Ski-Areas > Northern Alps > Savoie (73) > Vanoise > Courchevel > Courchevel Off Piste > Vallee des Avals
The Vallée des Avals is even longer than the col du Fruit and it crosses into the sensitive Vanoise National Park. Take the chair to the col de Chanrossa, pass under the rope marking the limit of the pistes and climb to the Roc Merlet (about 30 minutes on foot). Ski down to the refuge, the first part is fairly steep, around 40 degrees for 25 meters and you may have to jump over a corniche at the start (see red triangle on the Courchevel Off Piste Map). Remember that most black pistes are around 25-30 degrees - without jumps! From the refuge things get easier as you ski through the large Avals valley past the Grand Plan refuge. Both refuge are equipped with radios. Like the Fruit valley there are long flat sections so it is not ideal snowboard territory. You eventually join the Avals run in Courchevel 1650.
Depending on the current National Park bye-laws restricting skiing or snowboarding (fine!) and because of the dangers posed by the Roc Merlet it is advisable to ski with a guide.
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