Ski Touring: Grand Serre Couloirs - 2,141 m. (7,025 ft)

Mon, 22 February 2016

Technical

Minimum altitude: 1,400 meters

Slope Aspect: North-East

Trip Reports

Vertical Climbed: 800 meters (2,625 feet)

Rating: 5.1

Description

From the Desert drag lift follow a track (vallons piste) through the Pres de Clos to pt 1448m then climb up the Grande Montage slopes to the ridge. You can check out the couloirs from here. Climb to the summit of the Grand Serre at 2141 meters.

There are 7 separate couloirs which are more or less skiable. The couloir furthest to the left, which doesn't exit onto the ridgeline (so you will have to climb it) is the easiest. The couloir just to the left of the summit (direct) is the hardest: 5.1 toponeige). The couloirs are frequently protected by cornice at the summit. The first 50 meters of the direct are between 50 and 55° depending on snow conditions.

Comments on route: Couloirs possible as an off piste using the ski resorts lifts. Dangers: winslab, hard snow at the summit. Purges in the spring.

Access: Grenoble -> Sechilienne -> l'Alpe du Grand Serre

Equipment: Crampons, ice-axe

Country: France Area: Matheysine Trailhead: Grand Serre