Col du Fruit North East FaceCourchevel, France | FreeRide Sector: Aguille du Fruit
Ride Date:
03 Apr 18Snow conditions:
PowPowAvalanche level:
4 - HighTerrain:
Back countryWeather conditions:
SunnyPrecipitation:
ClearElevation entry point:
2500mElevation exit point:
2100mAspect:
North EastMax slope angle:
Between 30 and 45 degreesDrop in:
Ridge DropExit:
Ski outRelatively easy access FreeRide line with spectacular views.
From the Sommet de la Saulire, it's possible to boot into this line via the Courchevel FreeRide Lab but it's best accessed using a combination of skinning and bootpacking. Either way you're going to work up a sweat getting there but it's well worth the effort.
From the top of the FreeRide Lab, (La Petite Saulire 2706m, also known as Creux Noirs) follow the trail along the ridge that heads SSE to the Col du Fruit (2516m). The Col is easily recognised by the impressive rock feature known as the Pointe Emilienne (2598m). On arrival at the Col you must choose either the NE face or the WSW face. Be sure you know which is which!
Your exit point will be somewhere near the bottom of the Chanrossa black run that takes you back to the bottom of the Chanrossa and Marmottes chairlifts.
What 3 Words entry point
///frame.shadowed.confiscatedWhat 3 Words exit point
///consultancy.rigs.creepsFor the fastest and most rewarding access into this line you will need a touring set up but if you don't have these and you're determined the minimum requirement is hike and ride boots.
This line is the full FreeRide package with a decent skin/hike to the drop in, jaw dropping views and a few tricky sections on the route in to make it feel like an adventure. The line itself, in the shadow of the awesome Aiguille du Fruit, is a belter.
Pushing through the small cornice that usually forms on the ridge and dropping into the line will get your heart racing but, assuming you have done your homework and know what you're getting into, there is nothing too gnarly to worry about here.
There's lots to love about this line. The spectacular geography, the mind blowing views, the journey to get there and the thrill of a successful descent. This one will linger in the memory for many years to come.
With the Pointe Emilienne behind them, riders Jake and Matt prepare to drop down to the Col and the start point.
Route highlighted on piste map. Start point is the Sommet de la Saulire. Finish point is bottom of the Marmottes and Chanrossa chairlifts.
Route to the drop from the Sommet de la Saulire highlighted in yellow. Descent from the Pointe Emilienne to the bottom of the Chanrossa and Marmotte chairlifts marked in red.
Planker 1 drops into the Col du Fruit North East Face. Drone footage: Henry Music: Shaka Ponk, I'm picky
LE FREERIDE LAB (Courchevel)
Explore the themes below to find the best home for the content you want to learn about:
Skiied this line 26th Dec 24. Its a fairly straight forward approach and the scenery is stunning, very atmospheric. No cornice drop but the snow was lush.