Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

An challenging tour to the Passo/Forcelle Cristallo is a dream come true for everyone who loves thrilling descents. It begins just above the Schluderbach junction, and the most extensive variant finishes with a descent to Passo Tre Croci. Ascent starts along a shaded, gentle, rocky streambed leading into a grand alpine valley. You exit its narrow confines via a tight corridor through the rocks (on the left, to the north). Afterward, you cross a consistently steep, wide slope heading toward a choke point below the saddle.

Descent: Usually, you follow the same path used for the ascent. A very worthwhile alternative is descending on the south side. First, there’s a very steep section, which often has firn-like snow thanks to the sun. While skiing down the scree slopes, stay to the right, then go between the dwarf pines down to the saddle near Hotel Tre Croci (bus stop).