How to get there:
This mountain is near Albertville. There is parking for
quite a few cars at the top of a local (paved) mountain road. This
location is N45.736946, E6.368928, elevation slightly above 1200 meter.
Route description:
There are 2 routes, almost equal in time, this makes for a nice circular hike.
I would recommend to start out south, ie. go left when facing the mountain from the parking area.
The trail is well marked. There is a warning about steep terrain and difficult passages, however
this route never exceeds (YDS) class 2. In addition, there are quite new cables in several locations
where there is some exposure.
The trail starting sort of south, runs towards the very distinct col
that may be seen from the start.
Pretty flat to start with, then gradually a more sustained ascent until the col is reached. The far side
of this col is surprisingly steep. The trail now ascends right, but overall the route has a pretty long
ascending traverse towards your left. Higher up, there are a few slightly steeper sections some with
protection, but nothing difficult.
The route finally makes the main crest and heads towards a distinct top ahead.
This is a false summit, but
you will immediately see a next summit
ahead along the ridge. This is also false, but then
the proper summit comes into view.
A short walk will get you there.
The summit also has a viewfinder on the top.
There is a warning sign
indicating that a continuation north is difficult. This is not at all clear,
I would think that descending back the route of ascent might be of similar character.
The trail runs on the very top of the ridge,the views from this part
of the trail are excellent.
A couple of spots when descending are equipped with a chain for extra safety. There are no hard
spots. Soon, the route is back down into the forest. You will eventually get back on some forest road.
The descent continues and briefly crosses some open fields before diving back into the forest.
There is a pretty nice alternative to the road when descending the last section. This is a well kept
trail that zig-zags back down to reach the trailhead.
Comments:
I climbed this peak when we made a stop driving from Montgenevre to Megeve. Heidi went hiking to
a restaurant, the first part of her hike followed the last part of the descent route described above.
I left at 1155 and had a nice walk. First, up to the distinct col, next a somewhat steeper trail
that got me to the summit after a couple of false summits along the top ridge. The ascent took
1:30 hours. I rested about 10 minutes. Good views from this summit. The descent, completing a circular
route, took one hour. Heidi arrived back shortly before me and was busy trying to cool the car when
I arrived. (By keeping severaal doors open.)
Resources:
Dent de Cons. The route ascends the col in the picture from
the opposite side.
