Circuit from Refuge Ricou
A large circuit, over three passes and back to the refuge. The last pass is fairly long and alpine.
From the refuge, climb to Lac Laramon and Lac du Serpent, then continue on fairly easy slopes to Col du Grand Cros (2,848 m, with a possible and recommended round trip to the top of Les Gardioles). Take off your skins and ski down towards Vallon, losing as little height as possible and veer towards the large flatter area below Col du Vallon (2,645 m). Then head down the lovely north-facing combe, towards Thabor, and bear left across the lower flat to reach Lac Lavoir (2,281 m). Put your skins back on to begin the long climb to the unnamed pass on the map, north of Rocher de la Petite Tempête (2,947 m). The route passes by Lac de la Petite Tempête. The upper part is quite steep. Drop down to Ricou. This route can be made in either direction.
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Circuit from Refuge Ricou
see on map
From the refuge, climb to Lac Laramon and Lac du Serpent, then continue on fairly easy slopes to Col du Grand Cros (2,848 m, with a possible and recommended round trip to the top of Les Gardioles). Take off your skins and ski down towards Vallon, losing as little height as possible and veer towards the large flatter area below Col du Vallon (2,645 m). Then head down the lovely north-facing combe, towards Thabor, and bear left across the lower flat to reach Lac Lavoir (2,281 m). Put your skins back on to begin the long climb to the unnamed pass on the map, north of Rocher de la Petite Tempête (2,947 m). The route passes by Lac de la Petite Tempête. The upper part is quite steep. Drop down to Ricou. This route can be made in either direction.
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