Mon, 3 March 2014
Vertical Descended: 160 meters
Rating: 1.2
From the top of the ski lifts take La Combe red and as you exit onto the main piste immediately track north under some bushes to enter the woods via the GR walking trail. Pole for about 100 meters (small ups and downs) to reach a clearing just before the path traverses a gorge (avalanche path). Ski down the clearing to reach a forest path that descends to the south-east join a "micro" off piste at 1210 meters that makes and entrance and exit from the Combe piste. From here ski straight down then track north-east through some large rock formations to reach the Herse ski de fond trail and the Gelinotte ski run.
Comments on route: Take care on high avalanche risk days, the route is threatened by purges from the Rochers du Midi. Needs a lot of snow to cover rocks lower down.
Lift Access: Sauzet drag lift
Access: Grenoble -> St Nazaire les Eymes -> St Pancrasse du Touvet -> Ski station of St Hilaire
Country: France Area: Chartreuse Trailhead: St Hilaire du Touvet
Description: From the little "off piste" at 1220 meters a third of the way down the combe piste (popular with kids) follow the lower section of the Canyon.
Rating: 1.2/E1
Orientation: East
Vertical: 80