Refine your search for walks in Col du Fort (2145m)
Col du Fort (2145m) walks
Walks near Col du Fort (2145m)
Lac de la Grande Léchère mountain hut – Montartier Lakes
A lovely climb through the upper pastures where the cows that produce the milk for Beaufort cheese graze, with views of the Vanoise, the Thabor Massif, the Aiguilles d’Arves and the foothills of the Écrins. Then the route changes direction, offering views of Belledonne, the Chartreuse and the Bauges, before setting up camp at the Montartier Lakes.
From the Oule refuge to the Chalet du Bout via the Col Morétan and the Aup Bernard
This long route will take you up and down two mountain passes (Morétan and Vay), through the Morétan Lakes valley, and across the wild, unmarked foothills leading to the Col du Vay. You’ll then begin a long, dizzying descent along a balcony path between the Chalet du Vay and l’Aup Bernard, finally arriving – after one last rather steep climb – at a very pretty spot in the middle of which stands the Chalet du Bout, the perfect place to spend the night.
Please note: this hike involves crossing two snowfields as well as a steep, exposed descent.
Saint-François-Longchamp – Lac de la Grande Léchère mountain hut
Starting from Saint-François-Longchamp, this first stage of the Tour de la Lauzière is a gentle walk to the Grande Léchère Lake Mountain Hut, where you’ll spend your first night.
Montpascal – Valbuche
First day of a two-day hike in the Maurienne with a bivouac.
Hike completed in 2016 with a break at the Col de la Baisse, another above the Chalet des Brunes and a final one at the Chalet du Tovet.
Note: The route shown is based on my GPS watch, which I never paused, which explains the circular patterns in certain places.
Montartier Lakes – Refuge de la Thuile
From a bivouac, all alone in the world, a long stage. The secured sections of the Passage des Moutons, Lac de Clartan, the descent to the Chalet du Tour, the paths winding up and down through Pétillat and its waterfall. The ascent to Lac Noir, the passage along the western ridge of the Petit Arc, a bit of off-trail walking; before trudging tirelessly towards a final climb through the woodland to reach the Refuge de la Thuile. What a view from its cross!
Lacs du Cheval Noir – Saint-François-Longchamp
Final, connecting stage. A gruelling descent along the Col du Cheval Noir trail before rolling gently towards Saint-François-Longchamp, past cattle sheds, herds and ski facilities.
Alpine pastures and waterfalls of Valmorel
A short hike with moderate elevation gain, suitable for a family outing with young children. The route takes you through working mountain pastures, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, and passes by the foot of three stunning waterfalls.
Valbuche – Montpascal
The second day of a two-day hike in the Maurienne region, including a bivouac.
From the Lodge de la Martinette to the Refuge de l’Oule via Lac du Léat
A very physically demanding day, with very steep slopes right from the start that give you almost no respite until you reach the refuge. But from the Refuge de la Grande Valloire onwards, the views are magnificent.
Logis des Fées mountain hut – Lac du Cheval Noir
Fancy a goat’s path? You’re in for a treat. Whilst the climb to the Col de la Madeleine is very smooth going, the path leading to the Col du Cheval Noir from the Grande Combe is more akin to trail running. It’s a difficult climb, sometimes requiring you to get down on all fours, with your hands almost constantly in use, but it’s nonetheless safe if you tackle it without rushing. Camping by the Cheval Noir lakes promises complete solitude.