Pointe de Chamossiere ridge hike, Lac de Joux Plan, Les Gets

A circular route encompassing a stunning ridge hike with views down to the glacial valley of Samoens and Sixt Fer a Cheval whilst overlooked by Mont Blanc.

Technical sheet

n°18445126

A Verchaix walk posted on 13/01/22 by lducken1. Last update : 14/01/22

Activity: Walking
Distance: 5.79 km
Calculated time: 2h 45
Difficulty: Moderate
Return to departure point: Yes
Vertical gain: + 393 m
Vertical drop: - 386 m
Highest point: 1,998 m
Lowest point: 1,691 m

Areas: Alps, Giffre
District: Verchaix (74440)
Start/End: N 46.129675° / E 6.712562°
IGN map(s): Ref. 3528ET, 3528ETR, 3530ET, 3530ETR
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Description

(S/E) From the Col de Joux Plane, take the path in a Northern-west direction with the lake on your left-hand side.

(1) When you reach the first junction, take the path on the righthand side of the lake before bending right following the mountain track up on your left towards the top of the Telesiege de Chamossiere. Carry on straight ahead.

(2) A rocky steep mountain track takes up up to the arrival station of the Telesiege de Chamossiere (the track follows up the path of the red ski run). From here make a short steep climb above where you can then follow right the ridge path looking down at the valley below.

(3) Carry on straight ahead on the way you will find an opening point where the ridge dips down makes a perfect photo opportunity over to Mont Blanc.

(4) Carry on straight up to the Pointe de Chamossière (1839m). The climb up to Pointe de Chamossiere can be a little muddy and requires some care. When you reach a junction take one of the southernly paths towards 'La Bourgeoise (1772m).

(5) The ridge works its way down to Croix de Mapellet, a popular photography point and a spot for Parapentes to take off. Take a break there before going back to the junction. At the junction, take the path in a North-West direction going back to the Col de Joux Plane. If you take the wrong path, you will reach the D354 road and you will need to follow it up in a northern direction to the col. (S/E)

Waypoints

S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,691 m - Col de Joux Plane
1 : km 0.21 - alt. 1,702 m - Lac de Jouw plane
2 : km 1.37 - alt. 1,979 m - Telesiege de Chamossiere
3 : km 2.5 - alt. 1,802 m - View on Mt Blanc
4 : km 2.83 - alt. 1,853 m - Pointe de Chamossière
5 : km 3.81 - alt. 1,762 m - Croix de Mapellet - Cross and panoramic view
S/E : km 5.79 - alt. 1,693 m - Col de Joux Plane

Useful Information

Car park : Plentiful parking at the Lac de Joux Plan as it is the peak for those cycling the Col du Joux Plan, a legendary Tour de France route, with views over to Mont Blanc from the lake.

Gears : The ridge path is narrow at points (so not for those with fear of heights) but there are no cables/supports along the route, though walking poles are recommended.

Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

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During the walk or to do/see around

A perfect walk on an early morning clear day, watching the sun rise and providing stunning views of Mont Blanc as you walk the length of the ridge.

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