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Ski touring in complete safety
Nature lovers will be delighted by the numerous ski touring itineraries available in the Serre Chevalier Briançon valley.
There are five permanent itineraries in the Serre Chevalier ski area, in the Prorel, Chantemerle, Villeneuve and Monêtier sectors, giving everyone the chance to try ski touring in complete safety.
The ascent takes place in the forest, before descending on the ski slopes of the ski area, during lift opening hours, or on various off-piste trails.
Access to the routes is free, and they are signposted.
When ski touring, be sure to respect ski area opening times. For safety reasons, it is important not to engage in any activities in the evening or at night, because of the risks involved in grooming (some groomers are equipped with winches that are often invisible to the naked eye) and PIDAs (avalanche control intervention plans).
Five marked itineraries for safe ski touring
Wherever you stay in Serre Chevalier Vallée Briançon, you'll find an itinerary close to your accommodation. In fact, there are several in the Prorel, Chantemerle, Villeneuve and Monêtier-les-Bains areas.
The climb takes place in the forest, along a dedicated itinerary. For obvious safety reasons, it is forbidden to climb on the slopes. You then descend using the resort's ski runs. So you don't have to worry about the stability of the snowpack. What's more, if you're not comfortable skiing off-piste, it's no problem, as the descent is made on groomed slopes.
Below are details of the routes
- Le Monêtier les Bains
- Villeneuve La Salle les Alpes
- Chantemerle
- Briançon
From Le Monêtier les Bains Closed
Departure from the snow front at Pré Chabert.
The 5km route leads to the top of the Bachas chairlift (700m ascent +) with three possible escape routes.
From Villeneuve - La Salle les Alpes
the itinerary starts at the foot of the Casse du Boeuf chairlift (snow front) and arrives at its summit, after a 4.6km climb through larch forest (863m ascent +).
Here again, it is possible to escape from the itinerary via the slopes on three outings, depending on your level.
From Chantemerle - Col du Prorel
The route starts at the foot of the Briance green run (snow front) and climbs 5.4km
to the Col du Prorel (1050m ascent +).
Two crossings with the downhill ski runs allow you to escape from the itinerary.
A departure from Ratier is also possible for a shorter itinerary, arriving at the top of the Col du Prorel (3km - 500m ascent + and two escapes).
From Ratier - Col du Prorel
The route starts from Ratier - Espace débutant / Departure of the snowshoe trail.
3.1km and 3 vertical drops, with the possibility of an easy escape via the slopes, depending on your level.
From Chantemerle - Ratier via Champcella
The starting point is at the finish of the Briance green trail.
9.9 km and 3 gradients, with the possibility of an easy escape along the trails, depending on your level.
Departure from Briançon
Starting point 1:
The route starts from the parking lot in the village of Puy Saint Pierre.
Walk up the ferme de Pralong road to put on your skis in the hairpin bend at the oratory.
Starting point 2:
From the Prorel gondola mid-station
Come and test your avalanche transceiver at one of the 5 terminals located throughout the Serre Chevalier ski areaLocation:
MONETIER: Bachas chairlift arrival
VILLENEUVE: Casse du Bœuf chairlift arrival / Clôt Gauthier chairlift arrival / Vallons chairlift arrival.
BRIANCON: Prorel gondola arrival
If I tell you:
"There were a lot of Goblets around here, and even with my knives and skins, we couldn't make any headway in the !!!! couloir"
You'll understand that I'm talking about ski touring!?
Ski touring is booming. And once you've had a taste of what it's like, it's really hard to do without.
A feeling of freedom, well-being and serenity invades you. Making your tracks on immaculate, untouched snow gives you a feeling of positive solitude.
With respect for nature, the ski mountaineer leaves only his or her tracks in the snow, while enjoying the fabulous scenery of the middle or high mountains!
It's the pleasure of making an effort, where everyone goes at their own pace and shares a unique moment with family and friends.
Permanent routes, marked out according to different levels of difficulty, are available for you to discover in complete safety. Climb up on a marked itinerary and descend on the ski area's slopes.
List of Tourist Office partners offering guided ski touring outings.