From Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval to Chamonix via the Anterne and Brévent passes

Start from the Lignon car park, the end of the D429 road leading from the hamlet of Salvagny.

(S) Follow the^GR® 5 and 96 towards Anterne (red and white markings). Head up a wide, steep path. Note the magnificent view of the Pleureuse waterfalls on the right and the Soffaz waterfalls, then reach a junction where the two^GR® routes split.

(1) Turn left onto the^GR®5, heading towards the Collet d’Anterne (leaving the^GR®96on your right). Continue climbing steeply, directly below the Pointe de Sales. Pass under a high-voltage power line and reach the small pass of Anterne (from the small hillock on the left, there is a view over the Giffre valley and the Cirque des Fonds, dominated by the Buet).

(2) Pass under the high-voltage power line again and head down. Cross alpine pastures and cross a torrent. Climb up the other side and reach the Alfred Wills Refuge.

(3) Continue south on the^GR®5, towards the lake and the Col d’Anterne (leave the path to the Col des Fonds on your left). The climb is steep once again, through a landscape of slate. Reach an unnamed pass which opens out onto the Anterne valley.

(4) Descend towards the lake. Walk along the right-hand side of the lake.

(5) After the lake, the path climbs again. The ascent is steady and pleasant (some snowfields may remain depending on the season). You will reach the Col d’Anterne (superb view of Mont Blanc).

(6) Descend in switchbacks on the other side, still following the^GR®5. The descent is steep and can be slippery in wet weather.

(7) At a junction, turn left (east) towards the Moëde Anterne refuge. At the next junction, carry on straight ahead. Then turn right (south) to reach the refuge.

(8) Continue south-south-west along the^GR®5. At the junction you’ll soon come to, stay on the^GR®5(ignore the track on the right leading towards Lac de Pormenaz). Pass Laouchet (= small lake) on your right and head east-north-east.

(9) At the junction, turn right (east-south-east) and descend the Fonds de Moëde valley. Pass at the foot of the Tête de Jeubon and continue down to the Pont d’Arlevé.

(10) Head back up towards the Col du Brévent. After a hairpin bend to the right, the path turns south through the mountain pastures, then south-east to reach the Chalets d’Arlevé.

(11) Continue south on the^GR®5. The slope becomes steeper, ending in hairpin bends and a rocky ascent to the Col du Brévent. Snowfields possible; ibex and chamois may be present. At the pass, there are breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc range and the Chamonix valley.

(12) Descend on the eastern slope towards Plampraz (leave the^GR®5on your right heading towards Le Brévent). Navigate several hairpin bends.

(13) After a hairpin bend to the right, descend south-south-east towards Planpraz. Pass the ski lifts on your left and take the wide path leading to the upper station of the Planpraz cable car (S/E).

This is a one-way hike:
- Check the timetable for the Planpraz cable car and adjust your departure time so as not to miss the last cable cars.
- Make arrangements for the return journey to Sixt: shuttle bus, public transport, a driver, two vehicles, etc.