A circular route from the Abondance Valley to the Dent d’Oche

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A two-day trek with two long stages and significant elevation gain. The route starts at the foot of the impressive Mont Chauffé, passes by the Chalets de Bise and Lac de Darbon before ascending the Dent d’Oche, which offers a superb panoramic view of Lake Geneva. The return route takes you via Lac de la Cse d’Oche, Lac Fontaine and the Chalets d’Ubine. In summer, you’ll come across Abondance cows, goats and ibex.

You are in a protected area! Please see the regulations in the practical information section.

Details

n°16476898
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 18.48 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2 days 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 8,638 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 8,622 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 7,254 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 4,042 ft

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

  1. S

    D'Abondance à la Dent d'Oche

    ↔9.14 mi ↗6,348 ft ↘3,501 ft
    Cette première étape est la plus longue et la plus difficile. Elle offre de superbes vues sur les sommets du Chablais, Mont Chauffé, Cornettes de Bise, Mont de Grange, ainsi que sur les Dents du Midi et le massif du Mont Blanc, surtout dans la première partie, et le Léman depuis la Dent d'Oche. Vaches, chèvres et bouquetins sont aussi au rendez-vous. Vous êtes dans une zone protégée ! voir la réglementation dans les informations pratiques.
    View the route
  2. E

    De la Dent d'Oche à Abondance

    ↔9.33 mi ↗2,290 ft ↘5,112 ft
    La deuxième étape présente sensiblement moins de dénivelé positif que la première. Au départ, une descente raide sur quelques mètres à l'aide de chaînes puis un sentier pour regagner le Chalet d'Oche. Un passage au Lac de la case, Col de la Case d'Oche, les Chalets Darbon pour continuer vers le Lac Fontaine propice à une halte. Puis regagner les Chalets d'Ubine dominés par la face Nord du Mont Chauffé. Regagner le parking du Sauvage par le Col de la Plagne.
    View the route

Notes

To reach the car park at the start of the route, which is in the village of Abondance.
On leaving the village towards Châtel, turn left onto the Route du Mont and, after passing the hamlet of Le Mont, continue until you reach a crossroads, then turn right onto the road and follow a stony track which will take you to the Sauvage car park.

Overnight stay in a staffed mountain refuge with meals and water available; please book in advance – see:
the Dent d’Oche website
Email address: refugedeladentdoche@ffcam.fr

A few water sources: Chalet de la Raille, Chalet de Bise, Chalet d’Oche, Chalet Darbon, Chalet d’Ubine.
Essential mountain kit: walking boots, warm clothing, waterproofs; you may wish to bring walking poles, as well as a 1:25,000 scale map of the region.

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

Reviews and comments

alpi21
alpi21

Hello,
A very interesting hike, with lovely views from the Dent d’Oche.
Please note: there’s a significant elevation gain
Up in the hills, there are ibex to be seen beyond the mountain pastures
If you have an extra day or are in good physical shape, why not add the Cornettes de Bise to your route?
The difficult sections on the ascent and descent of this peak are secured by chains; it is advisable to rope up children.
From the Col de Bise to the Col de Pavis, I took the GR rather than the suggested route as there was a Patou in that area.
I completed this route in two days, camping near Lac de la Case (camping is prohibited at Lac de Darbon), but I had to head back down to the Chalet d’Oche to fetch water.
For those wondering whether to do it over more days, along the route there’s the Chalet-Refuge de Bise, the Refuge de la Dent d’Oche and perhaps the Chalet d’Oche.
Enjoy the hike, everyone
Alain

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andream98
andream98

Hello,

Is it possible to do this route over 3 days?

Thank you!

Machine-translated

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