Best ski touring resort: Pelvoux-Vallouise
Micro-Adventure: The Best Resort for Ski Touring
When looking for the best ski touring resort, several criteria stand out: the quality of the trails, the variety of landscapes, safety, and direct access to the mountains. In Pelvoux-Vallouise, all these elements come together as naturally as can be. Nestled in the heart of the Pays des Écrins, the resort offers an ideal setting for ski touring right within the resort itself—amid forests and high mountains—a pristine environment where you can transition from the lifts to wilderness areas without ever losing that sense of freedom that is the very essence of the sport. Let the magic begin!
La Blanche, the iconic route
The ski touring route from La Blanche alone explains why Pelvoux-Vallouise naturally ranks among the best ski touring resorts.
After taking the resort’s two chairlifts (with the ski-touring pass—a real bargain!), we arrive at the summit of the ski area at an elevation of 2,300 meters.
Before we set off to tackle the mountain on skis, we test our avalanche transceiver* on the testing device provided. Backcountry skiers, just like downhill skiers, are well taken care of!
Now it’s time to climb the silent, pristine mountain, heading toward the Croix du Chastellet. Little by little, the resort fades from view. We’re still in Pelvoux-Vallouise, but we’re discovering a different side of it.
* Avalanche victim locator
“After the Croix du Chastellet, the trail follows the ridge for a while: it’s just incredible how beautiful it is.”
One last push through the high-mountain landscape to reach the summit of La Blanche at 2,953 m. And there, the scenery is breathtaking: a 360° view of peaks, each more majestic than the last, with Mont Pelvoux —nearly 4,000 m high—as the crowning glory. All fatigue melts away in the face of such a panorama. We treat ourselves to a well-deserved break with a light snack to recharge our batteries before the descent.
And what a run! We’re having an unforgettable time hurtling down wide slopes of fresh, powdery snow . The glide is exceptional.
Ski-touring route through the forest: another highlight of Pelvoux-Vallouise
Let’s strap on our touring skis at the base of the slopes and set out to conquer the mountain along a marked and safe route. Shortly after setting off, the atmosphere changes. Larch trees line the route, silence settles in, and the ascent becomes a contemplative experience. We enter a bubble, far from the hustle and bustle of the slopes. At the end of the route, we return to the trail for a gentle descent. A ski-touring route within the resort designed for fun, learning, and safety.
Ski touring at a resort offers the chance to combine freedom, nature, and safety. Because the mountains, as beautiful as they are, aren’t something to be taken lightly. To experience ski touring in the best possible conditions, turn to the professionals. They’ll provide you with personalized guidance and take you on the most scenic routes in the Pays des Écrins.
