Off Piste Skiing

This is done entirely at your own risks - if in any doubt please take a guide. A map (IGN 3615) and compass is essential and check your travel insurance to make sure that it covers off piste skiing!

Lac du Lou itinerary from Masse - From the top of the Masse II gondola the Lac du Lou itinerary is below you. Follow the Longet (Red) piste until it turns right, duck under the rope on the left hand side and head south. From the Lac du Lou refuge, follow the path and either take the Plan de l'Eau chairlift for Val Thorens or follow Boulevard Cumin for Les Menuires (and a drink at the Sonnailles restaurant en route).

Lac du Lou itinerary from Caron - This variant is not nearly as well skied and more open, which makes it more enjoyable. From the top of the Cime Caron cable car follow the black piste towards Maurienne. When this piste turns south east over the ridge carry on along the north side of the ridge. When you fancy it, head down towards the lake, aiming to arrive on the North East corner of the lake, opposite the refuge (unless you fancy a stroll along the lakeside). Lac du Lou is particularly good in spring when its sheltered position makes it very warm in the sun and the snowboarders attempt to surf over the melting surface (very entertaining!).

Vallees des Encombres - From the top of Masse follow the Longet (Red) piste until it turns right. (Same place as the Lac de Lou itinerary starts). From here duck under the ropes and head off North West. Cross the steam at the bridge at Casablanche and then follow the path into Chatelard. The La Voute restaurant in Saint Martin will come and pick you up (04 79 08 91 48) or it is about a 2 km walk to Saint Martin.

Glacier de Gebroulaz - Unless you are used to skiing on glaciers and have all the right equipment (ropes, harnesses etc), a guided trip is essential. Be on the first gondola out of Reberty as this is a full day's skiing and if you miss the last lift back from Meribel it's a long bus ride.
From the top of the Col Chairlift in Val Thorens ski around the corner to the mountain hut (pop in for a drink before starting!). At this point either attach your skins or fix your skis to your sack for the 50 minute ascent. Follow the tracks heading North East and then East to the Col de Gebroulaz. The last 50 vertical metres of the ascent is very steep! From here take the itinerary route marked on the map, avoiding the tongue of the glacier (where the crevasses are worst).
The route passes by the refuge du Saut and then follows the path down the valley (as marked on the map). When you arrive at the cross country track head right (uphill) as this is the shortest route. Follow the cross country track to the Plattieres gondola for the return to Les Menuires.