LAST STOP TO HEAVEN...

 

 

If you are interested in going back to the roots of riding, the spot I am about to tell you might be of an interest.

Majestic and unique, this exclusive resort inspires a bit of mystery. The ones who really want to discover this spot will have to follow the clues…

 

- “Geographically this mountain is located on the ridge of what the roman conquerors used to name Lago Lausonius, known as Lac Léman by locals, and Lake Geneva by tourists. On the oriental part of Europe’s biggest and deepest lake, lays a city known worldwide for its Jazz Festival. In the city centre, there is a train station which is the bottom station of a mountain cog-rail train. A ride on this train will take you above the city, to a famous rocky summit, known as the marmot’s paradise. 55 minutes away from the ground station, you’ll reach the end of the line, 1975m above sea level.

Find the city, the railway station and the train and you’ll be able to ride this unique spot…”

 

For a first run, exit the train before the last stop, at the Col de Perche (Perche pass), 1800m. From there you will an easy run named “Piste du diable” (the Devil’s run). Don’t be fooled by the name, it’s not frightening at all since it barely reaches a 30° pitch! This run is not groomed and there are loads of fun options while riding through fields, paths and gardens. Depending upon the amount of snow, you’ll have to end the run at either the intermediate railway station named “Crêt d’y Bau” (1180m), or all the way down at Caux main station (1050m). There you’ll have the opportunity to rest at the charming “Buffet de la Gare”, waiting for the next train to come.

Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you that there is only one train going up per hour, which limits the number of daily runs to 8, so take it easy...

 

Looking up to the summit (2042m) from Caux, you’ll notice the steep forest couloirs on the summit’s west side (right of the antenna). To reach these runs you should at all times :

- be equipped with an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel

- be aware of the day’s avalanche risk, and weather forecast

- get the Swiss brown area map (scale 1:25’000 N° 1264)

- bring at least one other experienced freerider with you

- be sure of your own abilities

Take the time to carefully check the lines from the Devil’s run as they are engaged and there are only few places where you can stop safely during the run…

To get to the couloirs, you’ll have to reach the final railway station. From there, hike a bit behind the restaurant to reach the summit’s southern face.

Next, you’ll have to cross quickly, one at a time. This south face is exposed and the couloirs end in razor-sharp rocks… Be certain to not try this traverse after noon, or when the air temperature is too warm. The local avalanche danger is often very high.

At the end of the traverse you’ll reach the west shoulder and the Sautodo mountain pasture. From there, start hitting the famous couloirs… Some of them end on small or on bigger cliffs, depending on the snow layer… I told you to look carefully! At the bottom of these couloirs, you’ll reach a forest road that will bring you back to Brochex and Caux, with a 15 minute hike.

 

If those runs scare you, you can still enjoy the summit station’s snowpark. A few tables, a hip and some rails. Enough to keep you entertained for a day or so.

Other options are located around the “Dent de Jaman” (Jaman’s tooth). There is a ski lift open on weekends and holidays. Check the map, open your eyes and find some more good lines…

 

This spot is also great for paragliding, hang-gliding or exploring the backcountry. If you can read a map, you’ll love it!

As usual, respect nature, other riders and never surpass your own limits. Enjoy!

 

 

Info: (2005)

Season : December 15th till April 6th

Price : Daily pass (train + skilifts) Adults Chf. 29.- / Kids 14,50.-

Season pass : adults Chf. 377.- / Kids 189.-

 

Train run :

Crêt d’y Bau – Summit 20 minutes

Crêt d’y Bau – Perche pass 14 minutes

Caux – Perche pass 21 minutes

Caux – Summit 27 minutes

The first train leaves the main CFF railway station (in the city) at 8h46 am, and departs every hour, at quarter-of.

From Caux, first train is at 9h15 am and arrives every hour, at quarter-past.