Ski Areas > Northern Alps > Belledonne > Glandon > la Draille du Charmilles
// Breadcrumb trail taken from parent page
First of all you shouldn't climb directly by the Draille but via the croix de lalpe. However this makes finding the entrance difficult. The secret passage is at the north side of the combe that lies to the south of the Croix de l'Alpe. Do not be tempted by other couloirs, they all, and I mean all, end in cliffs.
From the summit of the croix de l'Alpe there are two choices. Looking south-eastwards you will see a jagged limestone outcrop, to the left, on the other side of the col de l'Alpe there is a passage. The Draille is directly below. There is a little slope that is very skiable for 50 meters and if there is not too much snow you will notice red arrows and dots on the rocks.
If you want to take advantage of a pleasant descent to the pas d'échelle aim for a passage on the other side of the outcrop at 1750 meters. At the summit traverse directly to the left keeping the same altitude. You will cross a barb wire fence if the snow is not too deep. Continue another 100 meters to the north-east, the entrance is to your right.
The entrance couloir is very tight. With good snow it is skiable (as I did) as there is a "lay-by" at half distance. The exit is not very exposed although the slope is steep. After passing this section head directly to the right following the cliffs. Do not ski the start of the couloir de Charmille but follow the slopes to the left. Afterwards there is some "wild boar" skiing, as we say around these parts as you reach a section of brushwood. You can avoid these to the left but beware of small cliffs. You cross the summer path and can ski down a river bed to the road below.
| Mountain Range | Belledonne |
|---|---|
| Summit | Croix de l'alpe |
| Altitude | 1821 meters |
| Orientation | East |
| Starting Altitude | 960m |
| Vertical | 860 meters |
| Map | IGN TOP 25 3333 0T Chartreuse Nord |
| GPS Waypoint | N 45.4184° E 05.9266° |
| GPS Route | Google-Earth:Les-Pres |
| Grade[1] | Danger: 2, Climb: D, Ski: 4.2 |
| Snowboarders | The traverse from the Cabane de l'Allier is flat |
| Equipment | ski crampons |
| Road Access | A41 -> Le Touvet -> Saint Vincent de Mercuze -> Montalieu > Les Prés |
| Author | davidof |
I was interested if the Draille was skiable. There wasn't really enough snow, it needs a good second coat. I've not heard of anyone skiing this route before, it is easier than the Pas de la Rousse which has some near vertical steps. An interesting alternative with the usual Chartreuse dense forest at the bottom.
Category: Trip Reports
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