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TouringTips

Freeride tour of the week | Vallon du Crachet

Year-round tour in the French Southern Alps

by Stefan Neuhauser • 01/11/2015

While kiters are busy at the top of the pass, the terrain around the Col de Vars offers a variety of different ski tours. The Vallon du Crachet is rewarding both in winter with powder and in spring with firn.

Ascent

The starting point is the 180 degree bend south of the Col de Vars (P. 2022 m), where you can also park. Do not cross from the top of the pass. Follow the Vallon du Crachet on the left as you ascend. After about 40 minutes you reach a shepherd's hut made of new wood with a steep triangular roof. From here, continue up the left-hand side of the valley until you reach a kind of saddle (P. 2458 m). From there, a steep ascent takes you into a basin which, depending on the avalanche situation, you either cross on the left side of the valley or stay on the left ridge up to point 2919 m.

Descent

Along the ascent track or along the ascent on the right side of the basin, depending on the firn or powder conditions.

TouringTips

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Information

Difficulty: ** to ***
Average gradient / maximum gradient: 35° | 39°
Exposure: N
Altitude difference start and finish: 2022 m | 2919 m
Altitude difference uphill and downhill: approx. 900 m
Duration: approx. 2 to 3 hours
Best time of year: November - May
How to get there: From Guillestre to the top of the Col de Vars pass
Map: IGN Chambeyron 3538 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.

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Freeride tour of the week | Klingenspitze

Alexander Braschel • 01/04/2015

The Dienten am Hochkönig ski area is mainly known for its wonderful treeruns and the numerous variants on the Aberg. But there are also a few treats for freeriders outside the ski area, such as the ski tour to the Klingespitze.
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