Route DescriptionAfter Albertville take the la Bathie exit. Turn left then right onto the Route de Biorges.

I didn't have much time as I had to be back in the valley at 12 noon. Les 7 Laux, Barrioz, Prabert. Finally Prabert as it was closest.

I was back from a week in Paris and feeling quite tired so wanted somewhere close and not too complicated - easy climb and ski and no reskinning.

I waited until 4pm to see if the cloud that has been clagging the Chartreuse would clear. It seemed to be the case and for a brief moment it lifted revealing the mountain in all its glory.

It has snowed overnight and reports from this morning were quite encouraging. Less snow than forecast but around 25cm of dense powder. I decided to have a look at the col du Coq routes.

With temperatures hitting 26C today, in the valley, it almost seems like summer has arrived. However we're expecting snow at 1500 meters this weekend with a brutal drop in temperatures.

From the corner at 780 meters at the top of the village follow the Lanfray river to 921 meters (les Combes).

Combined with a climb and descent of the North couloirs of the Jas de Lievreshttp://pistehors.com/trainer-couloirs-of-the-jas-de-lievres-route-5.

With considerable avalanche risk in the Chartreuse, large skier triggered slabs possible on north facing slopes according to the bulletin, it was not a day to tempt the devil.

It is rare to make tracks on the Dent de Crolles these days but the fresh snow and wind had wiped any old tracks and at 9am no-one had yet set out for this iconic summit.