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Tag: ski touring

Couloir E de Brèche Cordier, les Ecrins, France

Couloir E de Brèche Cordier, les Ecrins, France

Published by Paul on May 7, 2014

In December 2012 I started a one year trip that eventually turned into a 17 month trip. After completing my initial goal to ski all seven continents, I made some new goals. Skiing on high altitude was also accomplished, for the moment at least, when descending from the summit of Cotopaxi (5897 m). The only goal left, was to complete a serious steep skiing descent. In Chamonix conditions were not on my side. The Ecrins however, finally delivered. Skiing Couloir E de Brèche Cordier was the ultimate way to finish my trip!

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NE couloir of Pointe d’Orny, Val d’Arpette, Switzerland

NE couloir of Pointe d’Orny, Val d’Arpette, Switzerland

Published by Paul on April 18, 2014

Chamonix and its valley is probably the most visited area for skiing and ski mountaineering. For good reason that is because the terrain is endless and offers a challenge for all abilities. However, a drawback of the popularity are the crowds. A great alternative is offered just around the corner in Switzerland. Behind the ski resort of Champex the Val d’Arpette has plenty of great couloirs to keep you busy for days without having to fight for space.

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Iran; ancient cities and Persian powder

Iran; ancient cities and Persian powder

Published by Paul on March 16, 2014

After all my travels there is one obvious region I haven’t visited; the Middle East. One country in this region stands out in terms of variety it has to offer. The Silk Road and Islamic buildings offer some impressive architecture. Multiple deserts and mountains identify its landscape and make for interesting excursions. And, finally, the Trans Asia Express train ride offers a great alternative for the much more touristy Trans Siberia Express. This country of course is Iran.

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Morocco; skiing couloirs from the Tazaghart hutskiing couloir Median near Tazaghart hut

Morocco; skiing couloirs from the Tazaghart hut

Published by Paul on February 16, 2014

In March 2013 I skied in the Atlas mountains for the first time (click here to read the trip report). I summited some peaks around the Toubkal hut and skied perfect corn snow. Apparently there is another, more remote, hut from where one can access a number of beautiful couloirs. In February 2014 I visited Refuge Tazaghart in order to ski the best lines Africa has to offer…

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Couloir ouest de l’Adad, Atlas mountains, Morocco

Couloir ouest de l’Adad, Atlas mountains, Morocco

Published by Paul on February 12, 2014

Morocco offers several options for skiing. If you’re looking for couloirs however, there is only one place. Refuge Tazaghart is surrounded by many narrow corridors, all pretty easily accessible. Couloir ouest de l’Adad was spotted when climbing couloir Occidental on the opposite side of the valley. It looked simply amazing and had to be skied. February 7, 2014, together with Jurriaan Huisman, I decided to give it a go.

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Couloir Median, Atlas mountains, Morocco

Couloir Median, Atlas mountains, Morocco

Published by Paul on February 10, 2014

Morocco offers several options for skiing. If you’re looking for couloirs however, there is only one place. Refuge Tazaghart is surrounded by many narrow corridors, all pretty easily accessible. One of the better couloirs in the area is Couloir Median which offers two variations. Looker’s right there is a very narrow couloir, nice and steep. I climbed and skied it on February 6, 2014, together with Jurriaan Huisman.

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Antarctica; skiing on the white continent
East couloir, Volcan Lanin, Argentina

East couloir, Volcan Lanin, Argentina

Published by Paul on October 8, 2013

The lake district in both Chile and Argentina is a perfect location to ski some volcanoes during the Southern Hemisphere’s spring. Most of them can be skied in one day. For two of them a multi-day trip is required. Mount Tronador is more of a mountaineering objective and therefore lacking a great ski descent. The biggest ski objective of all the volcanoes therefore is Volcan Lanin. A two-day trip will get you to the summit of 3776 meters from where you can ski down a beautiful couloir on the East flank of the volcano…

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Northern Patagonia; backcountry skiing

Northern Patagonia; backcountry skiing

Published by Paul on October 7, 2013

After freeriding in Las Leñas, it was time to explore the backcountry of the Andes in the springtime. In the lake district some mountain huts can be found that offer excellent terrain and some of the resorts offer easy accessible backcountry with amazing views. Furthermore the Andes is the place to ski some beautiful volcanoes. All objectives being located in Patagonia, the biggest enemy is the weather. I had time though, so between all the rain, snow and wind there should be some sunny spells…

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Central Couloir, Refugio Frey, Argentina

Central Couloir, Refugio Frey, Argentina

Published by Paul on September 9, 2013

Bariloche is a popular town for tourism located in the lake district of Argentina. It has some beautiful scenery to offer which attracts outdoor minded people both in summer and winter. In winter many people go skiing at the well-known resort of Cerro Catedral. This resort gives also access to a backcountry area next to a great hut, refugio Frey. This backcountry area is known for having great couloirs…

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