Typical itinerary
Meet in front of the esf office in Chantemerle at 08:30, then drive to the Pont de l’Alpe in the Serre Chevalier valley. From there, we skin up to the Chalets de l’Alpe, continue to the Clôt des Vaches refuge and finally reach the Ponsonnière ridge, before skiing back down along our ascent route. On the way down, there is the option to stop at the Clôt des Vaches refuge for a bite to eat or a drink.
This ski touring day is all about enjoyable skiing through stunning mountain scenery, in the heart of ibex country! The slopes are gentle, but the amount of climbing means some previous ski touring experience is recommended.
This ski touring day is all about enjoyable skiing through stunning mountain scenery, in the heart of ibex country! The slopes are gentle, but the amount of climbing means some previous ski touring experience is recommended.
Weather and snow conditions may affect the outing. If conditions are unsuitable, the itinerary will be adapted accordingly. Your instructor will contact you the day before to discuss the latest conditions.
Full day
8h
8h
Detailed itinerary
- Your instructor will contact you no later than the day before the outing to discuss your equipment, skiing ability, meeting point and arrangements for the day.
- 08:30 – Meet at the esf office in Chantemerle.
- Safety is our top priority, so before setting off we have a short briefing to go over the planned route and equipment. Avalanche safety equipment is provided (shovel, probe and transceiver), and the day before the outing we will advise you on where to hire your ski touring equipment.
- If you do not have your own transport, we may be able to give you a lift.
- Set off from the Pont de l’Alpe between 09:00 and 09:30.
- We begin by skinning up to the Chalets de l’Alpe, a small mountain hamlet deserted during the winter months. Along the way, we take in the surrounding peaks, including Les Agneaux, the Casset glacier and the Arêtes de la Bruyère – and keep an eye out for ibex!
- We continue climbing to the Clôt des Vaches refuge, where we assess the conditions. If everything is right, we carry on towards the Ponsonnière ridge. Alternatively, we may head for the Col de l’Aiguillette, a less demanding objective that still offers a fantastic ski down.
- Once at the top, we take in the spectacular mountain views and stop for something to eat, weather permitting, before skiing back down towards the Clôt des Vaches refuge.
- Throughout the day, your instructor will help you improve your technique while sharing their knowledge of snow conditions, local wildlife and animal tracks, geology, history and life in the valley. A real immersion in the mountain environment!
- On the descent, there is the option to stop at the Clôt des Vaches refuge for a bite to eat or a drink.
- On the way back, we also practise an avalanche transceiver search, giving you the chance to put essential mountain safety skills into practice.
- We finish the descent and return to the esf office in Serre Chevalier Chantemerle by 17:00 at the latest.
A true mountain adventure!
- A flexible itinerary
- Spectacular mountain views
- A full day to build your skills
Provided
- Avalanche safety kit (shovel, probe and transceiver)
Meet your guides and hear from those who have experienced it
Breathtaking scenery!
“A ski tour through the Cerces massif, facing the Écrins, on the slopes of the Grand Galibier.”
MD
Marc D.
esf customer