- Timing: 2h30’ up
- Best season: January to March
- Aspect of the descent: N
- Ascent length: 4.600m
An unusual approach to the Flassin Valley
The Tête de Bois de Quart is the last spur of the long ridge that departs from Mont Flassin, going via the Tête Cordellaz and dividing the orographic basins of the Flassin and Citrin valleys. A discreetly panoramic peak, it offers dramatic views of the Coumba Freida – Cold Coombe.
This route initially goes via the long Flassin valley and then veers sharply right to climb the wooded slope as far as the top.
The descent is via the same face, crossing the wood of the ascent, which makes reaching the underneath valley slightly trickier; here, you will take up the classic descent back to the trailhead for a truly lappable run.
This itinerary is rated IMS and has some steep sections; you will need to be able to assess the best run in the densely wooded forest for the middle part.
From the car park, head SW and climb the snowy pastures, leaving the ski lift to the left, aiming to reach the houses of Rond on the edge of the wood. Keep going along shallow slopes and enter the valley, staying along its orographic left side, before crossing the gentle stream shortly before the Flassin Dessous mountain pasture. Keep climbing freely, mostly following the summer forestry road and going beyond the farmhouses of Flassin du milieu and Flassin and venturing into the valley that slowly opens up onto the magnificent Combe de Flassin. At about 1.780m, leave the track for the upper part of the valley, crab slightly to the right and cross a sparse wood to reach the harmless Torrent de Flassin, to be passed before veering sharply to the right. Climb the slope with a long diagonal among the larches. Once you are done with the steepest section at an altitude of 2.000m, you will merge with the summer path; turn right and climb the last, shallower slope. Once you have passed the forestry bivouac (2.200m), the peak is in sight, exit the wood and reach the rounded summit with a wooded cross on top (2.248m).
Descent
Make the descent via the skin track freely as far as the trailhead.
You will initially drop on somewhat shallow slopes, but then the steepness ramps up and you will have to negotiate skiing in the wood. The last part is on the forestry road, usually well tracked out because of the many enthusiasts who visit the area.