Les Couloirs de Comborcière, the Y Couloir
Backcountry Skiing Route
Details
0.37 mi
0 ft
Steep couloir with a wide runout
There are a series of couloirs that run along the ridge of the Fond Blanc. Accessed from the top of the Clocheret chair lift, hike straight up for maybe 20 mins, once you reach to top of the bowl, with Arc 1950 in front of you, you will see the ridgeline reach along the left hand side of your view and this is where you want to be heading. It can be a rocky hike along this ridge and maybe takes around 30 mins to walk the full length. As you walk along the ridge you will see a series of couloirs dropping away to your left, these are the Comborciere couloirs. They range in steepness and narrowness and the entry points are usually a little sketchy due to cornices so be careful picking your entry point. As a rule of thumb the steepness ranges from the steepest couloir being the first ones you walk past and the more mellow ones being a further hike along the ridgeline. They are north facing so are in the shade most of the time, so sometimes its a good idea to hit them mid morning once they soften. They are very prone to sluffing so manage your turns well and be wary of avalanche debris. This is the Y Couloir, named so as there are two entry point that join up creating a 'Y' shape. The first entry point is more exposed as it sits ontop of the couloir, so be carefull with avalanches here. Its a very fun face and usually has great snow. You will naturally ski into the main couloir on the skiers right. The second entry drops straight into the couloir. The top can be intimidating as there are usually cornices to avoid. Once into the couloir you can look forward to some amazing terrain especially after a recent snowfall. Just make sure to go one at a time as it acts like a natural funnel. Written by Leon Butler
There are a series of couloirs that run along the ridge of the Fond Blanc. Accessed from the top of the Clocheret chair lift, hike straight up for maybe 20 mins, once you reach to top of the bowl, with Arc 1950 in front of you, you will see the ridgeline reach along the left hand side of your view and this is where you want to be heading. It can be a rocky hike along this ridge and maybe takes around 30 mins to walk the full length. As you walk along the ridge you will see a series of couloirs dropping away to your left, these are the Comborciere couloirs. They range in steepness and narrowness and the entry points are usually a little sketchy due to cornices so be careful picking your entry point. As a rule of thumb the steepness ranges from the steepest couloir being the first ones you walk past and the more mellow ones being a further hike along the ridgeline. They are north facing so are in the shade most of the time, so sometimes its a good idea to hit them mid morning once they soften. They are very prone to sluffing so manage your turns well and be wary of avalanche debris. This is the Y Couloir, named so as there are two entry point that join up creating a 'Y' shape. The first entry point is more exposed as it sits ontop of the couloir, so be carefull with avalanches here. Its a very fun face and usually has great snow. You will naturally ski into the main couloir on the skiers right. The second entry drops straight into the couloir. The top can be intimidating as there are usually cornices to avoid. Once into the couloir you can look forward to some amazing terrain especially after a recent snowfall. Just make sure to go one at a time as it acts like a natural funnel. Written by Leon Butler
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