This Vallon gives access to numerous ski touring possibilities in the Condamine massif. The proximity of Rocher Bouchard with its more alpine contours will not disappoint you, as will the exceptional view of the Ecrins massif.
Topo Guide "Ascensions en neige et mixte, 344 courses alpinisme et ski de montagne Tome 1" by Sébastien Constant Editions Constant
313. La Bouchardise crépusculaire :NE face
350 m, TD+ (65° in snow and M5+), 3 H approach (1H from Chantemerle), 3 to 5 H for the route, 2 H for the descent.
2 approaches are possible.
Route: climb the couloir for 100m (45/55°). A dihedral-path on the right (M5+40m) allows you to avoid a stuck boulder blocking the couloir. Above, return to the couloir with short steeper sections (55/65° in snow/mixed). A mixed section leads to the ridge (V+, 35m, belays on small gendrames). Descend 25m on the right flank (Couloir N side), then join the edge of the ridge beyond the rocky exit point (45°). Follow the thread, or the right flank to get around the gendarmes (II/III in mixed). Reach the exit collet of Couloir N and climb the E ridge on the S flank to get around the gendarmes as easily as possible.
Descent: by descent along the E ridge then via Couloir N.
314.Couloir N:Versant N
300m, PD+ (40/45°), 4.2 on skis, 3H approach (1H from Chantemerle), 1h30 for the route, 3H for the descent.
2 approaches are possible.
Itinerary: the couloir climbs up its centre (35°, 45° at the top). From the Collet, climb the E ridge on the S flank to get around the gendrames as easily as possible.
Descent: by descending the N ridge and then the couloir. Skiers usually stop at the collet (around 2820 m).
313. La Bouchardise crépusculaire :NE face
350 m, TD+ (65° in snow and M5+), 3 H approach (1H from Chantemerle), 3 to 5 H for the route, 2 H for the descent.
2 approaches are possible.
Route: climb the couloir for 100m (45/55°). A dihedral-path on the right (M5+40m) allows you to avoid a stuck boulder blocking the couloir. Above, return to the couloir with short steeper sections (55/65° in snow/mixed). A mixed section leads to the ridge (V+, 35m, belays on small gendrames). Descend 25m on the right flank (Couloir N side), then join the edge of the ridge beyond the rocky exit point (45°). Follow the thread, or the right flank to get around the gendarmes (II/III in mixed). Reach the exit collet of Couloir N and climb the E ridge on the S flank to get around the gendarmes as easily as possible.
Descent: by descent along the E ridge then via Couloir N.
314.Couloir N:Versant N
300m, PD+ (40/45°), 4.2 on skis, 3H approach (1H from Chantemerle), 1h30 for the route, 3H for the descent.
2 approaches are possible.
Itinerary: the couloir climbs up its centre (35°, 45° at the top). From the Collet, climb the E ridge on the S flank to get around the gendrames as easily as possible.
Descent: by descending the N ridge and then the couloir. Skiers usually stop at the collet (around 2820 m).