Corsica backcountry skiing in Alta Strada

Ski touring in Haute Route Corsica traverses the island from south to north. This route is known for its wilderness and technical difficulty. I propose to make you discover this legendary hike and share my passion for “beauty island”.

This tour is the most pleasant way to achieve the famous Corsican Haute Route: Alta Strada. Its route follows variations which give priority to the descent pleasure. An assistance is implemented to improve your comfort, but this route is still a true mountain raid in autonomy that requires from the participants a good physical preparation, a taste for effort and an ability to be at ease with precarious comfort.

This Haute Route is traversed over seven days …

Day 1: Welcome in Ajaccio in early morning. Transfer to Val d’Ese station. First ascent in gentle slope to the crest of Scaldasole, short descent to the plateau of Pozzi and ascent of Monte Renoso (2357m) the highest peak in southern Corsica. Descent by the Longa valley wild route. Night in Capanelle.

Day 2: A long traverse in the beech forest leads us to Punta di l’Oriente, at 2112m of altitude. From the top the view is spectacular and the coasts are drawn in the east and west. The beautiful descent of the north valley leads to the Vizzavona forest and then the pass hamlet. Night in hotel.

Day 3: We put our skis on at the pass to go to the west. After an initial ascent to the Ceppu pass, we descend below the beech forest to the Tortettu sheepfold. We put on sealskins and progress in the Agnone valley at the foot of the majestic Monte d’Oro to the beautiful last slopes of Punta Muratellu, 2141m. The North Slope descent leads us to the refuge. Night at Onda Refuge.

Day 4: This long crossing step follows the watershed line between east and west. Some technical passages require to store the skis in the bag. Night at Petra Piana Refuge at1843m.

Day 5: This is the key step, after joining the high road pass we follow the ridge overlooking the Restonica Valley, the route often requires to use crampons to reach the Bocca à e Porte at 2225m. Finally, we can enjoy to slide down to Manganu Refuge, where we spend the night.

Day 6: The morning starts with the crossing of Camputile plateau before the ascent to Punta Artica, 2327m. Many routes are possible to reach Niolu Valley. The decision depends on snow conditions. Night in Calacuccia village.

Day 7: For this last day we aim to Pointe des Eboulis from its southern slope. A transfer in a 4×4 vehicle takes us to the snow limit. The bags are very light but the day will be long. The view from the top is breathtaking, with sometimes the Alps in sight. Transfer back to Ajaccio End of the tour.

I invite you to contact me if this magnificent adventure interests you. I will be happy to guide you in these beautiful places where nobody lives.