Circular via Les Marmottes and Le Pracara from the cable car

From La Norma, take the Mélezet cable car.

(S/E) From the top station of the cable car, follow the signs for the Sentier Raquette des Sources until you reach the junction about 100 metres after the hairpin bend to the right. Leave the Sentier des Sources, which branches off to the left, and continue straight ahead. You will soon come to the Chemin des Piniers.

(1) Cross it carefully (skiers) and continue straight ahead on a wide path, leaving the return route on your left. This is the bottom of the Marmottes piste. This path is rarely used by skiers, but you should still be careful. You will come out onto the wide Carrelet piste, which merges with the Marmottes piste for a short section.

(2) Leave this slope and climb left along the edge of the forest to the top of Les Marmottes.
It is possible to stay at the edge of the forest to shorten the route, but walking on a slope is uncomfortable. The easiest way is to climb up to the groomed path and follow it to the Pracara piste.

(3) Once you reach the latter, which is not very popular with skiers, start the steep descent by going off-piste on one side. The trail follows the right-hand side of the track, avoiding the left-hand side, which is a playground for freeriders. Join the Chemin des Piniers

(4) Follow it, once again keeping a low profile so as not to get in the way of skiers. Depending on snow and vegetation conditions, it is possible to cut across by taking the end of the old Pracara trail. Reach the intersection encountered during the ascent.

(1) Turn right and follow the path in the opposite direction to the one you took on the way up until you reach the finish (S/E).

In general, avoid using the slopes by going off-piste. However, you must be very careful when entering areas where you may encounter skiers.

Please note: the slope is steep and the route is often off-trail. Even though you are always close to infrastructure, you must be careful and check the snow conditions before setting off. This is a short, easily accessible hike, but it should only be attempted by hikers who are familiar with the mountains.

Mulled wine is available at the mountain restaurant, L'Eterlou, at the end point.