Return: There are numerous possible descents from Chasseral; we descended to Cortebert in the St. Immier Valley, from where regional trains connect hourly towards Sonceboz-Biel or La Chaux de Fonds.
Route: Given the avalanche situation, we chose a very safe route, however did not slide all the way down due to high levels of snow; Good route for snow shoers, however;
From the skilift station climb the road towards Chasseral, pass the Metaillerie de Preles, and the turn off to the Bison Farm. Shortly afterwards, where the road turns sharp to the right (East) leave the road and gently climb up on the ridge towards Cledar de Pierrefeu. Follow the ridge all the way to the Antenna. Follow the ridge another 200m towards the restaurant, then leave the ridge and follow a small road descending North into the col between grand and petit Chasseral. Descent along the ridge of the Petit Chasseral direction East towards the Metaillerie du Milieu de Bienne, then keep North through a narrow valley to the Petit Douanne. From there follow the road to Les Goguelisses Dessous, from where the road is ploughed, and allowing an easy descent into Cortebert, given enough snow, directly on the railway platform.
On December 13, after several days of steady snow and low cloud the weather changed. We took the decision to ski Chasseral knowing that at some point we would break through the cloud and have tremendous views of the Alps. Little did we realise what awaited us - a panorama from the Rhone Valley and Mont Blanc in the West round to the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, and on to the East and the Appenzell. It was a fantastic ski along the ridge. It was our earliest ever ski tour in the winter season. It was also Castor's first real alpine tour and at times I think he thought we were mad. For a Tanzanian dog the picture of him coated in wind-blown snow is special. Within an hour after returning home I was on the train to Zurich and a flight to Dubai. It was a very, very special day. Thanks K.
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