Description

At the height of the summer Chamonix can be overwhelmingly busy, with the lifts and trails of the valley all full to capacity.

The area above Plaine Joux, on the other hand, is often quiet to the point of feeling deserted, and this hike seems particularly neglected despite its quality. The trip begins and ends in Plaine Joux, a ski area whose parking area enjoys one of the finest views of any carpark in Europe! Begin by hiking out towards the intimidating rocky faces of the Rocher de Fiz either on the high path (drawn here) or on the lower track which pass Lac Vert and the Refuge Le Châtelet d'Ayères. Both options converge at a cluster of tiny chalets (the Ayeres des Pierrieres) from where the steep and rocky ascent to the Passage du Dérochoire begins.

The hiking is never technical but it's steep, loose and rocky, and there is a very easy section of scrambling close to the top.

Keep on trucking all the way to the Passage itself and then turn back to enjoy a truly magnificent view across the highest mountain in the Alps! Drop north off the Passage into a wild-feeling valley and descend (initially quite easily but increasingly steeply as you continue) down to the Refuge de Platé, which sits in a beautiful hanging bowl high above the Arve Valley.

Get some calories on board and then descend the steep and spectacular path which winds down above, through and then beneath the spectacular cliffs and overhangs known as Les Miots. Once below the cliffs it's something of a slog, including a road section, back to Plaine Joux but it's a price well worth paying for such an exceptional hike.