Country:
District:
In Saint Pierre d'Entremont in Isère, head for the hamlet of Les Reys and then the place known as La Combe: park at the end of the road on the forest platform.
(S/E) Set off along the track that continues on from the road; there are recent yellow markings along the entire route on the rocks and trees.
Stay on the track that enters the forest, ignoring the forestry tracks on the right.
The track ends at a large sign indicating: "Forêt Domaniale de la Grande Chartreuse" (Grande Chartreuse National Forest).
(1) Continue along the marked path that follows the track, heading south.
Cross a small clearing.
Continue until you reach a large meadow shortly afterwards.
(2) The "120 lacets" trail starts immediately on the right as you enter the large meadow (see photo).
Take the path, which is still marked in yellow. There is no alternative route to the pass.
Initially few in number, the hairpin bends gradually become more frequent, and there are two small drops to negotiate where it is acceptable to use your hands.
The forest will also gradually thin out, giving way to an explosion of flowers.
As you approach the Col du Frêt (1,750 m), the slope becomes steeper and the switchbacks become tighter.
(3) At the pass, you can reach the Dent de l'Ours via the ridge on the right to the north and the Grand Som via the ridge on the left to the south. Please note that these two unmarked routes are reserved for experienced and seasoned hikers.
At the pass, switch to the other side. Follow the path and, after 2½ hours from the start, you will reach the Col de Bovinant
at an altitude of 1,646 metres.
From this pass, there are marked routes to Petit Som and Grand Som.
(4) The return journey follows the same route as the outward journey.
Visorando member
Difficult 
Extremely difficult 
