Ski touring: where and when to start?

Ski touring: where and when to start?

In this article, you'll discover our 4 favourite resorts where you can start ski touring, who you can learn from and when is the best time to set off on a ski touring expedition:

Bonneval-sur-Arc

Ski touring in Haute Maurienne has something to offer beginners and experienced skiers alike, as this resort is renowned throughout the Alps for its adapted itineraries.

Our favourite route with completely untouched snow:

• The route that starts from the Dent Parachée refuge and passes behind the Grand Chatelard.

La Rosière

La Rosière is the perfect resort for beginners, with 3 marked trails:

• The Hermine route: 754m vertical drop

• Le parcours à Serge: 488m ascent

• The Roc route: 483m of ascent for the most athletic skiers who will reach the summit of the Roc Noir.

Combloux

The resort of Combloux is renowned for its multitude of signposted, safe ski touring routes. So whether you're a beginner looking for an introduction or an experienced skier looking for a new sporting challenge, you'll find what you're looking for in Combloux:

• The Plan des Dames route (beginners): 500m vertical drop

• The crêve-cœur course (advanced): 740m ascent

The Chartreuse massif

The Chartreuse massif offers 4 signposted routes ranging from 1.2km to 6.6km. The routes start in Saint Pierre de Chartreuse or at the Col de Porte. From there, you can climb to the summit of La Scia (1789m).

The right time for ski touring

With a season that runs from September to June, ski touring has the advantage of being practised virtually all year round, and each period has its own particularities. However, there are a few differences to be aware of. The main difference lies in the ski touring timetable: with the cold temperatures of winter, there's no need to set off too early, whereas from March onwards, it's better to get up earlier to avoid finding yourself with unstable snow warmed by the sun's rays.

Looking for an introduction to ski touring?

Looking for an introduction to ski touring? Then take a look at the DiscoveRent expedition for a cross-country ski tour of the Vanoise peaks. On the programme: a week organised and supervised by a professional and passionate guide. Each day we'll discover a new summit on ski touring. What's more, accommodation, meals, supervision and equipment are all included in the expedition. For more information , click here.