Col de Sarvatan (2439m, moderate), the Col de la Flachère (2655m, moderate) and the Cheval Noir (2832m, quite difficult). It is very possible to do a short tour in the morning before enjoying a relaxed afternoon on the pistes.
Approaching the summit of the Pointe de Colomban (an alternative route for Day 1). Looking down towards the Combe de Savoie and Chambéry.
Alternatives
DAY 1
The Pointe de Colomban (2455m, moderate), via the Colomban valley, provides a quieter alternative to the Pointe de Combe Bronsin.
DAY 2
If you do not want to traverse Mont Bellacha, the south-east side provides a very pleasant descent, as do the Mont de la Perrière (2436m, moderate) and the Pointe des Marmottes Noires (2339m, moderate).
DAY 3
The Petit Arc (2365m, moderate) is a slightly shorter and easier alternative to the Grand Arc.
DAY 4
The Pas de la Mule is by far the easiest way back to Le Biollay. The other hypothetical routes are either extremely long or extremely steep on one or both sides.
DAY 5
The Portes de Montmélian (2459m, easy), Les Frettes (2527m, easy) and the Pointe Saint Jacques (2531m, quite difficult), to the north of the Pic du Rognolet, are all accessible from the Bridan Valley. The Col François (2495m, easy) provides an alternative to the south.
DAY 6
The Pointe de la Balme (2683m, difficult) to the north of the Aiguille de la Balme, provides an interesting though quite short challenge. Stable snow conditions are essential, as this face can develop some very impressive wind-slabs.
TOUR 1
The Lauzière
DAY 1
The Pointe de Combe Bronsin (2499m)
| Starting Point | Le Biollay (1340m) |
| Finishing Point | Le Biollay (1340m) |
| Height Gain | 1159m |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Time | 6 hours |
| Orientation | South-east |
This is a favourite single-day tour, combining a good circuit with wonderful views and a fabulously sustained but never difficult descent. From the end of March or early April it is possible to drive up to La Pautaz at 1500m, cutting the height gain to 1000m, though you then have to descend by the ascent route.
An early start is essential to ensure good conditions on these very sunny slopes as the Colomban Valley can be quite avalanche-prone after a snowfall. From Le Biollay follow the road to La Pautaz. Turn left and continue towards the south-west, cutting across the hairpins in the forest track, until you come out of the forest. Turn right (west) and follow gentle slopes to the Col du Loup. Descend slightly (this can be a little awkward) then traverse almost due westwards for about 400m before climbing south-east facing slopes to the summit. The summit is the right-hand of the two domes.
The descent follows the sustained south-east facing slopes to the base of the Colomban Valley. Stay on the eastern side of the stream to pick up a forest track which is followed back to the parking area.
DAY 2
Traverse of Mont Bellacha (2484m): Le Biollay (1340m) to Lieulever (1280m)
| Starting Point | Le Biollay (1340m) |
| Finishing Point | Lieulever (1280m) |
| Height Gain | 1140m |
| Difficulty | Quite difficult |
| Time | 6 hours |
| Orientation | West then south-west |
This is a very elegant way to get to the Grand Arc and see a different valley but the descent is steep and extremely sustained; the first 1000m is at an angle of between 30 and 35°. Stable snow conditions are essential.
Being west facing, there is a good chance of finding powder in winter but it also means that the snow is slower to transform in spring. The climb is about 45 minutes shorter when the road is open as far as La Pautaz.
The only convenient accommodation is at the Relais du Lac Noir, a charming alpine chalet, hidden away at the head of a very quiet valley. It is more expensive than a mountain hut (around 55€ for half-board), but still very good value for money. As it only has fourteen beds advance booking is essential.
From Le Biollay follow the road to La Pautaz. Continue along the road almost horizontally (north-west) to an obvious hairpin bend and a bridge over the river. Leave the road and continue up the base of the valley (north-west) to below the cliffs which bar access to the upper part of the valley. Find a way up to the left of the cliffs; the best line of ascent is very dependent on snow conditions. (The obvious gully just left of the cliffs is a dead-end, closing just before the top). Once above the cliffs, continue due north to the Col de l’Homme. From the col, bear left slightly (north-west) and gain the summit by its south arête.
Starting the climb
