Vertical Climbed: 680 meters (2,231 feet)
Avalanche Risk: 2
Snowline: 1,190
A quick trip before work. I'd thought about the Dent de Crolles. The refreeze was good but a strong SE wind was keeping the snow cool and there was no chance it would transform in the time I had. Instead I opted for the NE face of the Dôme de Pravouta. It sees the sun early in late February. Apart from a few sections the snow was old powder from Friday. Refixing skins at 1490 I climbed to the Col des Ayes. The lower face of the Dent de Crolles was still hard but with a good grip. Then back to the car via ruined barn field. The road was a piste, the lower fields had just transformed.
Pravouta NE face has fallen out of favour since 3 skiers were killed by an avalanche. However it is a good plan when the conditions have stabilized and keeps snow later in the season... even to the end of April but maybe not this year.
Route Taken: NE face except for ruined barn field
Weather: Sun, strong southerly wind (50kph)
Access: Clear, some ice. Road repairs on the climb before the tunnel.
Country: France Area: Chartreuse Trailhead: Col Du Coq
