Wed, 22 May 2019
Vertical Climbed: 332 meters (1,089 feet)
Vertical Descended: 330 meters
Rating: 2
General Description
From one of the car-parks at the col (take care, thieves operating) head to the Col du Coq then take the trail north-west which climbs through woods before turning North East at 1500 meters in a clearing. Carry on to the Habert de Pravouta (shepherd's cabin, typical Chartreuse style, possible to sleep overnight when the shepherd is not in residence - stove and wood but no water). From the Habert head south a couple of hundred meters to join a trail that climbs to the N.E. to a col at 1696 meters. From here follow a path south to the summit (cross). Return to the col and follow a path to the south-east across a steep, open slope. Note this slope is avalanche prone in winter if you are on snowshoes. Descend to the Col des Ayes, head south to pt 1501 meters then pick up the GR9 to the south-west which brings you to the col du Coq.
Warning
The south side of the Pravouta summit is a nature restricted nature reserve (rock ptarmigans etc). You can either return to the col de Pravouta (1696) meters or return by the climbing route but then it is not really a tour!
Trip Report
This is a short tour but the view from the summit are pleasant. I returned via the path I'd climbed, more or less, as I suspected there was still some snow on the NE slope below the Pravouta although I couldn't see anything.
Residual snow on north facing slopes but all the trails were snow free. Slippy and wet under trees. Not too warm.