Ski touring from Les Étages

Follow the Vallon du Lavey along from Champhorent. Once you're there, you'll never want to leave!
On the other hand, there are few routes in the Vallon des Etages, dominated by the Pointe du Vallon des Etages, but it is unspoiled and attracts very few skiers: the reward for a long approach before finding yourself at the foot of the steep slopes!

SUGGESTIONS FOR SKI-TOURING
- Col de Clot Châtel (3243 m) + 1660 m
Once out of the narrow section at about 1800 m, the view over the valley will give you the energy to reach the steep part of the col. The descent is very pleasant, allowing you to alternate between wide curves and tight turns on a very playful slope.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
> Getting supplies: Bar/restaurant in St-Christophe.
> Accommodation: Gîtes and rooms in St-Christophe.

VENEON SECTOR
Once you have entered the Vénéon valley, you will be enchanted for life, as it's a real goldmine for ski-touring. Opportunities appear endless and the beauty of the surrounding scenery often makes skiers stop on their way down to admire the views…
This is the homeland of Père Gaspard, who first climbed the Meije in 1877. The valley can sometimes look harsh, but it has a soft heart that skiers need to take time to discover.
Once the iconic road to La Bérarde opens up, day-routes spring up all through the valley, with high-altitude routes located at the end of the valley.
There are a plethora of routes starting from mountain huts. To follow are some ideas to get you started, but you'll quickly discover that ski-touring in the Vénéon is like eating peanuts, once you've started you can't stop. So it's up to you to join routes together, work out trips over several days basing yourself at one or more mountain huts. Skis start shivering in delight once you enter Père Gaspard's homeland.

/!\ IMPORTANT
Ski mountaineering and touring involves risks and all skiers are responsible for their own safety. Make sure you follow ANENA guidelines: anena.org