Ski alpinism: Bec du Chateau

The rain at high altitude of last week has totally changed the conditions in the mountains. The soft snow have been replaced by hard snow and ice, perfect to climb some Couloirs. I went back to Gialorgues to ski touring and to climb the Northeast Couloir of Bec du Chateau (400m, 45° average, AD-). Then I went back down to Sabore and skied Tete Ronde (2826 m). Descent in ski of the North face of Tete Ronde on very hard snow. Note the ice fall (Cascades) of Gialogues are in poor conditions.

Distance: 20 km, ascent: 1700m / descent: 1700m.

Bec du Chateau and the Northeast Couloir (© P. Gatta)

Description: park at St Dalmas le Selvage (1496 m) and go toward Vallon de Giarlogues (signpost 66, 72, 73). Reach the bottom of the Northeast Couloir of Bec du Chateau, very obisous. Climb the Couloir. Descend the Northwest slopes to the Trou de l’Ane, go back down Le Sabaroté, turn left and climb to the Tete Ronde (2826 m). Descend the Baisse of Tete Ronde and Vallon de la Braisse (58). Go back to St Dalmas le Selvage through Vallon de Sestriere (56, 55, 54, 51, 50).

In the Northeast Couloir of Bec du Chateau (© P. Gatta)

Tete Ronde on the right seen from the top of the Couloir (© P. Gatta)

On the top of Northeast Couloir of Bec du Chateau (© P. Gatta)