From the Puyvalador ski resort to the Pic de Ginèvre

Park near the housing estates at the Puyvalador ski resort.
The start is at the ‘Sentier des Rhododendrons’ sign.

(S/E) At the sign, head up through the forest then follow the yellow markings to the next junction.

(1) Turn right (you’ll come back via the left on the return journey), and continue straight on to reach a track where there is a reservoir about 1 km away.

There are no markings for the route to the peak

(2) Continue along the track and take the path on the right that climbs to avoid three hairpin bends. You’ll rejoin the track, which you follow straight ahead before leaving it a few metres further on, just past the bottom of the ski lift.

(3) Turn left at a chalet and keep following the ski run until you reach the junction with a track coming from the left. Continue to the right.

(4) Cross the Ruisseau dels Clots (dry in August) and follow it to the left for a few metres until you find a path branching off to the right. Follow this path to the right; it is not very visible at first but becomes clear as you proceed until you reach the Ginèvre ski lifts.

(5) Follow the ski lifts to the left until you reach the first-aid post at the foot of Pic de Ginèvre (2,382m).

(6) All that remains is to continue to the cairn at the summit to enjoy the wonderful panorama before you, including a view of part of Lac du Laurenti.

(7) Head back down to the rescue post.

(6) Turn left onto the track leading downwards; it is not very visible at first but becomes clear further on, eventually leading to a crossroads of tracks.

(8) Turn right and head back towards the Ginèvre ski lifts.

(5) This time, follow the ski lifts to the left for about 500 m before leaving the track before the end of the lift.

(9) Take the path on the right which brings you back to the Ruisseau dels Clots.

(4) Head left, following the reverse route of the outward journey, until you reach the reservoir.

(2) Ignore the marked path from the outward journey which branches off to the left; continue for a few metres, turn right onto the track and take the yellow-marked path which branches off to the left. The route takes you back to the junction at the start.

(1) Continue straight ahead to return to the car park (S/E).

Watch a video of the hike at the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lF2rC2K...

Do not attempt this hike during the winter season.

Steep climb between (5) and (7): walking poles recommended and take care the day after rain, as this section is very wet.

Puyvalador ski resort.

The hamlet of Rieutort.

Lake Puyvalador.