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2008/04/18 – Aiguille de l’Encrenaz, North Couloir photo01 (IMG_2760.JPG Kb)
 Aiguilles Rouges offers many varied and exciting couloirs. Today I went by myself to l'Encrenaz and skied the North couloir in powder snow. After the Floria drag-lift there is a long traverse around the Aiguilles, direction Lac Blanc. You will arrive to the slopes below the Col de l'Encrenaz. The beginning of the couloir is left of the Col. Pretty obvious to see. It's also possible to access from the south side of l'Encrenaz by a large easy angled couloir. photo02 (IMG_2803.JPG Kb)
 Halfway up the couloir. This was the first time I went here so I didn’t dare to take the shortcut access by the south side. The couloir itself is about 50° degrees steep. You have to set up a rappel after about 100m(I used a 60m rope). After the rappel it's less steep, about 40°-45° degrees. You will end up at the Buet hotel. Perfect place to take a coffee! photo03 (IMG_2810.JPG Kb)
 Photo taken at the top of the couloir. photo04 (IMG_2814.JPG Kb)
 the south couloir that is a quick shortcut to reach the north couloir. photo05 (IMG_2822.JPG Kb)
 It’s more fun to have one to ski with(and safer), but if you don’t have anyone, it’s better to go alone than to sit at home and do nothing! photo06 (IMG_2823.JPG Kb)
 This is a true hidden place in the Aiguilles Rouges. This couloir is not very often skied. Pretty strange, this is hight quality ski-touring! photo07 (IMG_2826.JPG Kb)
 The rappel, 30m. If you want to access it the same way you ski down it’s a better way to pass this section. Go around this rocks by right side. It’s not very easyhere either, the ground is rocky and icy here aswell but anyway little bit easier than go straight up. photo08 (IMG_2825.JPG Kb)
 After the rappel. Stay right on the descent, the snow here is in shade and stays cold. Data info: traverse from floria,55min and +175vertical meters. Skins up to the beginning of the couloir,44min and 300 vertical meters. Steep climbing, 1hour,47min and 315 vertical meters. The descent took 60min and was 1490 vertical meters.
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