Discover ski touring
Discover the mountains at their most pristine with ski touring
Ski touring is a way of getting off the beaten track to discover the mountains in their purest state, far from the crowds and without lifts.
Ski touring is a way of getting off the beaten track to discover the mountains in their purest state, far from the crowds and without lifts.
Safety instructions:
Be aware of the weather conditions and the risk of avalanche, equip yourself warmly without forgetting your technical equipment (shovel, probe, DVA…), inform your entourage of your itinerary and follow the signs.
The ski touring route “Le Toboggan” is a route with a positive ascent of 522m, for a total distance of 3600m. It is composed of a first part that is easy (subject to good snow conditions) ; and a second part that is more technical and requires a good skills of the discipline.
The start is in front of the restaurant Le Chalet du Mottet (1400m), just to the left of the ESF beginners’ carpet. You will then pass through the forest, before arriving at the intermediate route (1655m). At this point, you can continue to the summit on the remains of the old black Toboggan piste, or return to the resort on the blue ski slope “Les Traverses”.
If you continue the ascent to the summit, you will arrive at the top of the Planchamp gondola (1922m) with a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc and the Lauzière Massif. To go down, follow the blue ski slope “Les Traverses”.
The route is traced and marked for the exclusive use of ski touring skiers, and this is done under their entire responsibility.
The course is accessible between 6am and 7pm. Outside these hours, access is strictly forbidden (risk of collision with a grooming machine).
Warning: the ski slope is not marked, secured or signposted by the piste service before 9.30am and after 4.30pm.
This ski touring route (ascent and descent) may be closed by the piste service if necessary, if the PIDA (Avalanche Control Plan) is activated.
The Tourist Office and the Ski Area Piste Service cannot undertake to advise you on the state, conditions, and practicability of this route, as it is located outside the perimeter of the ski area and its good use subject to weather and snow conditions.
From Doucy resort, you can practice ski touring on the shared Chantemerle itinerary (circuit n°2, map of Nordic itineraries on sale at the Tourist Office or on our online shop for 3€). The departure is from the hamlet of Chantemerle, you will then follow the itinerary along the forest, then on the southern side to the arrival of the Combelouvière chairlift. This itinerary is mixed (snowshoers, pedestrians); please respect other users.
This itinerary is accessible by ski touring only on the way up. The descent is via the ski slopes of the ski area.
The Nâves valley (45mn drive from Valmorel or Doucy) offers many possibilities: slopes suitable for beginners, easily accessible summits (Quermoz, Grand-Crétet, Chauvière, etc.) offering descents of 800 to 1200m, but also couloir skiing and the start of raids of several days in the Beaufortain massif.
The Maison de la Montagne, which manages the Nordic area, will not be able to give you information on snow conditions outside the Nordic area.
So before you leave, make sure you check the weather conditions and avalanche risks on websites such as Skitour.
Information for skiers: recommended itineraries to avoid cross-country ski trails
The village of Celliers (50mn drive from Valmorel or Doucy) is a paradise for nature lovers and ski tourers. You will be able to discover the great virgin spaces of the Lauzière Massif and its famous combes.
Please note that the ski touring itineraries starting from Celliers are neither marked nor secured. It is important to note that you are taking on full responsibility for the risks involved.
