The Aravis massif is located in the pre-Alps of northern France, it is a limestone chain where snow is really abundant in winter. Our 4-day ski tour will take you from the western end to the east of these mountains at an altitude of approximately 2500m. The stages are about 800 to 1000m per day, but it is possible to adapt the program according to the level of the group, the accommodations are comfortable and allow to rest properly between each stage.
With a view and a spectacular panorama of the entire Mont Blanc Massif, this ski touring trek will take you through the heart of the French Alps, passing through hamlets and authentic Savoyard villages.
The combes of Aravis with the villages of La Clusaz and Grand-Bornand will be on our way for a reblochon refreshment: the local cheese of the stage, if you do not like cheese ski will be your only gourmet meal with incredible descents to alpine valleys or to mountain huts.
The moderate altitude of the peaks of the Aravis (highest point, Pointe Perçée 2752m) and the varied relief (corridors, forests and ridges) make this massif a top ski touring place in the Alps often described as a "little paradise" in topos for skiers.
Day 1:
Meeting at 8:00 a.m. in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt for a briefing over coffee, then carpool to the end of the Route du Bouchet in Le Grand-Bornand. Ascent on skis from La Duche (1,450 m) or from Les Troncs depending on snow conditions. Objective: Refuge de Gramusset (2,150 m). Optional short climb to Pointe des Carmélites (2,400 m) before returning to the hut.
Ascent: ~1,220 m
Descent: ~450 m
Accommodation: Refuge de Gramusset (staffed from February)
Day 2:
Descent to La Bombardellaz, then possible link-up of several combes depending on snow conditions: Grande Forclaz, Tardevant, Charvet... Arrival in La Giettaz via the southeast slopes of the Aravis (or in La Clusaz depending on snow and availability).
Ascent: ~1,000 m
Descent: ~1,500 m
Accommodation: Hotel or mountain guesthouse in La Giettaz or La Clusaz
Day 3:
From the Col des Aravis, ascent through Combe à Marion to reach Combe de Blonnière, then climb the Combaz couloir to the summit of L’Étale. A wild traverse through Combe de Foiroux and Combe de Tardevant leads to the D’Ze La Voye hut.
Ascent: ~1,000 m
Descent: ~1,300 m
Accommodation: Refuge D’Ze La Voye
Day 4:
Exploration of the southern Aravis peaks: Rouelle (2,080 m), Goenne (2,174 m), and conditions permitting the ascent of Mont Charvin (2,400 m) via its north ridge. End of the traverse in Serraval, then return by taxi or personal vehicle.
Ascent: ~1,200 m
