- Timing: 2h50’ up
- Best season: March to April
- Aspect of the descent: S
- Ascent length: 6.100 m
Description
The Tête de Barasson is a snowy spur to the left of the Col de Barasson west. This route mainly takes place in the Combe de Barasson. The Eternon dessous village is the starting point, where a coloured, distinctive chapel steals the scene, continuing towards the beginning of the Combe, close to the Barasson mountain pasture. Climbing up along the entire valley and then up the sunny face leading to the Col de Barasson west, your destination will be a short distance. Some sections are decidedly steep and will require settled snow conditions. The descent is freely via your uptrack.
Shortly before Saint-Oyen, turn right and follow the sign for Prailles. Climb up the municipal road for about 4 km and then reach the small hamlet of Prailles dessous: continue straight towards Eternon dessous, that can be reached after 2 km. Do not go down to reach the hamlet, but leave the car at the fork: you can usually ski straight from the car.
From the car, follow the forestry road as far as the first hairpin bend, leave the road and climb up open pastures until you’ll find the road again. Carry on along the uphill road and reach the Barasson mountain pasture after two hairpin bends. Keep going along the bottom of the valley, keeping to the left of the stream. After the Le Crétoux (2074m) mountain pasture, overcome a small step to enter the final part of the Combe de Barasson, facing the border crest. Continue on a slight flat area and then climb up a very steep section leading to the left of the Col de Barasson east (2682m). Turn left and skin up the last 50m to reach the top of the Tête de Barasson (2731m). A steep affair that offers a fabulous view.
Descent
Make the descent freely via your skin track. After the first, somewhat steep section, keep going searching for the most lappable turns.