Tip TopCourchevel, France | FreeRide Sector: Crete de Plan Mugnier
Ride Date:
27 Dec 23Snow conditions:
SoftAvalanche level:
3 - ConsiderableTerrain:
Side countryWeather conditions:
SunnyPrecipitation:
ClearElevation entry point:
2500mElevation exit point:
2300mAspect:
NorthMax slope angle:
Between 30 and 45 degreesDrop in:
CouloirExit:
Ski outSuper easy access onto the Crete de Roc Mugnier North Face with a massive FreeRide pay-off.
There's nothing complicated about getting into this line. It's a simple traverse (traversee du Dahu) from the Col de Chanrossa followed by 5-10 minutes of side stepping up to and over the ridge (see photo). Basic stuff you were taught on day one, week one in ski school. The only difference being you're negotiating a 30-45 degree slope above the Roc Merlet chairlift.
What 3 Words entry point
///imitations.flung.placerWhat 3 Words exit point
///nasality.builds.uneatenNo specialist equipment beyond TSP required but this is a high stakes line on the north face of the Crete de Plan Mugnier. Avalanche is a persistent danger here that has claimed lives in the past so know what you're getting into. Read the avalanche bulletin and the met report. Do your risk assessment and, above all, don't get complacent just because it's easy to get into. It's a classic heuristic trap.
The stoke on this line is immense. Anticipation builds as you side step up the ridge to the start point. Once over the ridge, there's plenty of space to make yellow snow, sort your gear and clear your mind for the descent. If you've scoped the line beforehand (which you can do from the Pyramides button lift and the Plan Mugnier blue piste) you already know if you're going left or right. All that's left is to launch into endless turns...
There's nothing especially gnarly here but there's a right day and a wrong day to take on this line. Be sure you know the difference.
There's so much to savour on the Crete de Plan Mugnier. The rugged beauty of the north face itself, the spectacular views across to the Massif de la Portetta and the possibility of spotting wandering chamois who call the Plan Mugnier home. There's so much to take in that one visit will not be enough.
Dropping over the convexity into Tip Top
Trois, deux, un, tomber!
Awesome views of the Massif de la Portetta
The "Dahu" traverse starts at the First Aid/Information Point at the Col de Chanrossa (top of the Chanrossa chairlift) and tracks above the Roc Merlet chairlift across to the gasex from where it is necessary to side step up onto the ridge.
Hiking along the Dahu traverse up to the gasex just below the ridge.
The last few sidesteps onto the ridge.
Endless Tip Top turns.
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