Petit Face Nord
Backcountry Skiing Route
Details
2.28 mi
34 ft
A classic route down the north face, one of the less risky routes
This is a beautiful run with incredible views and a real backcountry, big mountain feel. It can get tracked out very quickly as its popular with guides but that takes nothing away from the adventure. Its reached by skiing part way down the Rochu, there is a gateway with a black sing marking the entry into this dangerous area, follow the obvious trail as it bends around to the right. keep going along this righ hand traverse until you are stood on a cornice line, you can clearly look up to the North face so you know you are in the right place. This is your entry point. If you look down fall line you will see a massive bowl, there is a rideline on the right and over that is the canadiens couloir. You want to just ski fall line from where you are stood. The route is pretty obvious as long as you keep hug the right side of the bowl. Its a long descent and although its a popular route it is still very avalanche prone so ski one at a time and stop in safe places. This bowl holds the snow very well so its great a few days after new snow. As you near the end of the bowl you will notice that trees are getting denser, keep heading towards the right hand side and you will meet a summer walking track that traverses fairly sharply to the right, just keep following this and you will appear in an massive opening that is the bottom of the North Face. Now its an easy ski down to Les Lanches and a nice cold beer at the bar. Note - this is an amazing face and not as risky as the other routes so there will be less experienced people on it, just be sensible and dont get others into danger. Written by Leon Butler
This is a beautiful run with incredible views and a real backcountry, big mountain feel. It can get tracked out very quickly as its popular with guides but that takes nothing away from the adventure. Its reached by skiing part way down the Rochu, there is a gateway with a black sing marking the entry into this dangerous area, follow the obvious trail as it bends around to the right. keep going along this righ hand traverse until you are stood on a cornice line, you can clearly look up to the North face so you know you are in the right place. This is your entry point. If you look down fall line you will see a massive bowl, there is a rideline on the right and over that is the canadiens couloir. You want to just ski fall line from where you are stood. The route is pretty obvious as long as you keep hug the right side of the bowl. Its a long descent and although its a popular route it is still very avalanche prone so ski one at a time and stop in safe places. This bowl holds the snow very well so its great a few days after new snow. As you near the end of the bowl you will notice that trees are getting denser, keep heading towards the right hand side and you will meet a summer walking track that traverses fairly sharply to the right, just keep following this and you will appear in an massive opening that is the bottom of the North Face. Now its an easy ski down to Les Lanches and a nice cold beer at the bar. Note - this is an amazing face and not as risky as the other routes so there will be less experienced people on it, just be sensible and dont get others into danger. Written by Leon Butler
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