Thu, 15 January 1998
Vertical Climbed: 921 meters (3,022 feet)
Vertical Descended: 938 meters
Rating: 2.2
Avalanche Risk: 2
Snowline: 870
Access
N90 from Grenoble/Chambery, St Pierre d'Albigny, D911 to Ecole, follow signs for the Vallee de Bellevaux. Parking after the path to Notre Dame de Bellevaux at 870 meters depending on the snow.
Route Description
From the car park (the road is not cleared of snow from le Martinet - 800m) but it may be possible to park at the summer car park (862m) depending on the snow) follow a track to the south west to an Oratoire at 897m, cross the bridge over the Arclusaz stream and after a bend to the right take a track (not the first one on the left bank of the stream which is a dead end) to the south that climbs to the Chalet du Pra (1410m) then the Chalets des Arbets (1536m) to reach the summit 1770m. You have a spectacular view of the Combe de Savoie. It is possible to climb to the east to the Chapeau de Napolean (1854m). Only the final slope presents a real avalanche risk but be careful of the slopes under the Dent d'Arclusaz.
Skiing down refit skins after the Chalet des Arbets at pt. 1441 m. and climb to the col under the Beau Molard to the North-East above the Chalet de Bottier. Follow the clearing below the Chalet de Bottier then the bed of the river (les Combes) to the chapel of Notre Dame de Bellevaux. The descent is through a number of clearings interspersed with skiable woods and is much better than descending the forest path.
Watch out for buried barb wire fences when descending. Avalanche risk from the Arclusaz slopes.
Trip Report
Starting at 13h30 from the summer car park I missed the right path at the footbridge, I was drawn to the small Chapel of Notre Dame de Bellevaux. I reached the Bottier chalets in a nice bowl but with a very steep slope in front and I realized my error. I took a track to the Lauzerin chalets but it had cost me a lot of time. I reach the col very late and the descent via the normal track was at dusk arriving at the car at 17h30.
Windblown snow. Hard skiing on the forest trail.