Backcountry skiing, whether done freely or with guidance, is possible. The usually marked routes are closed (as they are linked to the operation of the ski area, which is itself closed).
La Plagne answers all your questions about backcountry skiing in La Plagne a little further down this page, under the list of backcountry skiing routes. Keep scrolling!
Going on an adventure in ski touring? We love it! What we like less is: worrying about the safety equipment to take off-piste; navigating with GPS in the vast white; being surprised on the descent by a type of snow we don't master...
Do you also want to rhyme "effort" and "scenery" with "comfort"? Choose an easy or more sporty walk on the ski touring routes starting from Plagne Bellecôte, Plagne Centre, La Roche, Plagne Montalbert, Montchavin, Les Coches, and Champagny-en-Vanoise.
Practical:
The difficulty level of the ski touring routes in La Plagne and its villages mainly depends on the difference in altitude between the starting point and the arrival point (this is referred to as positive elevation gain), and the distance between these two points. The greater the elevation gain and the shorter the distance, the steeper the slope. Thus, a route of 5 km with a positive elevation gain of 350 m will be easier than a route of 3.5 km with an ascent of 485 m. The descent is not taken into account in the difficulty level (in 6 out of 7 cases, it is done on a blue level alpine ski slope).
Are you a beginner? Choose an easy level route to get familiar with your equipment on rather "flat" routes (less than 400 m of positive elevation gain for a maximum of 5 km of walking).
To take it up a notch, opt for intermediate level ski touring routes (less than 550 m of D+ for 3.5 to 4 km long).
Experienced hikers will happily tackle difficult ski touring routes, featuring a significant elevation gain (up to 930 m of D+ for 6 km for the route Champagny-en-Vanoise > La Porcière).
✨ Check out the guide to ski touring routes.
Certainly, the main motivation for ski tourers is to be able to wander in untouched spaces. However, let's admit that it's easier to get familiar with the equipment and the sensations of skiing uphill on groomed slopes!
That's why some marked ski touring routes are partially groomed, such as the route Plagne Bellecôte > Col de Forcle or the route Plagne Centre > Col de Forcle.
Some routes even exceptionally take short passages on alpine or cross-country ski trails. Be cautious during your crossings, and stay well on the side of the relevant trails. Let’s remember that outside of these marked brief passages, it is prohibited to ski uphill on alpine ski trails (for obvious safety reasons).
Let’s not beat around the bush: the two ski touring routes to prioritize for quickly increasing your D+ count are :
Kudos!
Conversions? The bane of beginners in ski touring! However, there's no escaping it when the slope gets steep and switchbacks are necessary. Rest assured: with a little practice, you'll perform this maneuver in no time, without thinking.
Here are three route ideas to refine your technique in a safe environment :
The promise of a leisurely walk in a magnificent setting: that’s what attracts ski tourers!
Do you love forest atmospheres with a woody scent? You will enjoy gliding through the forests of Montchavin and Montalbert, for example on the intermediate level routes Plagne Montalbert > Le Fornelet or La Roche > Le Fornelet. Beginners will probably prefer the easy level ski touring route Les Coches > Plan Bois (charming hamlet at the finish). For a challenging difficult level, put your lungs to the test on the Montchavin > Pierres Blanches route.
Is it the view of the peaks that motivates you? Prepare a thermos of tea to enjoy facing Mont Blanc on the easy level routes Plagne Bellecôte > Col de Forcle or Plagne Centre > Col de Forcle ; or facing the Grand Bec and the impressive glaciers of Vanoise along the backcountry skiing route Champagny-en-Vanoise > La Porcière (difficult level).
Do you master your equipment perfectly? Change your wedge in a few seconds? Chain conversions easily, without getting your skis tangled? What if you looked a little further into what it's all about! Because that is the very essence of ski touring: to go off groomed slopes and marked trails to explore a wild, preserved nature.
Start by taking a few off-piste ski lessons to feel comfortable in all types of snow (powder... or not!). Ideally with your touring skis on your feet to get used to their lightness on the descent (always surprising the first time when you're used to freeride skis, which are much heavier).
Then book a backcountry skiing day with a high mountain guide. He will guide you to the best route based on the current snow conditions and your level.
