Our Routes for Beginners in Ski Touring (Isère and Savoie)

In recent years, ski touring and splitboarding have been gaining popularity! To meet this demand, some ski resorts now offer marked ski touring routes, making it easier to get started safely.

Are you interested in ski touring but don’t know where to practice? MONTAZ has selected 7 marked routes in Savoie perfect for beginners!

• Les Crêtes – Aillons-Margériaz

This beginner-friendly route presents no particular difficulties. It starts with a section in the forest, then follows the ski slopes and finishes along the ridge, where several viewpoints offer stunning panoramas!

The summit of Mont Margériaz (1845m) provides magnificent views of the surrounding peaks: the Bauges massif, Mont Blanc, the Chartreuse massif, Mont Nivolet, and La Féclaz.

The descent follows the “Le mur du golet” ski slope. If you prefer an easier descent, turn back to the “Le roc de Balme” chairlift, which gives access to two blue slopes (Le Chamois and Les Gélinottes).

The full route can be found here.

• La Solaise – Val d’Isère

The forest ascent allows you to progress at your own pace while enjoying some peace and quiet. Thanks to gentle turns, you can practice switchbacks without tackling a steep slope.

The descent options include the “piste M” (red slope) or the “Rhône-Alpes” (black slope).

The full route is available here.

• La Scia – Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse

This marked route is a classic for beginner ski tourers. Some slightly technical sections near the end may require switchbacks.

Along the route, there are four intermediate escape points if you don’t want to reach the Scia summit.
Due to a rock barrier at Les Essarts (southeast side), do not leave the marked trail.

The descent can be done via a blue slope (Écureuils), a red slope (Coqs), or a black slope (Chardons or Chamois).

The full route is available here.

• La Trace Bleue - Arêches-Beaufort

Starting at the top of the Les Bonnets Rouges cable car, a Rando 2000 pass (€16.60) is required. With only 300m of elevation gain, this route is suitable for beginners.

It winds through spruce trees and follows the ridge leading to the Forclaz pass. The descent can be done via a blue slope (Perdrix) or a red slope (Grand Rognoux). Its proximity to ski slopes allows flexible descents.

The full route is available here.

• Le Roc - La Rosière

Starting from the station base, this route has 483m of elevation gain and is easily accessible. It offers a panoramic view of the Haute-Tarentaise valley and sunset over the surrounding mountains. Extending along the ridge provides even more breathtaking views.

If possible, take some time to reach the Fort de la Redoute for a spectacular view of the Petit Saint Bernard pass.

An alternative from Centre des Eucherts via Le Parcours à Serge also leads to the Roc summit. The descent follows the blue slope (Tétras).

The full route is available here.

• La Chaudanne - Méribel

The route begins in the forest and continues through an open area with a beautiful valley view.

This is an intermediate route, but there are escape options along the way.
The descent can be done via blue slopes (Givre, Lièvre, Roc de Fer), a red slope (Éterlou), or a black slope (Bosses).

• La Faysse – Karellis

Starting from the station center, this route follows the Vordaches and Embrumes slopes and the summer hiking trail. An intermediate point (410m elevation gain) allows for descent.

The descent can be done via red slopes (Embrumes or Vordaches).

Ski Touring Equipment Rental

If you want to try ski touring without investing in equipment, you can rent skis, boots, poles, airbag backpacks, avalanche transceivers (DVA), shovels, and probes at our MONTAZ store near Chambéry, in La Ravoire.

See our Rates and Reservations.

How to Dress for Ski Touring?

A common mistake for beginners is dressing like alpine skiers, which often leads to overheating early in the climb. Check out our guide on how to dress properly for ski touring.