Ski Touring in Briançon — Routes, Guides & How to Get Started

Briançon is one of the premier ski touring bases in France, positioned between the Écrins National Park, the Queyras, and the Serre Chevalier valley. Ski touring combines uphill travel on climbing skins with powder descents on terrain inaccessible from lifts. Routes range from beginner-friendly valleys near Monêtier to serious 4,000m ski mountaineering in the Écrins. Most routes require a certified guide from the Bureau des Guides de Briançon.

Best Ski Touring Areas Near Briançon

• Monêtier-les-Bains — the best base for touring, closest to high terrain
• Col du Lautaret — accessible intermediate terrain, 15 minutes above Monêtier
• Écrins National Park (Ailefroide) — serious routes to 4,000m+, 35 minutes by car
• Queyras Regional Park — excellent day routes, less crowded, 30 minutes east
• Serre Chevalier back-country — off-piste accessible from ski area top stations

How to Start Ski Touring

• Book a guided introductory day with the Bureau des Guides de Briançon
• Rent touring equipment in Briançon (€35–€55/day including skins)
• Rent avalanche safety kit — beacon, shovel, probe (€15–€20/day)
• The Vallon du Casset from Monêtier is the classic first tour — 2.5 hours up, 45 minutes down
• A guided beginner day costs €80–€100 per person in a group

Season

• Best months — February, March, and early April
• Season runs December to late April
• Glacier tours in the Écrins continue into May in good snow years
• Check BERA avalanche bulletin daily at meteo-france.fr

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Briançon a good place for ski touring?

Yes — Briançon is one of the best ski touring bases in France. The area's position between the Écrins, Queyras, and Serre Chevalier means routes for all levels are accessible within 20–40 minutes. The continental climate provides good powder snow, and the Bureau des Guides de Briançon offers fully certified guiding for all levels.