Rochers de Chalves
A wild loop. Best done in powder.
Chartreuse
With Mick and Victor.
We set off to enjoy the exceptional low-altitude conditions of early December 2012 before the forecast thaw spoils the party.
After a peaceful climb through the forest above Mont Saint Martin, we come out onto the ridge leading to the Rochers de Chalves. Every bit of vegetation is weighed down with a heavy meringue of snow. The wind has been hard at work.
One last steep push and here we are on the first summit of the day: the Rochers de Chalves. This out-of-the-way, rarely visited summit offers a limitless view over the Voiron plain.
Off we go for the first descent of the day. A good layer of slightly packed powder lets us let loose and link turns through a snow-laden forest without worrying about the terrain! We ski down to Le Tenaison (900m) through a steep but open forest.
After a short bushwhack to find the forest track again, we settle back into a gentle climbing rhythm towards the Bannettes chalet.
The tour takes on a nordic feel when we come out at Vararey. The trees are nothing but snow and the finely sculpted terrain gives off a softness that invites contemplation. Instead of looping straight back to the Bannettes hut, we extend the tour via the Col d'Hurtières and the Rochers de Lorzier, where an extra treat awaits us: a mini descent so exquisite that we climb back up to gorge ourselves!
Secretly we are also playing with the light, as it would be a shame not to make the most of a promising sunset.
4pm, the first golden hues highlight the limestone cliffs made up with snow.
The forecast south wind has picked up and sweeps across the plateau.
The sun follows its course and we go along with it for a last magical descent on untouched snow.
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