Lakes Hike - Haute-Savoie (74)

Morning departure for Fer à Cheval, the source of the Giffre. The beginning of the walk, which is rather flat, allows us to warm up for the steep rise du Bout du Monde, the glaciers of the High Giffre. The summits of Ruan, Prazon, Tenneverge and countless waterfalls offer pleasant scenery all along the climb. The impressive Pas du Boret will give you a taste of what this trek has to offer. After leaving our bags at the refuge (1901m), we’ll go up to Lake Vogealle (2001m) where we can walk around the lake and explore its shores. The challenge is to find the point where the water disappears underground only to reappear 1000m lower, at a point just above Nambride. At dusk we descend to the refuge where the guardians prepare a hearty meal.

Positive altitude difference: 1050m

Negative altitude difference: 100m

Duration: 3h30 to reach the refuge and a good 2 hours to go and enjoy the lake.

We leave at 8.30am and walk in the direction of la Vogealette. At Pas de l’Ours we may observe ibex as we continue our ascent towards Col des Chambres (2338m). This area is extraordinarily wild and dramatic between Pointe Rousse and Pointe de Bellegarde and will be very enjoyable especially if we see chamois, ibex and ptarmigan. If you have the inclination and the conditions are correct, before the descent we can go to the top of the Pointe de Bellegarde (2514m). A high valley whose base is almost always snowy, it leads to the Lake des Chambres which is partially frozen throughout the year. We are in the supply basin that feeds the Jean Bernard karst, a vast underground drainage system. The cracks and gaps in the limestone are eroded over time by the melting snow and open up forming underground galleries and waterfalls (depth 1602m). For many years this karst was the deepest cave in the world.

However, we’ll simply descend to refuge Folly (1558m) among the rhododendrons and greenery!!!

Positive altitude difference: 430m (+176m if pointe de Bellegarde)

Negative altitude difference: 780m (+176m if pointe de Bellegarde)

Duration: 5h

8.30am start and head for la Combe aux Puaires, set in a large lapiaz. Under the watchful eye of chamois, we take a gentle incline to achieve a positive altitude difference of 700m, then the gradiant increases to Pointe Droite and the Pas au Taureau pass. Facing the Dents Blanches and overlooking the Lake Vogealle, we finally reach the Pas au Taureau (approx. 2550m) then trek down towards the Bostan Pass (2290m) in an ever changing landscape.

From there we descend to refuge de Bostan (1763m).

Positive altitude difference: 950m

Negative altitude difference: 790m

Duration: 6h

We take a more sedate descent to the Allamands, and find once again the lush vegetation of this beautiful valley. There we will take the minibus back to Samoens.

In the afternoon we will go Rafting on the Giffre.

This hike is suitable for good walkers or at least walkers who have done a minimum of preparation ie. walking shoes that are already broken in. There is nothing worse than having blisters on your first day. It’s also a good idea to have had a short experience hiking already.

Children from age 11 are welcome if they like to walk and are motivated. Don’t force them!!

Price:

Hiking and white water package: €190/person

+ 3 night package ½ board in refuges + picnics (excluding drinks) €152/adult (approximately)

+ 3 night package ½ board in refuges + picnics (excluding drinks) €120/child under 12 (approximately)