Back to Loze: A FreeRide Republic Adventure
When we announced ‘Loze Unlocked’ in 2026, we described it as an opportunity to explore one of the most remarkable collections of FreeRide terrain in the 3 Vallées. The ambition was simple: spend a week discovering what the Rocher de la Loze has to offer. From its broad powder fields and hidden gullies, to the classic lines that have long captured our imagination.
The mountain had other ideas. Conditions throughout a large part of the season were dominated by a deeply buried, persistent weak layer, resulting in the most deadly year for avalanches in over a decade. The avalanche risk was too high for many weeks including our dates, and those Loze descents remained untouched by us.
But it was not an unsuccessful trip.
The Republic has always been built around the belief that good judgement comes before good stories, and that every decision in the mountains should be one you’re happy with afterwards. Last February simply reinforced those values. Instead we explored backcountry we’ve overlooked for years, shared memorable days with friends, and returned home safely with exactly what we had set out to achieve: another season of learning in the mountains.
If anything, our respect for Loze has only grown. Which is why we’re going back.
Between Monday 8th and Friday 12th March 2027, join us to scope those lines with the same spirit of exploration that inspired the original adventure. As always, our plans will be guided by the conditions rather than by a fixed itinerary. We travel with like-minded riders who understand that the mountains set the agenda, and that adapting to changing conditions is not a compromise but part of the adventure itself.
There are a number of ways to access the Crete de la Loze via the west and east faces, but the main route is on the north ridge and roughly follows the summer hiking path marked on the map. In the right conditions it’s possible to skin up from the Col but you’ll need to bring your kick-turn “A” game as well as your skins. One section mid-climb is particularly brutal, although not especially consequential if things go wrong so if you’re up for a challenge … However, skins and a touring set up are not essential for this adventure as it’s possible to boot it to the summit in about 40-60 minutes. While skins are optional, you will need a back pack with ski carry and be prepared for some scrambling on exposed rock. In icy conditions, toe crampons and a whippet are handy accessories but full on crampons and an ice axe probably aren’t required.
The Loze really is a FreeRide paradise with many lines to choose from. The east and north “classique” routes are the most iconic but there are other favourites too, including multiple lines off the West Face as well as Combe En “S” and Little Canyon on the east and La Moraine in the north.
To learn more about what Loze Unlocked has to offer, get your hands on a copy of Jean Christophe Berrard’s Courchevel Hors Piste – Off Piste or, if you can find one that doesn’t cost an arm or a leg, Les Cles de 3 Valleys by Didier Givois.
It’s a minimum requirement that everyone successfully completes an avalanche rescue drill before being accepted onto ‘Back To Loze’. It’s non-negotiable because bad things can and do happen.
This is a meet-up mission, not a package holiday. No travel or accommodation is arranged or provided by FreeRide Republic. No guides have been hired and no fees are required to join this adventure. Riders need to make their own way to the Méribel or Courchevel domains and get themselves to the Col de la Loze via lift access each morning. Join us for a day, all five, or something in-between. Riders will require a full 3 Vallees lift pass for this adventure.
Accommodation ranges from motorhome spots in La Tania, budget digs in Brides-les-Bains or Bozel, to six-star chalets in Courchevel 1850 and Meribel – ride your own line when it comes to where you sleep.
This adventure embraces the FreeRide Republic values and lores. It’s about bringing together riders who respect the mountains and each other, aren’t afraid to earn their turns, make their own calls, and look out for each other when the terrain gets consequential. No guides, no hand-holding, just like-minded riders pushing limits, sharing stoke, and leaving the hill with no trace of their passing other than fresh tracks and stories worth telling.
This is high-mountain FreeRide terrain with potential hazards including avalanche risk, variable snow conditions, and exposure to steep and technical slopes.
Participants are responsible for their own decision-making and risk assessment while riding. The group will operate on a buddy system, maintaining communication and mutual support on all descents. Weather, snowpack, and group capability will dictate route choices, and all riders must be prepared to adapt plans in the interest of safety.
To ride with the Republic on Back To Loze you’ll have to sign up first. Either head for our Meet & Ride page and then click “I’m Interested” on the Back To Loze entry, or email us directly via: SnowShovel@FreeRide-Republic.com with BACK TO LOZE in the subject line. We’ll follow up with you from there, but if you don’t here from us for a few days it’ll most likely be because we’re making fresh tracks.
🧦🩲 This is the bit where we tell you that FreeRide Republic is not responsible for your safety, wellbeing, welfare or your laundry. You ride at your own risk and wash your own socks & underwear.
🐂💩 There’s also a bunch of legal stuff it’s important you should read and understand.
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