Ski touring in Aussois
A safe, signposted ascent route
In Aussois, you can discover ski touring with complete peace of mind thanks to a specially-designed, signposted and safe ascent route.
An excellent training or discovery area, accessible during ski area opening hours. The route winds through the forest, away from the pistes, to a superb viewpoint of the Vanoise peaks.
Take your ski touring pass, put on your skins at the snow front and climb at your own pace. The descent is made on the groomed slopes of the ski area: you don't need to know how to ski off-piste to practice.
- Start:Aussois snow front (alt. 1,500 m, near the Charrière ski lift)
- Finish: plateau de l'Armoise (alt. 2,200 m)
- Difference in altitude: 700 m
- Access: Free - descent via the ski area's marked trails with a special ski pass (see below).
Supervised outings: go with a pro!
Just starting out? Do you want to improve your skills or take a day trip on more alpine itineraries? Call on our ski instructors or mountain guides in Aussois.
Discovery outings, technical courses, hikes to refuges or surrounding peaks... There's something for every level.
Equipment: where to rent?
You don't need to be equipped like a pro to get started!
Several stores in Aussois offer ski touring rentals (skis + skins + boots + safety equipment).
La Trace du Chatelard: theAussois ski touring race
Aussois regularly organizes a major ski mountaineering race (the competition version of ski touring): the Trace du Chatelard. The event features several routes at the foot of the Dent Parrachée, on the Grand Châtelard and Fournache ranges.
Safety first
The mountains are a place of freedom and adventure. But before you put on your skins and leave the open, safe slopes, always make sure you follow the safety rules:
- Check the quality of the snowpack with the professionals at the resort, the weather report and the BERA (Bulletin d'Estimation des Risques d'Avalanche, which ranks the risk from 1 (low) to 5 (very high). A technical document you need to know how to read and understand).
- Mandatory equipment: shovel, probe, avalanche transceiver
- Be accompanied and tell at least one person about your itinerary
The easiest way is to call on the resort's professional instructors and guides, who will accompany you in complete safety to enjoy the fresh snow and wide-open spaces.
In the mountains, you also have to know when to give up. It's sometimes tempting to take the plunge on a virgin face, but if the safety conditions aren't right, always err on the side of caution and turn back or choose a less exposed slope.
La Parrachée refuge: a hike to the summits
Accessible by ski touring from the top of the ski area, the La Parrachée refuge (2,500 m) awaits you for a night at altitude or a panoramic break. This refuge is guarded in winter (Franck, the janitor for the past 40 years, is a local figure who will regale you with his anecdotes at the wake!), with an incredible view of the peaks and lakes ofAussois. Ideal for a two-day hike, a night out of time or an introduction to ski touring.
Please note: it is also possible to reach the Fond d'Aussois refuge by ski touring (access to the unguarded part in winter).
Ski touring: supervised outings in Aussois
Ski schools
Rentals and lockers
High-altitude restaurants
Freeride skiing in Aussois
Ski passes
