Refine your search for walks in Col de la Ruchère
Col de la Ruchère walks
Circuit of the 3 passes: Aliènard, Tracol and Ruchère
Visorando Member
7.21 mi
+2,618 ft
-2,615 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
In the land of silence of the Grande Chartreuse Monastery, an easy and very pleasant walk in all seasons.
Grand Som loop
8.77 mi
+4,639 ft
-4,619 ft
6 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
This is a loop trail that passes through the Grand Som and, to avoid the crowds, descends along the Arête de la Suiffière (a little exposed but easy), then joins the Col de Freney (and the forest) and, via a path with numerous hairpin bends, returns just above La Correrie, our starting point.
The Petit Som loop from La Ruchère
6.34 mi
+2,260 ft
-2,260 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
Hike through forests and mountain pastures, passing by the summit of Petit Som.
Le Petit Som
4.55 mi
+2,096 ft
-2,096 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
This easy hike in summer becomes more difficult with the onset of winter conditions. A few centimetres of snow are enough to cover the markings on the ground and make it harder to progress on the steeper sections.
This hike can be done in half a day from mid-November onwards, but don't set off after 2pm, otherwise you'll need a head torch for the return journey.
Billon - Ruchère Circuit
7.25 mi
+1,949 ft
-1,972 ft
5 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
A beautiful classic circular in Chartreuse, starting from La Correrie via Habert de Billon, Col de la Ruchère and finally Notre-Dame de Casalibus.
Snowshoeing at Col d'Aliénard
5.21 mi
+1,886 ft
-1,877 ft
Duration unknown
Easy
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
A beautiful snowshoe hike on the edge of the Grande Chartreuse Monastery, accompanied by the legendary peaks of Grand Som and Chamechaude.
Choose a sunny day after a snowfall.
The three passes: Aliénard, Tracol and Ruchère
5.81 mi
+1,739 ft
-1,759 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
A classic Chartreuse route that can be started from several locations.
Snowshoe route via the Col de la Ruchère pass.
6.58 mi
+2,185 ft
-2,172 ft
5 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
A lovely route in Chartreuse in an area famous for its monastery.
It is very popular, but there is room for everyone.
There are no markings between Pont des Allemands and Habert de Billon.
Col de la Ruchère
3.91 mi
+1,132 ft
-1,142 ft
3 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
This is a lovely, easy snowshoe walk, mainly through forest. The Col de la Ruchère, at the foot of the Petit Som, is a truly beautiful part of the Chartreuse.
Petit Som starting from La Ruchère-Le Habert
5.47 mi
+2,897 ft
-2,887 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
Climb to the summit of Petit Som from La Ruchère. You will enjoy a 360° view and may also encounter marmots and chamois.
Petit Som departure from La Correrie
9.08 mi
+3,609 ft
-3,635 ft
7h 20
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
Day hike with picnic at the Col de Léchaud. Climb through magnificent forest to Habert de Bovinant, Col de Bovinant, Col de Léchaud, Petit Som, return via Pas du Loup, Col de La Ruchère, Habert de Billon and the Grande Chartreuse monastery.
Splendid 360° view from the top of Petit Som, including Mont Blanc.
The Grande Chartreuse Monastery
Tourist office6.76 mi
+1,936 ft
-1,926 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
A contemplative hike in the quiet zone of the Chartreuse Desert, following in the footsteps of Saint Bruno, founder of the Carthusian Order. The site is perfect for meditation. It offers a stunning view of the peaks of the Grand and Petit Som.
Grand tour of the Grande Chartreuse valley
8.54 mi
+3,045 ft
-3,038 ft
6h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
A beautiful hike through forests and valleys, ideal for warm weather but also in mixed or stormy conditions, as there are several options to shorten the route in case of bad weather.
Haberts (shepherds’ and herdsmen’s huts), stunning scenery, a pass and several viewpoints overlooking the Grande Chartreuse Monastery.
There is a short stretch of tarmac at the end, which is unavoidable but very quiet with few cars.
The ‘Cinq Haberts’ route in the Chartreuse
8.86 mi
+3,179 ft
-3,179 ft
8 hrs
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
A beautiful classic summer circular route in the Chartreuse, passing through several historic passes and mountain pastures and their huts.
Most of the route follows good paths through forest or open mountain pastures.
Warning: a tricky section to be attempted only when the snow is stable.
The Arpison and Pertuis viewpoints starting from La Ruchère
10.61 mi
+2,533 ft
-2,536 ft
6 hrs
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
This route mainly follows the snowshoe trails maintained by the Ruchère Nordic ski centre, allowing for a quick pace; snowshoes are only really necessary between (2) and (3).
As over 90% of the route is groomed, the first few kilometres around the centre are generally quite busy.
The route can be walked during the summer season.
Petit Som via Les Riondettes
5.62 mi
+2,280 ft
-2,280 ft
4h 35
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
Short family hike with a climb to Le Petit Som: 360° views,
marmots and chamois.
Circular loop via three passes in the Grande Chartreuse
7.54 mi
+2,493 ft
-2,490 ft
6 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
Here is a version of the snowshoe route over the Aliénard, Tracol and Ruchère passes, which can be varied in many ways. This is undoubtedly the longest route as it stretches to Chartroussette and covers undulating terrain that remains safe in the event of avalanche risk and is therefore well suited to snowshoeing.
