Last year, Tom and Ségolène came to try ice climbing. We spent four days exploring the valley floors! This year, we’re going to head a little higher up and soak up some more sun!
Last year, Tom and Ségolène came to try their hand at ice climbing. Four days spent exploring the valley floors! This year, we're going to head a little higher up and enjoy some more sunshine!
The conditions right now are ridiculous... Spring has decided to stick its nose into winter! But hey, it’s still only January, and there are big contrasts between the sunny and shady slopes… which means you can ski in powder after taking a nap in a T-shirt at the summit!! You’ve just got to take things as they come!
On the first day, we drive a little south to enjoy the fantastic view of Lake Serre-Ponçon as we climb the Col de la Gardette and the summit of La Fourche... The area is truly ideal for discovering ski touring: accessible peaks, moderate slopes, and breathtaking scenery, with the Serre-Ponçon fjord creating a completely surreal atmosphere! We spend a good while at the summit, lost in contemplation... The sun and the peaceful surroundings gently lull us into a nap. Such is the exhausting daily life of a ski tourer!
The next day, a change of scenery: we head for the Queyras. Today, Hugues—a friend and guide straight from the land of the singing garrigue—is joining us. We set out from Ceillac and climb up through the Vallon Albert. I haven’t set a specific goal—we’ll see up there what’s best for our skis. We finally head toward the Col de Beaubarnon, which gives us the option of descending the valley of the same name in a loop… and who knows—maybe it’ll satisfy our craving for powder? Good call—the valley, which is barely tracked, is still all powder except near the pass where it’s been blown away. Not bad at all!
In the forest, the lack of snow is starting to be a bit noticeable. We have to work around the obstacles! The snow—a heavy powder—is still pretty good for skiing. To spice things up a bit, Tom hurt his wrist and has a hard time turning right... It’s not easy to make only left turns!
We emerge from the woods onto the Cristillan Road, where we let ourselves glide leisurely all the way to Ceillac!
Practical Info / Route Topo
Day 1 – Col de la Gardette – Sommet de la Fourche
We head south for a first day of ski touring above Lake Serre-Ponçon. We climb to theCol de la Gardette, then continue to the Sommet de la Fourche, on ideal terrain for discovering ski touring: moderate slopes, accessible summits and beautiful views over the lake. On the way down, we even find some powder still preserved on the colder aspects.
Day 2 – Ceillac – Vallon Albert – Col de Beaubarnon
A complete change of scenery for a day of ski touring in the Queyras, starting from Ceillac. We climb through the Vallon Albert, then head towards theCol de Beaubarnonbefore dropping into the valley of the same name. A beautiful loop with some well-preserved powder, followed by a more playful descent through the forest and an easy return to Ceillac along the Cristillan road.
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