Around Lake Besson in the Alpe d'Huez area

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A very pretty circular route with a wild, high-mountain atmosphere despite the presence of the L'Alpe d'Huez cross-country ski area, which, incidentally, allows you to hike safely whilst making your own tracks in the powder snow.

Details

n°966206
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Snowshoeing
    Activity: Snowshoeing
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.44 mi
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 2.5 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 427 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 427 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 7,021 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 6,696 ft
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Description of the walk

The ascent to the plateau can be made either via Oz-en-Oisans, taking the Poutrans 1 and 2 cable cars, or via L’Alpe d’Huez via the DMC cable car.

(S/E) Head down towards the mountain restaurant. Follow the pedestrian signs.

(1) Pass the restaurant on your right and take the footpath on your left. Do not take the cross-country ski trail.

Cross the footpath and head off-piste up the ridges overlooking the cross-country ski trails.
Continue along the ridge, passing between the snow-covered Lacs Noir and Besson.

(2) Descend towards the end of Lac de la Faucille and climb straight up the slope heading north. Be careful of the thickness of the ice; if in doubt, take the track that goes round the lake.

(3) Tackle the steep but short slope. Then head towards the Falaises des Roches, heading south-east. You’ll reach a wide, open track.

(4) Either traverse along the track – though this is rather awkward in snowshoes – or take the track.

(5) Pass at the foot of the ice falls and complete the circular route by staying at altitude for as long as possible. Then descend towards the Poutrans 2 resort via the ski run.

(1) Continue to the Poutrans 2 station (S/E).

Take the cable car back to Oz station.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 6,883 ft - Les Poutrans 2 resort
  2. 1 : mi 0.1 - alt. 6,890 ft - Mountain restaurant
  3. 2 : mi 0.98 - alt. 6,801 ft - Lake Besson
  4. 3 : mi 1.6 - alt. 6,778 ft - Lac de la Faucille
  5. 4 : mi 2.02 - alt. 7,021 ft - Trail
  6. 5 : mi 2.25 - alt. 7,005 ft - Icefall
  7. S/E : mi 3.44 - alt. 6,883 ft - Les Poutrans 2 resort

Notes

Snowshoes with good grip if you take the slopes to reach the ridges.
A walk suitable for children who are used to walking.

Worth a visit

Magnificent scenery and views in the sunshine.
Make your own trail as you climb the ridges bordering the walking and cross-country skiing route.
Watch ice climbers tackling the ice falls on the Falaises des Roches.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
M13I9C3H8
M13I9C3H8

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 03, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

On a beautiful day with exceptional snow cover, a lovely, easy hike with magnificent views of the surrounding peaks.

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bosco8361
bosco8361

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 08, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We’ve done this route several times, and the icing on the cake was when we were there for the Tour de France finish at Alpe d’Huez. We took the cable car from Allemond on the morning of 14 July, then headed to Poutran. We descended towards Alpe d’Huez and waited for the riders. Once they arrived, we set off for the lakes and chose Lac Noir for our overnight camp. The weather and views were magnificent. The next day we headed for L’Alpette and, after a pleasant walk on flat ground – that’s the advantage of the lakes – we descended to Allemond via L’Eau d’Olle. An easy family hike with quite a few people about.

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jannu
jannu

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 06, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely route, not very busy despite being close to the Alpe d'Huez slopes, and actually quite wild.
The views of the Belledonne are breathtaking

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gazok54
gazok54 ★

Thank you, Pierre B1.
We hadn’t thought of that yet

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Pierre B1.
Pierre B1.

I did the walk before I found the route description
It’s a bit of a shame that the route description isn’t displayed on a sign at each end of the route, particularly regarding the duration

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