Col de Merdaret, from Pipay

From Theys or Les Adrets, head up towards the Sept-Laux ski resort – specifically the Pipay area – and continue along the road past the resort and its car parks until you reach the end of the tarmac section.

(S/E) Takethe signposted forest track straight ahead, which descends steadily to the well-marked passage under the high-voltage power line. Cross the Ruisseau de Pierre Herse to the next junction.

(1) Turn sharply right to climb, initially alongside the high-voltage power line, then veer left for a long and fairly steep uphill traverse through the forest until you emerge into the alpine zone, below the Croix du Merdaret.

(2) Turn right and continue on level ground through the mountain pasture, passing to the right of the Chalets du Merdaret, then climb due east up a grassy ridge leading close to the Col de Merdaret.
(If the ridge is considered too steep, it is possible to take a wide circular detour to the left to reach the pass via gentler slopes.)

(3) Fromthe pass, it is possible to make a round trip to the Grand Rocher, following the easy ridge to the north.
To descend, head south without losing too much altitude, either close to the ridge or slightly further towards the south-west, down the slope. Continue in this direction, descending towards a clearly visible small pass beneath the high-voltage power line (which may involve a short climb to bypass a ravine).
Carry on staying as level as possible, over a few sloping sections, towards the place known as Les Plagnes (do not be tempted by the descent down the grassy slopes to the right).

(4) Go round the hill, keeping as level as possible, to take the descent due south towards the ski runs. Go round a hollow on the left to reach a ridge opposite, which allows you to climb easily back up to the Butte de Pipay, which has been clearly visible for some time.

(5) Cross the ridge of the Butte, heading west, and begin the descent, first through a few snow-covered grassy sections, then through the forest on a winding path. (snowshoe marker no. 7)
As you approach the road, at a major junction, turn right onto a forest track that leads back to the road, upstream of the resort. The walk back up to the car is then fairly short. (S/E) 

When there is snow on the ground, the summer paths are barely visible, except in the forest.

In foggy conditions, finding your way can be difficult between (2) and (5), and even more so towards the Grand Rocher. 

In good weather, there are views of the Belledonne range, its western slope, and the Chartreuse mountains opposite.