To get to Pont Gelon, in the Tarentaise Valley between Albertville and Moutiers, head towards the Col de la Madeleine. Drive through the village of Bonneval-Tarentaise and then the hamlet of Villard Soffray. A good kilometre further on, take the small road on the right just before Villard Benoît, pass through Le Biollay and then La Pautaz, and follow the signs for Pont sur Gelon.
There are a few parking spaces at the start.
Information board at the start 1589m.
(S/E) Follow the left bank of the stream, crossing it a little further up in the mountain pasture.
The trail climbs rapidly via a series of tight hairpin bends and leads to Les Pissus (altitude 1920m according to the signpost). There are not many markings on the climb, but the trail is well marked.
(1) From the signpost, head towards "La Cave", which is 1 hour away. This is a balcony trail offering views of the peaks and glaciers of the Vanoise. Markings and directions are clearly indicated on this section.
At the forks, keep left. Reach La Cave at 1,841 metres.
(2) Head west towards the two small lakes of Loup.
(3) Pass the lakes and continue to the Col du Loup. There are no markings on this section, but the Col du Loup is clearly visible from the Cave and the lakes drain into the torrent that flows a few metres from the Cave. Simply walk up the valley. Allow an hour to reach the Col du Loup (2,085 m).
(4). There is a panoramic view of the Vanoise and Mont Blanc on one side and, on the other side, a wide, wild valley dominated by La Pointe de Combe Bronsin. You can also see the Valmorel valley.
Descend back to La Cave.
(2) Then take the well-marked north-east path, which initially follows the stream. You will reach Pont Gelon in 40 minutes (S/E).
This last section of the trail is easier than the climb, so it is best to do the hike in the direction described.
. The view at the top is worth the climb across the field, but you need to be well equipped with suitable footwear.