Slope Aspect: West
Trip ReportsVertical Climbed: 1,650 meters (5,414 feet)
Avalanche Risk: 3
Snowline: 1,052
It seemed like the east side of the Belledonne had been much less wind affected than the west (avalanches yesterday at the refuge d'Oule, col du Mouchillon and Couloir de Pertuis). Presumably the high central ridge had protected the snow from the south-westerly foehn wind.
There was snow from the Pont du Merlet, but very icy in the morning. A trail had already been broken to the col du Montfosse, all that was left was to climb on skis to the Breche. Skiers were also climbing to the Rochers du Vallorin which was skied when we descended as was the left branch of the couloir de Vallorin.
The first few meters were on cut-up snow but this turned to heavy powder then lighter powder back to the col du Montfosse. The 500 meters from the col to the Veille Route were on light, skiable powder. Then a long traverse through the combe de Merlet. We managed to take short cuts across the zig-zag route through more skied powder. From l'Echaut it was back on the track which was something of a slalom route. We took the route via le Cugnet to ski to the car.
Weather: Warm, sunny
Access: Clear
Country: France Area: Belledonne Trailhead: Pont Du Merlet
Participants:Mike Anny Bernadette
