Off Piste Skiing, our top 5 Freeride Routes

1. For off-piste virgins:

We have unpisted but secured and patrolled itinerary routes that are good for getting used to deep snow. Then, we would head to the Fontanet area, where many mellow off-piste runs are ideal for practising turns. Lac des Vaux is another area where you can practise at the side of the piste, but always within reach of it.

2. The first real off-piste experience:

Variations of the Greppon Blanc itinerary provide the first real experience of a long off-piste run away from the lifts. You continue the normal hike a little further to the cross to take the next bowl to the right of the itinerary. Or, if you’d rather not walk, you can take the bowl on the left side.

3. Upping the challenge:

The next step up is to take on Mont Gele. The south exposure towards La Chaux is a fantastic playground with little gullies, steep pitches, and wide-open spaces. The south couloir is beautiful, but there are slightly less technical lines, too.

4. Seriously gnarly:

This time, we would take on the front side of Mont Gele, which is a lot steeper and a real challenge. Then, if conditions allow, I would go to Col des Gentianes, where you can access the Stairway to Heaven or the less famous alternative, Highway, which I prefer. Lower down, the skier’s right side of Vallon d’Arby is steeper and more technical, particularly through the forest. It’s a fantastic run.