Mont Charvet Circular Ridge Loop

Head to Courchevel Moriond via the D91A; turn left at the roundabout at the entrance to the resort and follow signs for Lac de la Rosière. Drive uphill and pass six hairpin bends before descending back to the lake, then park in the car park (pay-and-display from July to August).

(S/E) From the eastern end of the car park, take the level track heading south-east, cross the picnic area with its shelters and the Rosière stream via the footbridge, and head for the crossroads.

(1) Keep to the right, heading towards the Col de Grande Pierre along a well-maintained path, ignoring the two paths on the left. You will reach the Waterfall des Poux (signposted).

(2) Continue along the path, crossing the Rosière torrent twice via metal footbridges. After climbing the wooden steps, you’ll reach the Vallée des Avals track and the Plan de la Porte plateau.

(3) Follow the Vallée des Avals track for about 1.5 km due south and, after the Croix au Biol, reach the start of a path on the left.

(4) Take this path (signposted ‘Col de Grande Pierre’), ignoring the paths to the right. After a long, steady climb, you’ll reach the Col de la Grande Pierre (signposted).

(5) Follow the Crête du Mont Charvet to the left, heading north, to reach the Col de la Dent. The path winds its way through the Gypse craters, alternating between ascents, descents and skirting the craters.
After a long walk through absolutely stunning scenery, enter the pine forest to reach the nearby junction at the Col de la Dent. Follow the path to the left and you’ll soon reach another junction (signpost).

(6) Take the path on the right, towards the Col de la Chal and the Dent du Villard, and reach the Col de la Chal (signpost).

(7) Take the path leading uphill, heading north-west, to reach the summit of the Dent du Villard, with its orientation table.

(8) Continue past the cross and follow the fairly long, steady downhill path, ignoring the Chemin des Pins on your right; head towards Lac de la Rosière and reach the lake.

(9) Follow the lake’s shore to the right, heading north, until you reach the footbridge. Cross the footbridge over Lac de la Rosière. Then follow the opposite shore southwards and continue straight on to return to the car park where you started (S/E).