Rocher de la Loze East Face Classique

Access

As for most lines on the north, east and west faces of the Rocher de la Loze the standard route is the boot pack and/or skin up the north-west ridge from the Col de la Loze which takes between 40 and 60 minutes depending on the conditions. This is accessed via the Dou des Lanches chairlift in La Tania or the Loze chairlift in Meribel. However, this line is best scoped from the top of the Verdons gondola in Courchevel 1850. The guide book suggests the start line as the top of the Col but I recommend climbing a few more metres onto the summit itself. This allows for better orientation onto the line, the opportunity to conduct a propogation test if necessary and to perform a ski cut above the couloir before committing.

Tech

While some choose to skin up to the summit it is perfectly possible to boot it. For those that prefer to skin there are some technical sections that require kick turns in very steep terrain. For those on foot there are some sections which require scrambling rather than walking. If booting is your preferred option you will require a backpack with ski carry.

Stoke

If laying down first tracks on arguably the most iconic line in the Courchevel domain doesn't get you stoked then nothing will. 10/10.

If, like me, you've waited a long time to ride this line - and booted to the summit several times in the past only to back away - then the stoke will be way off the scale. 12/10.

Everyone visiting Courchevel 1850 and making their way to the top of the Verdons lift station, not to mention all those riding the Saulire Telepherique, will see your line and critically assess your route selection and the symmetry of your turns, so you'll want to put on a good display, raising the stoke still further. 15/10.

Successfully linking your turns as you safely descend down to the Sources blue run and rejoin the inbound crowd will be testament to your FreeRide skills and mountain smarts, it might even be a defining moment in your FreeRide journey, breaking your personal stoke meter forever. 20/10.

Gnar

This is a high consequence line and a true test of your FreeRide skills. Not just your technical proficiency on planks or board but also your snow pack analysis, risk assessment, equipment choices and planning capabilities as well as your physical & mental commitment to the task. If you didn't have a sleepless night beforehand running through all the "what if" scenarios then you probably shouldn't set out in the morning with this on your 'to do' list.

Awe

The Rocher de la Loze east face towers above Courchevel 1850 with a mythical fascination that never dims. As a novice rider perfecting plough parallel turns on the nursery slopes at its base, I was full of wonder and envy at the occasional line etched on its seemingly vertiginous slopes. To stand on the summit counting into a descent is to fulfill a FreeRide dream many years in the making. Riding the line will flip your senses into hyperdrive - you will never feel more alive than you do in these moments. Awesome under rates the experience, all your FreeRide knowledge and skill will coalesce into perfection. You will truly be as one with the mountain. The sensation you will feel is known as The Quickening.