Vertical Climbed: 1,075 meters (3,527 feet)
Rating: 1.1
Avalanche Risk: 2
Snowline: 780
I've meant to visit Mont St Martin in the winter for a long time. The climb is known to road bikers as "le petit alpe d'Huez" due to the number of zig-zags. The climb had been well trafficked and packed down by snowshoers. You basically follow the signs to the Col de Banettes and keep going, it is quite hard in the forest with one or two steep sections. Exiting the forest the ridge was wind blown with the 1 meter+ of powder gone on Sunday - possibly piled into the Fournet valley. I had to fit ski crampons for the traverse over to the Rocher de Chalves and the climb was quite steep but all feasible with skis. Crampons would be a good idea if you need to climb on foot. The best bet is to ski back the way you climbed.
I entered the Fournet valley quite low down to avoid two slopes that looked wind loaded. The skiing was corn snow. This turned to mush in the trees but the valley eventually channels the skiers onto one route and it turns into a nice border cross.
Somewhere to revisit with powder conditions.
Access: Clear but lots of roadworks in St Egreve
Country: France Area: Chartreuse Trailhead: Mont St Martin
Weather: Sunny, warm
