Crête de ChanrossaCourchevel, France | FreeRide Sector: Trois Vallees
Ride Date:
13 Feb 21Snow conditions:
HeroAvalanche level:
3 - ConsiderableTerrain:
Side countryWeather conditions:
SunnyPrecipitation:
ClearElevation entry point:
2700mElevation exit point:
2200mAspect:
North WestMax slope angle:
Between 30 and 45 degreesDrop in:
Ridge DropExit:
Ski outThe NW face of the Crête de Chanrossa is a short skin from the Col de Chanrossa which is easily accessed via the Chanrossa or Roc Merlet chairlifts. The need for touring gear means it often gets overlooked but offers a huge variety of quality lines back down to the Chanrossa and Marmottes chairs.
You'll need a full FreeRide set up to access the Crête de Chanrossa but it's not far from the chairlift and the pay off is huge.
Access the Col du Chanrossa via the Roc Merlet or Chanrossa chairlifts. If you haven't already scoped your line the Chanrossa chairlift will give you a good view of the ridge. Once you get to the Col you may initially need to bootpack up the ridge behind the Roc Merlet chairlift although it is possible to skin up in the right conditions. Once over the ridge head due south along a plateau which rises gently to the foot of the Roc Merlet where the terrain gets steeper and rises up to the Crête de Chanrossa. The ridge usually has an impressive wind lip on the SE facing side so don't get too close to the edge! Once on the ridge hike to your chosen start point. There are lots of possibilities including a line from the top of the Roc Merlet itself.
What 3 Words entry point
///thermometer.nonlinear.similaritiesWhat 3 Words exit point
///cashless.feared.movingThis route requires a full FreeRide set up including skins, transceiver, shovel and probe.
The skin to the ridge is not too demanding or gnarly and is spectacularly rewarding. Endless turns down to the foot of the Aguille du Fruit before heading back to the bottom of the Chanrossa chairlift. This one will have you high fiving your crew and linger in the memory for a long time to come.
Access is not hugely gnarly but take care travelling along the ridge not to disturb the cornice that usually forms on the SE facing side. On the descent terrain varies between below 30° and over 45° and there are rock bands and other obstacles to be aware of so be sure to scope your line very carefully before descending. The main issue is the absence of islands of safety for riders to meet and regroup on the descent. Be sure you have the legs for a single bound of 500m of vert over a straight line distance of 1200m. If you do have to stop be sure not to regroup and keep plenty of distance between riders. This also means that your crew will get strung out so having a rescue plan, maintaining visual contact and communication will be key.
When it comes to awe, the Crête de Chanrossa is off the chart. If the descent doesn't take your breath away the views alone will have you coming back for more.
Hiking along the Chanrossa Ridge
Looking down the NW ridge
Route track
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