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So things really started to get the warm the next day. We backed off an attempt on Mont Mirantin near Beaufort and just took a day off and traveled to Briancon. We figured that north facing would be the way to go so having done some research we decided to see what La Rouya and possibly the Pelas Verney Couloirs looked like. We got a nice early start and headed over to Pelvoux ski area for a lift. We rode 2 lifts for 7 Euros and got a really nice assist. The poma lift was bone jarring though. After skinning about 2000′ above the top lift we traversed over to La Rouya. The entry was pretty easy to find.

We down climbed about 70′ and strapped them on. The line was sweet and the snow seemed very stable except for a 6″ slab that was on top. The slab however wasn’t very cohesive and it seemed like management wouldn’t be an issue. 3600′ later we had skied such an amazing line. It twisted and turned, narrowed off and widened. The snow was so soft in places, icy and challenging in others. The angle approached 50 degrees for a few short sections but it averaged around 38 for its length.

This was one of the finest couloir skis I’ve ever experienced. Enjoy the pics

Heading up from the lifts. La Rouya is the peak at the right

Looking down the line from the top

Downclimbing to get in. Only about 70′ lost

The snow is looking good.

The upper section was wicked

In the shadow of Mont Pelvoux

The snow was awesome and stable

Ally putting the Howitzers to the test

Heading for the choke. It was only 190cm wide

Iciness in the choke

Then back to great snow

Such a fun line

I loved the way it snaked down the mountain

I just can’t imagine skiing a line like this in Colorado in winter

Energizer Bunny line. It just keeps going

Parc Nacional des Ecrins is an amazing place

Must rest the legs

This was one of my all-time favorite lines

So many turns

The snow stayed cold for the entire couloir

It felt like a magical place

We still had about 1000′ of couloir skiing to go at this point

The snow was even great in the apron.

Tagging along with Whymper. THIS IS WHY WE CAME TO EUROPE

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