The ski resort of Chamrousse had decided to open the main gondola lift for the May bank holidays.

Although I had a great day piste skiing at the start of the season at Chamrousse I'd not been back touring this year.

A chance to look at the avalanche that ripped down to the Col de Porte - Hotel ski lift in January on a risk 5 weekend. The biggest avalanche in 42 years according to the locals.

From Epernay follow the road that climbs to the south-east, then zig-zags to the south.

From the Recoin (Chamrousse 1650m) climb to the top of the ski pistes (Croix de Chamrousse). You can generally avoid most of the ski open ski runs. Descend the run to the lac Robert.

http://pistehors.com/col-du-merlet-from-the-pont-du-merlet.htmAccess: From the Maurienne autoroute take the exit at St. Etienne de Cuines for the col du Glandon and the Villards valley.

RouteClimb the path on the left bank of the combe des Roches. This is often not skiable over the first few meters although you can descend via the river when there is enough snow cover.

RouteFrom the car park next to the hut, take the forest track, then follow the summer path, indicated by yellow marks, then fairly visible green and yellow markings.

RouteFollow the hiking trail, lots of signs, to the summit. You can't really get lost, the summit cross is visible as you exit the forest.

DescriptionPark either at La Noyelle or 2 hairpins further on, at the start of a path not indicated on the IGN map, but which joins the road at the left hairpin at 800 meters and follows the "Chemin N