Ski Touring: Grand Van from Chamrousse - 2,448 m. (8,032 ft)

Thu, 13 June 2013

Technical

Minimum altitude: 1,650 meters

Slope Aspect: South-West

Trip Reports

Vertical Climbed: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet)

Vertical Descended: 1,200 meters

Rating: 2.2

Description

From the Recoin (1650m - best conditions late season), Roche Beranger (1750m) or Bachat Bouloud climb to the col des Lessines (2100m) via the Croix de Chamrousse (2253m) and Lacs Roberts (1998m). From there climb a short west facing slopes (30°, ski crampons useful) into the Vans bowl. Follow a series of plateau and slopes to 2350 then turn north-east to the summit at 2448 m.

Descend to the col des Lessines and return by the south-east side of la Bottine to the col de la Botte, the Col des Trois Fontaines. This avoids climbing the Roberts ski run.

Comments on route: The slopes on both sides of la Bottine are avalanche prone. There is a "ski tourer's lift pass" which lets you use the Croix de Chamrousse and Roberts ski lifts.

Access: Grenoble -> Uriage -> Chamrousse. There is a back road via le Veneon which avoids some of the ski traffic.

Equipment: Ski crampons

Country: France Area: Belledonne Trailhead: Chamrousse

Other routes

Lac Achard

Description: From Bachat Bouloud follow the hiking trail via la Lauze, lac Achard and the col de l'Infernet to the col de la Botte. Descend to the col des Lessines via the SE slopes of la Bottine. Unless snow cover is good return via the Croix de Chamrousse and the resort runs.
Rating: 2.2/E1
Orientation: South-East
Vertical: 1250

Casserouse

Description: From the Casserouse parking (1400m) follow the GR trail via the pistes (careful skiers) behind la Grande Aiguille and the lacs des Pourettes to exit via the Lacs Roberts (careful of thin ice). The trail via the Pourettes has some ups and downs but no need to remove skins. Follow the lacs via their south bank to reach the col des Lessines. Return via the col des Trois Fontaines and the Couloir de Casserouse and resort runs. The return via the Pourettes is not interesting.
Rating: 2.2/E1
Orientation: Various
Vertical: 1450