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| The last section of skinning to the Col Ouest de Barasson |
Driving down the Val d'Entremont towards Bourg St. Bernard there was a surprising amount of snow on the tops and upon reaching the huge car park before the tunnel to Italy we realised we must have just reached the snow/rain line from the other day as a fresh amount of powder graced the slopes.
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| It wouldn't be ski touring without crossing a stream! |
Skinning up in the car park we soon set off up the (never-ending) road towards the Grand St Bernard Monastery. Not long after Pont de Nudry we headed south up the Combe de Barasson towards the Col Ouest de Barasson. At this point the slopes steepen a bit and you finally feel like you are getting closer, leaving the easy going road behind. A few hours after leaving the car park we were there.
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| Despite skinning in the shade it was very mild |
The views from the col are spectacular. Not only can you see into Italy and the Aosta valley, but you are also rewarded with views of Mont Blanc, Grand Jorasses and the higher peaks of the Vanoise.
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| Posing like a tourist (and showing off the new skimo boots - gear report to come shortly!) Photo by David Roberts |
After a quick bite to eat we skied down to the Combe des Morts junction and made the quick skin up to the monastery. Coming from Verbier, the price of coffee at the monastery is worth a visit for in itself! But really, it is a unique mountain hut, incredibly friendly, good food and coffee, a church on site and some monks still work there.
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| Obligatory ski pole waving upon reaching the Col Ouest de Barasson |
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| The only skiing shot I have of the day! Good snow, but lots of rocks |
Having skied over enough rocks we opted to ski down the road to the car park where the compacted snow was more like a piste. A few minutes later we were back, having survived the first ski tour of the season, and in want of more... but first a bit more snow please.
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| Watch out for falling snow at the monastery! |
hello! I want to do the same trip next week to reach St Bernard on skitours! Could you just tell me where is the best starting point (concerning the buses or trains also?). And is there any map of the road or you just go as you want? I can't find anything in the internet! I will be grateful for help! Beautiful pictures ;-)
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