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To reach the start point, at the roundabout on the outskirts of Praz-sur-Arly heading towards Megève, turn right towards Les Varins and Les Thouvassières. Cross the bridge over the Arly and turn left immediately, following signs for Les Thouvassières. Continue along this small road (Route des Thouvassières) to the end. Park in the small car park at the end of the road (three spaces) or return to the previous hairpin bend and park along the roadside on the hard shoulder, on the downstream side.
(S/E) From the hamlet of Les Thouvassières, take the forest track which climbs steeply to the left at the edge of the woods. After a right-hand bend, continue along this track through the woodland until you reach a chalet at Les Frassies.
(1) Continue along the path that runs alongside the rear wall of the chalet and carry on through the woodland. You’ll come to a pasture and reach an alpine chalet with its fountain and drinking trough. Turn left, reach the ridge and follow it to the right. Continue along a grassy path as you emerge from the forest until you reach a track suitable for vehicles.
(2) Turn right and head for the fork in the path at the Chalet du Chevan.
(3) Carry on straight ahead along the track, which descends slightly and crosses the Ruisseau des Varins via a ford. Continue along this track until you reach the junction with the access path to the top station of the Crêt du Midi chairlift.
(4) Turn left for a round trip to the orientation table.
(5) Once you’ve enjoyed the view, return to the previous junction.
(4) On your return, carry on straight ahead, skirting the Refuge du Petit Tétras, and head for the next trailhead on the left.
(6) Follow this track, pass three hairpin bends and arrive at a three-way junction.
(7) Continue the climb to the left until you reach an alpine chalet and the top of a ski lift.
(8) Follow the path which climbs to the left of the piste. This presents no particular technical difficulty (numerous small hairpin bends). At the Croix du Crêt du Midi, continue along the ridge to reach the summit of the Crêt du Midi.
(9) Continue along the ridge and, when you reach the ski run, turn left, climbing gently, until you come to the start of a path on the left (Col de la Butte).
(10) Leave the track and follow the path. This descends gradually, passing beneath the Ban Rouge chairlift as it curves to the left. At the bottom of the slope, go round a small lake on your right, keeping above it, then pass under the chairlift once more. Continue the descent until you reach the end of a stony track (not shown on the IGN map).
(11) Cross this track and carry on straight ahead along the descending path which leads to the Chalets de la Butte and the track visible further down.
(12) Carry on to the left and follow this track to the Chalet du Chevan.
(3) Turn right and retrace your steps to the hamlet of Les Touvassières (S/E).
Visorando Member
Difficult 
Easy 
