Sentier raquettes : Col du Lac Blanc

So you just have to reach an altitude of 2800 m to find yourself on a journey! There is vegetation, but it only grows at ground level. It therefore becomes invisible when the snow falls. It is composed of lichens and creeping willows, considered as trees because they produce wood, small but wood nonetheless! In addition, under the appearance of an uninhabited place, specific animals adapted to this environment tread the slopes of these spaces despite complex weather conditions. The mystery of life takes shape despite difficult conditions: snow, wind, strong solar radiation.

The Pic Blanc 3323m above sea level is the highest point of the ski resort, Pic Bayle, named after Abbot Bayle who climbed it for the first time in 1874, is located at 3464m and finally further north the Etendard (3465m). The highest point of the massif remains to be discussed because on some maps we find Pic Bayle as the highest point... quarrel between Isère and the Kingdom of Savoy since we are on the edge...

On your left is the chalet/hut of the ski patrollers whose role is to mark out the area, limit the risks of the terrain by signaling cliffs and other dangers. Their roles are vast, they are there to rescue you, but also to trigger avalanches and allow the practitioners of the area to progress in complete safety. Many professions little known to the public are necessary for the proper functioning of a ski area. For example, at night the snow groomers and their pilots work the slopes to guarantee you good quality snow.

You can see large pipes in the mountains near the slopes. These are called Gazex. They are preventive avalanche triggers.
They are managed remotely. Sometimes before the opening of the area, you hear "booms", detonations. The gas will cause an explosion, a wave that will trigger or not an avalanche. They are located in strategic places, for example in a corridor overlooking a ski slope. The goal is to provoke the avalanche artificially.

All waste must be brought back by hikers. This rule applies along the trail. The forest environment must be preserved, avoid cutting branches or mutilating them.

Tips:
– Make sure snow doesn’t get into your shoes by using gaiters.
•During the snowshoe hike:
– Remember to release the heel of the snowshoe! FYI, we sometimes attach the back of the foot when going downhill when there is a lot of snow.
– Set off with poles, essential for balance.
– Don’t hesitate to tap your snowshoe with your stick from time to time, this will remove some of the accumulated snow and therefore lighten your step.
– Foggy glasses are usually a good indicator of too much body heat or a change in body heat that is too rapid. If this happens, you can reduce your speed, the number of layers of clothing or simply ventilate everything by encouraging fresh air to enter under your windbreaker.

Subject to favorable weather conditions