There used to be an itinerary route off the top that headed back towards VT. Nothing too difficult or too step, but probably not a good idea if snow cover is poor.
I have a (now old) book published by Vamos which is a guide to the off piste routes in the 3V, and they published similar for other resorts. Might be worth trying to get hold of a (more up to date) copy?
Over the back of La Masse - 3 valleys
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Started by Crispyapplepie in Ski Chatter 17-Jan-2011 - 14 Replies
Dorset Boy
reply to 'Over the back of La Masse - 3 valleys' posted Jan-2011
Dorset Boy
reply to 'Over the back of La Masse - 3 valleys' posted Jan-2011
If conditions are good, you hire a guide and don't mind a hike, the route down the Gebroulaz glacier from VT to Meribel is superb. It is the head of the Meribel valley (accessed from VT's summer ski area) and takes you around the back of Mont Vallon. Not a ski lift in sight, and lots of mountain wildlife. However DO NOT GO WITHOUT A GUIDE AND FULL EQUIPMENT!
OldAndy
reply to 'Over the back of La Masse - 3 valleys' posted Jan-2011
Yep - agree Dorset Boy :D
I was lucky enough to ski (and walk, hike etc.) from the backside of VT back over into the Meribel Valley both sides of Mont Vallon - amazing stuff!
And even skied Mont Vallon before it had a lift :shock:
Once had to plod back all the way past Lac de Tueda which was hard work but othertimes a ratrack came and collected us - I was with locals (pisteurs and a restaurant owner) who had contacts and a walkie talkie to send for the taxi - very civilised.
I was lucky enough to ski (and walk, hike etc.) from the backside of VT back over into the Meribel Valley both sides of Mont Vallon - amazing stuff!
And even skied Mont Vallon before it had a lift :shock:
Once had to plod back all the way past Lac de Tueda which was hard work but othertimes a ratrack came and collected us - I was with locals (pisteurs and a restaurant owner) who had contacts and a walkie talkie to send for the taxi - very civilised.
Edited 2 times. Last update at 18-Jan-2011
Crispyapplepie
reply to 'Over the back of La Masse - 3 valleys' posted Jan-2011
EmmaEvs wrote:Crispyapplepie I may be completely out of order here so my apologies in advance, but my first thought is 'please be careful'. There have been too many accidents already this season. As a group would you consider hiring an instructor for half a day to take you down there? Depending how many of you there are the cost could be spread nicely. At the very least it could save you the hassle of finding yourself stuck away from the exit/s and having to hike. Sorry for being boring and paranoid.
Not at all, I wouldnt dream of going into there without either knowing its ok to do so, or having the right gear/guide. There has been a crazy amount of accidents already this yr, OR is it just been reported on more? If the weather paterns continue i can only imagine that there will be alot more as well before the season is out.
I know my limits and certainly no freeride powder junkie. :cry: not at the min anyway :P
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Snowcrazy2005
reply to 'Over the back of La Masse - 3 valleys' posted Jan-2011
Crispyapplepie, if you are a good skier, have all the off piste gear and know the off piste area then it is a great place to ski, but if you are unsure then you should take a guide. There are many routes down this area, some safer than others. But it is also an avalanche area so take care. The run ends up in Val Thorens ski area by the lac and then you have to ski back down the road or get various other lifts. Hope that helps.
Crispyapplepie
reply to 'Over the back of La Masse - 3 valleys' posted Jan-2011
snowcrazy2005 wrote:Crispyapplepie, if you are a good skier, have all the off piste gear and know the off piste area then it is a great place to ski, but if you are unsure then you should take a guide. There are many routes down this area, some safer than others. But it is also an avalanche area so take care. The run ends up in Val Thorens ski area by the lac and then you have to ski back down the road or get various other lifts. Hope that helps.
From looking at the maps this is what i thought. TBH there is more than enough to explore in the 3 valleys without having to worry too much about going down this 1 unmarked route...
I probably underestimate my ability but i feel thats the best way. Im no expert (yet) so i think ill leave this run until i am :-)
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Mark_T
reply to 'Over the back of La Masse - 3 valleys' posted Jan-2011
The Les Menuires ESF do off piste groups that are open to anyone who can ski well enough. Just pay by the day. The website mentions Les Encombres which is the valley off the back of la Masse finishing near St Martin. They might do the Lac de Lou route towards VT one day as well.
Mark
http://www.esf-lesmenuires.com/ski-school-menuires/les-menuires/ski-aventure/ski-off-piste
Mark
http://www.esf-lesmenuires.com/ski-school-menuires/les-menuires/ski-aventure/ski-off-piste
Topic last updated on 20-January-2011 at 20:23