Col de la Montee du Fond South FaceOrelle, France | FreeRide Sector: Orelle
Ride Date:
04 Mar 25Snow conditions:
IcyAvalanche level:
2 - ModerateTerrain:
Front countryWeather conditions:
SunnyPrecipitation:
ClearElevation entry point:
3000mElevation exit point:
2500mAspect:
SouthMax slope angle:
Between 30 and 45 degreesDrop in:
OpenExit:
Ski outSpicy FreeRide deviation into Orelle from the top of the VT26 Grand Fond Funitel out of Val Thorens.
Super easy access from the Grand Fond Funitel. Exit onto the Niverolle piste and drop down just a few metres to cross over the Col to the southern side at the No.12 piste marker (see photo). Fortunately, it's possible to scope the line from the drop in. You will be dropping into a beautiful bowl with SE through S to SW aspects to choose from. The SE aspects are the gnarliest and include a couple of couloirs. The S and SW aspects are more open and mellow. You will be dropping down to the Lory piste in Orelle but note there is a rock band to be navigated before you reach the piste.
No specialist tech required but bear in mind you're choosing an unsecured, off-piste line and ride accordingly.
Orelle may be the 'fourth valley' in the Three Valleys ski domain but it's quite possibly the epicentre of the FreeRide Universe. A trip to Orelle is therefore a must for any self-respecting FreeRider and this is the perfect line on which to make your entrance.
The gnar here is a respectable 3. Care needs to be taken dropping through the rock band above the Lory piste. Skiers right (see photo) is the most straightforward line but there are spicier options straight down the centre.
Entering the epicentre of the FreeRide Universe is always going to be an awesome experience. Take a moment to feast your eyes on the Pointe du Bouchet on the opposite side of the valley before dropping through the Col.
Cross over the Col onto the southern side at the No.12 piste marker just a few metres from the top of the Funitel. The Pointe du Bouchet and the Glacier du Bouchet can be seen in the background.
Dropping into the Col with the spectacular Le Peyron feature in the background.
View of the Col from the Lory piste. Note the rock band you must navigate through.
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