Thu, 9 May 2013
Vertical Climbed: 1,100 meters (3,609 feet)
Vertical Descended: 1,100 meters
Rating: 3
From the forest hut follow a trail to the SE. At 930m at a crossroads the best is to take a marked path that cuts the zig-zags of the forest trail to a crossroads at 1250m. Here the trail continues to the south, follow a path that climbs to the NW to a clearing at around 1450m where you see a couloir that climbs between the summit cliffs. Climb the start of this couloir to 1520 m where it narrows then follow a balcony to the south for around 400m. This is more or less exposed.
Turn a corner to the west into a little valley and after about 200m climb some small cliffs to the North to reach the summit plateau at 1700 meters. Follow the cliff line to the north then west to reach the summit. The plateau after the Pas de la Porte is riddled with potholes which are snow covered in the winter. You can descend directly from the summit to the South-East but take care at the bottom of the summit slope.
Comments on route: The summit plateau is like a Swiss cheese, full of pot holes. These can be weakly bridged by snow. Take great care. Some are very deep.
Access: Pontcharra or Challes les Eaux autoroute exit > Chapareillan > la Palud forest hut at 850 m
Equipment: Crampons, Optionally a length of rope to help with any pot-hole rescue.
Country: France Area: Chartreuse Trailhead: Palud