Minimum altitude: 1,181 meters
Distance: 7.6 km
Slope Aspect: North-East
Vertical Climbed: 484 meters (1,588 feet)
Vertical Descended: 484 meters
Rating: 1.3
Avalanche Risk: 3
Snowline: 1,000
I had initially considered heading up to Chamechaude, the highest summit in the Chartresue, but the avalanche bulletin (Thursday and Friday), combined with poor visibility and continued strong winds, made me reconsider. Instead, I opted for a route entirely in the trees, the Canaple, hoping the snow would be protected from the wind, a decision that paid off. Classic Chartreuse conditions at their best.
With no space at the Pont des Cottaves, I started from the nordic liaison at Col de Porte. The traverse across to the Charmant Som road was quite exposed, strong winds on the ski runs and some icy sections where the snow had been drifted.
Once on the road, there was a well-established skin track, making for a straightforward climb up to the top of the old ski lift.
The descent through the trees was the highlight: soft, untracked powder, playful and consistent. Lower down, I rejoined the old ski run, where a band of fresh snow still offered good skiing.
From Pont des Cottaves, I put the skins back on and climbed back up to Col de Porte to finish the outing.
A bit of wind, cool with temperatures around 0°C.
Access / Parking:
Parking at Pont des Cottaves was already full by 9am, so I parked at Col de Porte and skinned up via the old ski pistes to reach the col.
Snowline: Continuous snow from Pont des Cottaves.
Ski Conditions: Excellent. Around 30 cm of powder at the top, 15 cm lower down.
Avalanche Conditions: No activity observed. Chosen route is relatively safe.
