While the Col du Lautaret pass is mainly frequented by snow kiters, the surrounding terrain offers a variety of interesting ski tours, which are favored by their rather high starting point.
Ascent
The starting point is the top of the Lautaret pass (hotel and bar). Head south either west or east past Serre Orel. For the ascent, do not choose the steep direct Vallon du Combeynot, but climb a little less steeply around the point 2505 m "les Gros Ane" to the left, then keep right again in the upper part to reach the second Combeynot basin. At about 2900 meters you reach a kind of saddle in the flank. The tour becomes relatively steep just 150 meters below the saddle. Reaching the saddle is enough for a good descent. The upper part is often hard and the snow can be blown off. However, if the conditions are favorable enough, the view from the ridge between the two peaks is well worth the ascent, where you may have to strap your skis to your backpack and ascend on foot. The western summit can be reached relatively easily via the ridge, but does not offer any additional downhill vertical meters, as you have to climb back over the ridge.
Descent
Either ski along the ascent route or directly down the lower part west of "le gros Ane". There are often fewer downhill tracks along the ascent track in the lower part.
Information
Difficulty: *** in the upper section ****
Average gradient / maximum gradient: 35 to 38 degrees / upper section steeper than 40 degrees
Exposure: N
Altitude difference start and finish: 2060 to 3160 m
Altitude difference uphill and downhill: approx. 1100 vertical meters
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Best time of year: November to May
Directions: From Grenoble via la Grave to the Col du Lautaret or from Turin via Briancon to the Col du Lautaret.
Map: IGN Meije Pelvoux 3436 ET
Stefan Neuhauser is a mountain guide and photographer. Stefan comes from the Allgäu, but has been spending his winter and summer seasons in the Italian and French Southern Alps for almost 20 years. He knows this region like no other, with its many little-known and hidden freeride opportunities. Stefan frequently organizes freeride weeks and (freeride) tours for groups and individuals in the Southern Alps from La Grave to Nice and on the Piedmont side in Valle Stura, Valle Varaita and Valle Maira.
