At the summit of Rocher Tourte

Starting from the square opposite the tourist office, cross the D36.
(S) Follow the road down behind the tourist office.

(1) Cross the bridge over the Gazeille.

Shortly after passing the house on your left (Chyere), leave the road and take the path on the right. Then put on your snowshoes.

Quickly leave the path to climb up the slope towards Mont Rechausseyre. Follow the edge of the forest. At the junction with a track, turn left to stay along the edge of the forest below Mont Rechausseyre. Turn right as if you were going to go round it.

At the edge of a spruce plantation, go straight on between pastures and woodland to reach the Peyrot track. Leave it on your right and continue straight on along the edge of the forest.

Enter the woods and climb gradually amongst the trees. At the foot of the Tourte rock, take the fork to the left and follow its base as if you were going round it. As you emerge from the forest and reach a flat area, veer to the right to continue skirting the summit on the left. Then climb gradually towards the summit.

(2) Descend from the summit via the same route. Below the summit, continue in a straight line down towards the woodland. Follow the edge of the woodland.

(3) Take the first path on the left to enter the woods. Stay on this main path until you reach a large crossroads. At this point, carry on straight ahead.

Return to Mont Rechausseyre and back to the starting point by following the same route as on the way up (E).

This is a very difficult hike as part of the route (below the Tourte rock and the ascent up it) takes you off the beaten track through the woods.

You can hire snowshoes by the day from one of the three shops in the village of Les Estables that offer this service. All three are close to the start of the walk:
- Phonolithe (ski, snowshoe and sledge hire).
- Michel Sports (ski and snowshoe hire) located near the Vival grocery shop.
- 3 Kite (kitesurfing and snowshoe hire/sales) near the restaurant Les 3 Monts.

Given the altitude and in bad weather, it can get very cold at the summit, especially as it’s often windy. Wrap up warm and don’t forget to take gloves, warm socks and a hat to protect your extremities.

Walking in snowshoes requires more effort than a summer hike. You’ll also need to manage your time carefully for the route, as the days are short in winter.

After braving the elements, you can seek refuge in the warmth of a bar in the village of Les Estables for a hot drink. What a relief for frozen hands and feet!

The family-friendly resort of Les Estables is the place to go for downhill skiing on the slopes of Mont Alambre. For beginners, the lower slopes offer facilities suitable for learning to ski (tow lifts and baby ski runs).

There are numerous cross-country ski trails starting from the Maison Forestière car park.

Before reaching the Col des Boutières, there’s the snow-kite area.