Two days of ski touring in Dormillouse with a lively group: first turns, a night at the Gîte de l’École and a surprise mountain stag weekend for Guillaume.
After a few last-minute weather twists and turns, I met up with a solid group of friends from Grenoble and Paris in Freissinières… We were fleeing the bad weather forecast for Savoie, our original destination. As a last-minute plan, I suggested we go skiing for two days around the village of Dormillouse, where Paulo welcomed us at the École lodge.
Ski touring and an evening in Dormillouse
This morning, Guillaume still had no idea, but his friends and brothers had planned a sports-themed bachelor party for him! Woken up early at his place, here he is a few hours later with touring skis on his feet, some supplies for the evening on his back, and a bunch of cheerful, banter-loving friends around him! Not bad, right?
We got off to a slightly late start, but on this first day we climbed a bit higher than Dormillouse, up an unnamed peak, just to enjoy a short 400-meter descent before happy hour! Ski touring is a new experience for almost everyone, and almost everyone gave it a try!
Tonight, Paulo is spoiling us with his no-frills, delicious, and hearty cooking! We’re the only guests in this village at the end of the world, a hotbed of resistance of all kinds… Despite the day’s fatigue, the rounds of beer are coming thick and fast, and every bottle brought out is meticulously drained down to the last drop. All in the name of lightheartedness, of course!
Great skiing below Lake Palluel
For this second day, the plan is crystal clear: we’ll climb until it’s time to head back down. Simple. The few morning clouds quickly give way to the traditional high-Alpine blue sky. At higher elevations, the wind is blowing hard, but here in our valley, we’re well sheltered!
Today, we’re heading higher than the forest, with no specific destination in mind, on the lookout for some good snow to ski on! After climbing 700 meters, just below Lake Palluel, I realize I’m putting myself in serious danger if I don’t stop climbing right now!! That works out well: from where we are, some beautiful slopes are calling to us! And anyway, if we want to be on time for the carbonara at Paulo’s, it’s about time!
Practical Info / Route Topo
J1 — First turns and an evening in Dormillouse
- Climb above Dormillouse for an introduction to ski touring and a first 400-metre descent. Overnight at Paulo’s Gîte de l’École, with a lively evening celebrating Guillaume’s surprise stag weekend.
J2 — Skiing below Lac de Palluel
- A 700-metre ascent above the village to just below Lac de Palluel, looking for good snow. Ski down the slopes above Dormillouse and return to Paulo’s for carbonara.
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