Ski Touring: Combe de Giclard

Sun, 5 February 2012

Technical

Description

The Giclas is normally a "safe" tour in the forests of the Chartreuse. Despite the risk 2 I was worried about windslab. Well it turned out not to be as safe as all that. At the summit of the Pravouta the trace passed just onto the SW side of the ridge. The SW face was in the lee of the wind. The result was a small avalanche triggered - about 30 to 40cm deep at the maximum which even dragged a skier off the ridge and partially buried another after taking him 200m downslope. No real harm done apart from a broken ski which was brand new. The lesson: make your own tracks if you have any doubts.

The descent into the Giclard wasn't fantastic. Cut up snow but with some fun sections in between. Excellent snow from the Col des Ayes to the car. The road closure has transformed the spot and there is a bit more peace and quiet. Even small kids were able to discover ski touring on the road.

Returned home to hear of an avalanche with a death and injury on the Jocou in the Vercors (also risk 2) and a skier triggered slide on the Petit Som on the NE face.

Weather: Thin cloud, sun.

Access: Clear

Country: France Area: Chartreuse Trailhead: Col Du Coq