Ski touring in “Parc National de la Vanoise”
Skinning aproach to the Col de la Vanoise Refuge, Southern French Alps
Whilst it was beginning to feel very summery in the valleys, the high mountains were still plastered in snow. We spent 4 days touring in the Vanoise, a destination that enabled us to stay high and avoid too much walking. We were rewarded with some excellent spring snow and stunning views to help complete another piece of the alpine jigsaw.
Starting in Aussois and heading clockwise meant that we made the most of the uplift and got some good long descents. From the lift system we headed over the Col d’Aussois and then had 13km of downhill into Pralognan la Vanoise (1418m). We had been reliably informed that you could ski to within a few hundred metres of the village and were not to be disappointed: although Zoë’s lift ensured we had time for refreshments before catching the last chairlift up. We then had an hour and a half’s skin up to the Refuge du Col de la Vanoise where a delicious curry was awaiting us. Full compliments to the guardian in the hut – some of the best hut food we have ever eaten!
