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| Snowshoe / ski touring trail? Plenty of fresh tracks left through the trees |
On the way to the Chamonix valley from Switzerland there are several good ski tours to enjoy. Many are classic glacial / steep journeys venturing high into the mountains. One, just above Martigny, is a classic, gentle, tree covered route with excellent views (although more commonly skied in bad weather!)
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| The view from Ravoire down the Rhone Valley |
After the first hairpin bend on the road towards Chamonix you'll come across a turning to Ravoire. Take this and follow it towards the village. Stay on the main road through the houses and shortly after the next two hairpins there is a large parking spot on the LHS. At 1109m there is a fairly high chance you will have to walk to reach the main snowline. There are a few parking spaces above the village, but the snow clearing of the roads to reach these seems unreliable. A public bus also visits Ravoire.
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| One of the first fields on the way to the Arpille |
Following the roads out of the village to the West, either towards La Foret, or further north along the marked snowshoe track. Soon you will emerge into the more open forest and pass the Chalets de L'Arpille. The slope is beautifully gentle and steadily gains height. Even trail breaking seems pleasant! On a good day you will see the high points ahead of you.
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| Following the main snowshoe route towards the Chalets de L'Arpille |
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| Mont de L'Arpille in the distance |
Past the buildings the terrain steepens slightly. Head in the same direction curve around point 2052 to a small col. From here stay roughly on the ridge to the main summit, marked by a signpost at 2085m.
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| The summit of Mont de L'Arpille |
Returning the same way enables plenty of great tree skiing to be had, and in stable conditions you can ski more directly down the East face too. Yo-yos of the slope generally seem worthwhile between 1400-1600m and the summit, snow dependant.
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| Mont de L'Aprille at the bottom left, Martigny is the town at the top right from Switzerland Mobility website |
I still haven't been there in good weather, but I think I'm going to have to go back just for the views.
