Ski Areas > Northern Alps > Belledonne > Prabert > Orionde West Face
From the col des Mouilles climb the road that leads to the Pre Marcel, at the T-junction take the left turn and continue for 100m approx. A forest track leads up the slope to the right. By climbing generally south-eastwards you eventually reach the shoulder of the Barlett mountain. At around 1500 meters the woods clear and the area is very skiable and not steep, continue to exit the woods and a steep traverse to the south following the summer track. Traverse between a gap in the barb wire fence (possibly snow covered). This slope could be avalanche prone. At point 1820 double back following a flattish track to reach the Jarlons refuge. This refuge is open and is used by hunters in the summer and autumn. From here follow the gentel slopes to the south-east to the summit of the Orionde (kairn).
It is possible to descend by the north-west bowl (often in powder snow) and then climb back the slopes to the left to the Jarlons.
On the ski back down it is better to descend to Pre-Marcel at point 1520m then follow the road. There is less risk of stone damage.
| Mountain Range | Belledonne |
|---|---|
| Summit | Orionde |
| Altitude | 2031m |
| Orientation | West |
| Starting Altitude | 1021m |
| Vertical | 1020m |
| Maps | IGN n°3335 OT Grenoble |
| GPS Waypoint | N 45.2105°, E 05.9742° |
| GPS Route | Google-Earth: |
| Grade[1] | Danger: 1, Climb: PD, Ski: 2.3 |
| Comments | Generally a good plan when the avalanche risk is high |
| Snowboarders | Yes |
| Road Access | Grenoble > Brignoud > Laval > D280f > La Boutière > D280 > col des Mouilles > Pré Marcel |
| Refuges | Habert des Jarlons?, Pre Marcel? |
| Author | davidof |
At 8h45 it was snowing a bit and was glacial. The road to the Pre-Marcel was barred by two large stones and was snow covered. Relaxed climb through the forest to the refuge where we attempted to warm ourselves up. David found some Rhum - better than English beer. At the summit we crossed Cyril, Seb and Ludo who were heading for the Brèche but it really had very little snow, same for the north-west couloir. Descent fairly good. At the Pré Marcel we opted for the road which was skiable rather than the stones of teh forest
Contributed by Luc on the 28th December 2005; participants: David
Due to the poor snow cover it was possible to drive to Pre-Marcel (1290m) without any special equipment. Afterward continuous snow was found at 1500 meters just below the start of the north-west ridge. Snow was very humid to 1700 meters then there was a shallow refreeze. Skiing was acceptable on the west face of the Orionde but limited further down.
Contributed by davidof on the 10th January 2006
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