Saulire Traverse

Access

There are multiple options to access this line, you can reach the entry point from the Combe de la Saulire piste as well as taking a hard left from the bottom of any of the Saulire Couloirs (Panoramic - Téléphérique Gauche - Téléphérique Droite - L'Arête - Emile ~Allais - Dérotchu - Grand Couloir - Curée) and staying high (riders left) will all get you there. It’s pretty much a case of following your nose.

It's most often a near effortless if undulating and slightly steep traverse to the noted entry point. If however it's a deep day or the traverse line has not been cut, you may need to pole / push a little.

As you traverse you’ll see a large rock feature below and to your right (Rocher de l’Ombre), this in part flanks the lower section of the piste. The terrain starts to funnel slightly as you crest a small ridge. This is the entry point to the line.

From here you can continue to traverse maybe with the occasional left side step to gain height and increase the length of your decent. Almost all the options are visible ahead of you, so plenty of time to decide where you want to drop (riders right).

Tech

Transceiver Shovel & Probe are a must, along with a good understanding of the avalanche level / risk for the time you plan to ride. Understanding safe travel in avalanche terrain would be also be a good, as the couloirs above add an additional level of danger either as a result of natural or ski triggered avalanche activity.

Stoke

The ratio of stoke vs effort is high here. It’s not a steep or particularly adrenaline fuelled descent but in the right conditions it’ll give you and your crew matching grins to take with you on the scenic and undulating exit.

Gnar

This is low on the gnar bar but what it lacks in here it makes up for in serenity and sense of freedom. Whilst you’re only a few minutes away from one of the busiest Courchevel pistes it can feel like you’re on a mini back country adventure. You can also let your skis or board run knowing that you’re on a consistent gradient with almost no obstacles, with the exception of occasional avalanche debris.

Awe

This bowl is surrounded by steep couloirs so make sure you take a good look around and not just at your destination. Behind you is the Y couloirs and on riders left is the back side of the Col de La Loze. You might find this inspires you to take on one of those classics such as the Butchers Couloir or Combe en S.