A natural ski paradise
7am this morning, 30cm of fresh snow covered the mountains. We're heading for Crévoux, one of the finest freeride spots in the Southern Alps.
Alone on the ski lift, the forest fades into the distance. The great slopes of Pré de l'Etoile, the summit of the resort, gradually come into view. They are immaculately white. The cold is sharp and biting. The snow promises to be incredibly light.
Your friends join you at the summit. A photo to immortalize the panorama... From Parc National des Écrins to Lac de Serre-Ponçon. One photo! But quickly, your spatulas get impatient, hectares of powder await you.
White orgy at the summit
First turns, the snow explodes in your face, blinding you for a few seconds. What an incredible sensation... A skier springs to your right, screaming with delight: no stopping on this first run. Le Pré de l'Etoile rides like a dream. Take a rest on the way up.
End of the first descent. Emotions mingle with sensations. Breath is short and thighs sting, but euphoria takes over. The desire to draw new freeride lines wins out. It's time to go back up!
Le vallon Pellat: wide-open freeride in full sunshine
One ride follows another. You tip over into the Pellat valley. A must-see in Crévoux. A quick traverse opens its doors. Its gentle, sun-drenched slopes seem endless. The Ratelle huts in the distance are tiny. One look, one smile: another plunge into an ocean of virgin snow. What luck!
If you've got ski touring equipment, there are plenty of other possibilities, but we're not going to tell you everything either, as that would spoil the fun!
A mysterious getaway in the heart of the forest
It's almost midday, time for freeriding in the forest: an institution in the Southern Alps. Especially in Crévoux. Each snowfall creates a new setting, as if by magic. A line takes shape, a curve, a stump, a jump. The trees dictate the trajectory like slalom gates, and the group disperses. In a hushed atmosphere, only the occasional cheer disturbs the peacefulness of the place.
A cross-country ski trail crosses your path. It's the key to getting back to the resort safely. You meet up with the rest of the group covered in snow. A few falls punctuate the descent... Everyone recounts their run, more incredible than the last. The snow is even deeper in the shelter of the forest, soft as silk.
Larch, the tree of light
Authentic mountain village atmosphere
Attracted by a field of powder, you leave the track and descend to the village. This is a traditional mountain village. Time passes more slowly here than elsewhere. A farmer emerges from his barn. A cow has given birth during the night. You'll be back this evening to buy some cheese from her. It's the best in the area, and the best for raclette.
Back at the resort, you find your friends sitting on the terrace. Beer is served. Time for a break. New adventures await you this afternoon.
A few precautions
Freeriding is practiced in unmarked, unsafe high-mountain terrain. Off-piste skiing requires a high level of technical and physical fitness, as well as the right equipment to ensure your own safety (avalanche transceivers, probes and shovels). If you don't have the necessary skills and equipment, call on the services of a professional (ski instructors or mountain guides) to discover this world in complete safety.
The right reflexes to adopt
Prepare your freeride outings by consulting the weather forecast and the Avalanche Risk Assessment Bulletin
Don't ride alone!
DVA, probe and shovel essential!!!
Adapt your outing and choose your routes according to snow conditions.
Ask the ski patrollers at the resort about current conditions.
The Ecrins Massif
- Apartment-
- House accommodation-
Attractive 65m2 T3 duplex apartment on the first floor of the property with panoramic views over Lake Serre-Ponçon, the Durance and the surrounding mountains. South-west facing, in a quiet hamlet in an ideal location!
Les Sapins
- Apartment-
- House accommodation-
House in the heart of the village, not overlooked. Sunshine all day long. Ground floor flat sleeps 5 to 7 people. One bedroom with 1 double bed and one bedroom with 3 single beds. Two shower rooms and two WCs, one of which is separate.
Les Sapins 1
- Apartment-
- House accommodation-
Pretty flat sleeping 6/8 people, on the 1st floor of an old renovated house In the heart of the village of La Chalp. Not overlooked, sun all day. 200m from the cross-country ski slopes, 2.5 km from the downhill ski slopes and 17km from Embrun.
Les Marmottes
- Apartment-
- House accommodation-
In the heart of the authentic, friendly and peaceful village of Crévoux. Summer: walks in the larch forests and swimming in Lac de Serre-Ponçon. Winter: downhill and cross-country skiing, dog-sleigh rides.
Les Sapins 2
- Apartment-
- House accommodation-
House in the heart of the village, not overlooked. Sun all day long. Living room with kitchen area. One bedroom with double bed and one bedroom with two bunk beds. 200m from cross-country ski slopes, 2.5 km from downhill ski slopes and 17km from Embrun.
Chalet L'Eyssina
- Chalet-
- Mountain chalet-
- Complete dwelling-
We restored this house in 2010 by converting the first floor, which had previously been used as a barn. We combined rustic features with modern comforts. It has a large dining room, lounge, kitchen, 2 bathrooms and 3 bedrooms.