Monterosa Advanced Skiing

None of the pistes in Monterosa – even the few black runs – pose much challenge to advanced skiers, unless you like to go at warp speed. Advanced skiers can choose from 17km of black runs with some testing sections and mogul fields, but the main attraction for advanced skiers is the superb off-piste and heli-ski potential.

Good grooming and few other skiers during the week, mean that some fast skiing is possible. The upper half of Salati and both sides down from the top of the Col Bettaforca are also ideal terrain for extreme carving turns.

The black run from Salati to Pianalunga is an excellent long run with a vertical drop of 1,000m. The big black run to ski repeatedly (there are many lines) is Balma, from Punta Indren to Alpe Balma. Marked only with central poles which invite exploration to either side, it sweeps down through a series of east-facing bowls towards Alagna.

The Malfatta and Punta Vittoria offer alternative routes down from the Punta Indren starting point. They are some of the area’s steepest couloirs, with gradients between 45 and 60 degrees, cutting through the cliffs above the Bors Glacier. These are serious off piste itineraries involving at best, good route finding and local knowledge, and at worst, a long rope and the skills to use it.

The Malfatta is reached by crossing the Bors glacier, and a 50m rope is necessary to negotiate the first gully, which gives access to the ski route below. Keep to the left of the bowl to reach Alpe Bors. Punta Vittoria is another extreme route, somewhat easier to navigate, reached via Forcella Bors.

From the top of the new Salati – Punta Indren lift there are numerous off piste descents on the south and west facing slopes, heading towards Gressoney Stafal. The Canale dell’Aquila to Gabiet, is accessible and not too steep, with gradients in the most difficult middle section, of approximately 35 degrees.

The Valle Salza is another long and pleasant descent, though slightly more difficult to route find. The first section crosses the Indren Glacier to a panoramic col, and involves a 15 minute climb. From the col, the route down the Lys valley is clearly visible.

Down the valley at Gressoney St. Jean, and unconnected to the main lift system, the run at Weissmatten is another to consider, particularly after a good snowfall. One chairlift takes you straight to the top from where the World Cup run cuts a steep route through the forested slope which is nearly always deserted. There are deep snow routes through the trees too, though good cover is needed: the tiny café at the top – like something out of Imperial Russia - is delightful. Mid morning is best, when the area gets some sun.

Champoluc gets the best of the few bumps, though there’s nothing fearsomely steep. All the marked pistes are thoroughly groomed, but several routes below chairlifts develop well.

Heliskiing in Monterosa
Heli ski and off piste excursions are available at reasonable prices, via numerous Mountain Guiding organisations in Monterosa. One of the best off piste heli itineraries in Europe is to be found in the Monterosa area, with Col del Lys (4,200m) as the starting point.

The first descent is on the Grenz glacier to Zermatt, surrounded by the awesome Lyskamm, Castore and Dufour peaks. From Zermatt a cable car reaches the Piccolo Cervino (Klein Matterhorn), from where the views are magnificent, and the descent back to Champoluc is through the gentle sweeping Cime Bianche valley. Guided, this route is within reach of most competent skiers with stamina, even with limited off piste experience. It is the kind of mountain experience however, that even accomplished skiers rarely have the opportunity to try.

The following safety equipment is now legally required for skiing off piste in most parts of Italy:

• Avalanche beacon (ARVA)
• Rucksack with spade and probes
• Harness when on glaciers

Also recommended:

• Helmet
• Warm, technical clothing, gloves and eyewear
• Flask and energy bar
• Mobile phone with emergency numbers