France is full of breathtaking mountain scenery, offering ski touring enthusiasts a multitude of opportunities to explore untouched terrain and spectacular panoramas.
If you're looking for lesser-known ski touring destinations, here are seven hidden treasures to discover for a unique mountain experience.
Vanoise, Vallon de la Rocheure
Located in Savoie, Vanoise National Park boasts spectacular scenery, with expansive snowfields and majestic peaks. Despite its proximity to ski resorts, Vallon de la Rocheure remains a hidden gem. Starting at 'le Suffet,' your ski touring journey will lead you over the Col de Lanserlia, rising to an altitude of 2,774 meters, where you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Maurienne valley.
From there, you can venture into the Rocheure valley to reach the Femma refuge. This refuge serves as a base for climbing several peaks, including Pointe de Méan Martin at 3,330 meters, Pointe de la Sana at 3,436 meters, and Col du Gefret at 3,185 meters. The descent offers sweeping views of the Vanoise massif and its powdery slopes: an amazing ski touring itinerary.
Aravis, Tour de la Miaz
Located in the Haute Savoie region, the Aravis massif features wild and stunning landscapes. While the southeastern side of the range is not typically conducive to ski touring, adept skiers can discover excellent routes without substantial risks. One such route is the Tour de la Miaz, which traverses beautiful combes and pristine mountain terrains. The ski touring route begins in the hamlet of Le Plan, winding through narrow passageways, wooded areas, and across streams that might occasionally require you to remove your shoes.
The route continues to the Chalet des Combes and the Chalet des Pététry, leading up to the Tré le Crot valley—a secluded combe overlooked by the rocky faces of Tête de Pacally and Ambrevetta. Skiers must navigate to the Passage de la grande Forclaz and then descend into the Combe des Fours, known for its extraordinary powder snow descents. The journey concludes with a return to the Chalet de Combes via a long traverse that circles back to the starting point.
This lesser-known route is one of the wildest loops, offering magnificent vistas and frequent wildlife sightings. Certain sections of this itinerary are particularly steep and prone to avalanches, making it most suitable for experienced skiers who are well-prepared with the proper equipment.
The Cirque d'Arsine and the Ecrins ski touring route
Located in the heart of Ecrins National Park in the Hautes-Alpes, the Cirque d'Arsine is nestled between the Meije to the west, the Barre des Ecrins to the south, and the Route du Lautaret to the north. Access is possible from either Villar-d'Arène or Le Casset.
From Villard d'Arène, you can stop at the Alpe de Villar-d'Arène refuge before reaching the Col d'Arsine. From there, you can ascend the Pic de Neige Cordier, the Col de la Pyramide, or the Montagne des Agneaux. These three routes, of similar difficulty, are designed for experienced, well-equipped hikers and lead to remote, snowy couloirs and slopes.
On the Casset side, Le Pic du Casset opens the way to the legendary No Fiesta route, and the Col des Prés les Fonts leads to the renowned Davin couloir, known for its length and breadth. For those planning to connect these climbs, it is advisable to bivouac near the Col d'Arsine to minimize the approach on the following day.
Haute Tarentaise, Savoie
The Haute Tarentaise is a prime location for freeriding, thanks to its numerous ski resorts. The area offers everything from couloirs and forests to large slopes, all accessible via ski lifts. For instance, starting from the Arêches Beaufort resort, you can reach the summit of Grand Mont, which peaks at an altitude of 2,678 meters.
Begin by taking the ski lifts to the Col de la Forclaz, then ascend towards the east-facing combe below the Grand Mont and climb to the summit cross. The descent can be made from the same point or down the more challenging north-facing slopes. This hike, with its minimal elevation gain, is suitable for moderately experienced hikers and offers spectacular views of the Beau-Fortain and Mont-Blanc mountains, as well as the Pierra Menta and Aiguille de Grand Fond.
Mercantour, Cime du Diable-Capelets
Situated in the heart of the Mercantour in the Alpes-Maritimes, the Cime du Diable-Capelets traverse is an unmissable hike offering breathtaking views over the hinterland of Nice, the sea and even Corsica, weather permitting. The ski touring itinerary generally starts from the Mairis valley, then climbs through the Verrairiers valley towards the Cime du Diable, which rises to an altitude of 2,685 metres. Be careful, this climb requires crampons and ice axes. At the top you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the mountains and the sea.
Continue on to the upper Capelets, then the lower Capelets and descend to the north-west face, which leads back to the forest track that will take you back to the car park and complete your tour.
There is also a much more accessible variant of this hike. Equally less ‘adventurous’, it involves making a loop from the bottom hairpin up the route in reverse, stopping at the Capelet Inférieur. This climb is much easier and can be used as an introduction. You can then continue as far as the Capelet Supérieur, where you can see the Cime du Diable. You'll enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and a wild setting.
Corsica, Punta del Prato
Located between Southern Corsica and Upper Corsica, Punta del Prato offers one of the region's most stunning ski descents, featuring panoramic views of the sea for nearly 800 meters. With an easy ascent and a modest elevation gain of just 700 meters to the summit, this route is perfect for beginners seeking a unique experience.
The best approach to this exotic ski touring itinerary is from the Col de Verde, following the tracks of the GR20 trail to a junction that leads to Punta del Prato. From there, simply follow the ridge to the summit, which stands at 1,954 meters, and savor the spectacular Mediterranean views that provide an unmatched ambiance. The descent on the seaward side offers the thrill of an 800-meter downhill ride with breathtaking vistas and snowy slopes. However, you will need to reattach your skins for the climb back up to the col and the return to your car.
Haute Pyrénées, Piméné
Located just a stone’s throw from the Cirque de Gavarnie, the summit of Piméné offers stunning landscapes and varied descents suitable for all skill levels.
The mountain has three main aspects, with the west side being the most well-known due to its frequently good snow conditions. The ski touring itinerary begins in the village of Gavarnie, following a trail that meanders through the forest toward the Pailla plateau. Then, ascend southwest to the Espuguettes refuge and continue northwest to reach the Col de Piméné. From there, follow the ridge to the summit at 2,667 meters, where you can enjoy exceptional views and a lengthy descent down the broad west-facing slope.
The east side is less known and less crowded, offering regular slopes ideal for skiing. This path typically starts at the Lac des Gloriettes, or earlier if the road is closed, since the approach can be lengthy. After the lake, proceed along the valley floor and, at the Estaubé hut, turn west to climb the eastern flank of Piméné. This slope affords views of all the iconic Gavarnie peaks and features nearly 1,000 meters of vertical descent, suitable for skiers of all abilities.
The North Face, known for its steep inclines, starts from a forest trail leading to a barn. After climbing the west-facing slopes and passing a flat area, veer towards the North Face and begin your ascent. At the summit, enjoy views of the Vignemale and its Ossoue glacier, followed by a thrilling powder descent.
We recommend familiarizing yourself with the routes and checking snow reports to ensure optimal conditions and safe skiing.
Prepare to explore breathtaking landscapes, experience unforgettable moments, and challenge yourself in these beautiful and remote French mountain regions and ski areas!
