La Clusaz is an excellent, but rarely credited, backcountry resort.
There are many off-piste opportunities easily accessible from the lifgt system - eg Le Col de Borderan (from the top of L’aiguille lift), all around La Balme (particularly on La Torchere side), under the trees beneath La Cret du Loup; under L’Etale lift etc.
Next there are some excellent itineries (many with vertical descents of over 1000m) which require 30-60 mins bootpacking - eg La Col de Bella Cha (over the top left hand rim of La Balme bowl), La port des Aravis (great itinerary over the top right hand ridge above la Torchere drag - sector Balme), La Croix (above L’Aiguille chair) and above L’Etale lift - (which goes over into le col de Merdassier).
Finally for the energetic, there are some excellent tours - starting from the hamlet of Le Confins up into the cols, over the top and down the other side - eg La Trou de Mouche (c.1200m ascent). Over in Le Grand Bornand (where I have a chalet) there is also some stunning touring to be done (Le Roc du Tours, L’Aiguille vert, La Jalouvre - all abouve Le Chinaillon) and a large number of options above Le Col Des Annes (L’Almet, and from the top of Les Annes lift - where you hike up into Les Aravis to the slopes around Point Percee).
Re the bootpacking and touring intineraries it is (obviously) essential to take a guide given there are some fearsome cliff drops in la Clusaz and some areas which are avalanche hot spots (I tragically witnessed last season the death of a 21 year old local who went over a cliff in a white-out whilst tree skiing).
The La Clusaz ESF, ESI and the bureau des guides all offer guides. I have skiied with Avaris Challenge - who were excellent, so they would be my strong recommendation. details below:
ARAVIS CHALLENGE
Tél. : 04 50 02 81 29
Mob : 06 70 06 49 35
Mail :
Web : http://www.aravis-challenge.com
Enjopy this stunning part of Haute Savoie!