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Traverse Plan de la Lai to Les Mottets via Col des Fours

Albertville

A straightforward route offering a multitude of alpine highlights along the way.

Hiking Moderate

Distance
18 km
Ascent
1.3 km
Descent
1.2 km
Duration
5-6 hrs
Low Point
1.8 km
High Point
2.7 km
Gradient
17˚
Traverse Plan de la Lai to Les Mottets via Col des Fours Map

This route from Plan de la Lai to Ville des Glaciers is fantastic, offering a multitude of alpine highlights to see along the way.

Description

This route begins at the Refuge du Plan de la Lai, between Beaufort and Bourg Saint-Maurice, in the Beaufortain. Along the way, it passes the Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme, Tour du Beaufourtain, and the Col des Fours, before finally going down to the Vallée des Glaciers. The route offers a small deviation to the summit of Roche du Vent, which can be omitted if required.

The route is pretty straightforward. However, instead of going directly to the Crête des Gittes at the back of the Plan de la Lai, make a detour to the Rocher du Vent. There is a great view of the Lac de Roselend and Lac de la Gittaz from there. This detour can be omitted.

You can expect mostly rocky singletrack that gets rougher and more barren the higher the trail climbs. At times the effort required to step up/over rocky parts is moderate to hard (no scrambling required), but these sections are dispersed along the route so you can catch your breath and recover. The trail is narrow along the ridgeline, with small boulders to step over. Close to the end of the route, there are some looser, shaley sections over steep terrain.

Keep an eye out for the ibex and an ear out for marmots, which can be found in the area. The Mont Blanc is easily visible along this route, and is hard to miss!

This is a one-way route and will require planning to return at the start point. Shuttle services are available throughout the area during the peak summer period.

Difficulty

Moderate

Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between July and August

Features

  • Alpine
  • Wildlife
  • Picturesque
  • Summit Hike
  • Wild flowers
  • Water features

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area