Return from the East to Abriès and Montgenèvre: A Report on a Freerando Workshop

Jean-Luc and his little family were really spoiled during this trip 4-Day Freerando Trip “With a Guide” ! After a period of scarcity, they’re arriving right in the middle of the eastward migration…

What on earth is that?

In short, this is a weather pattern in which moist air flows into the Alps from Italy after circling around the mountain range. As it encounters the first mountains on the Italian side, this air rises and can produce heavy precipitation, particularly on the slopes near the border.

Generally, the easterly flow is very localized, and as soon as you move away from the border, the accumulated precipitation decreases rapidly.

Days 1 and 2: A long ride back east to Abriès

As far as we're concerned, the stage is set!

For the first two days, we'll head to Abriès, a resort well-known for its abundant easterly winds.

The conditions are so extreme that we almost forget the hiking aspect of the trip and simply let ourselves enjoy the short off-piste runs near the resort.

In any case, the heavy snowfall calls for caution and means we should avoid slopes steeper than 30°.

Days 3 and 4: Off to Montgenèvre and Italy!

For a change of pace, we’ll then spend two days in Montgenèvre, this time breaking out our climbing skins to go play in some beautiful, untouched valleys on the Italian side.

A smooth ride under your skis and perfect glide now that the nice weather is back!

The perfect way to end this trip on a high note.

And every evening, back to the Voûtes du Chambon, our cozy base camp, to look back on the day over a good meal and dream about the next runs.