Circular Dent d'Oche loop via Pointe de Pelluaz

The hike starts at the car park in La Fétiuère, located on the road from Bernex to Pré Richard (to get there from Thonon or Évian, take the D52).

(S/E) To the right of the restaurant, take a path uphill (no sign at the start). After about ten minutes, you will arrive at a ski slope. Join a carriage road a little higher up and follow it to the left, taking care as the route is not very clear, but the direction should not pose any problems.

(1) Not far away, between a hairpin bend and a few buildings (Pré Richard), take a path on the left uphill. Go around a bend and then a hairpin bend to the left. Shortly afterwards, turn right onto a path uphill, close to the edge of a ski slope.

(2) Once you reach the ridge, continue left on the path towards Tête des Fieux, following the white-red^GR®5markings. At the start, the uphill slope is not too steep, but after reaching a ski slope, it becomes quite steep.

(3) Continue left along the ridge towards Combe. On a moderately sloping path, you will pass an orientation table.

(4) Join a track and follow it straight ahead on a steep climb (temporarily leaving the^GR® trail). You will reach the arrival area of a chairlift.

(5) Then reach the summit of Pointe de Pelluaz via a more challenging path marked by a cross just before the summit. Continue along the path following the ridge line and then reach an unnamed peak marked by another cross (altitude 1,915 m). A slightly challenging slope followed by a gentler slope is then encountered for a short while.

(6) At the Col de la Casse d'Oche, continue straight ahead along the ridge line, climbing gently uphill.

(7) You will reach a grassy peak near the Aiguilles de Darbon, where you can enjoy views of both the surrounding landscape (particularly towards the Dent d'Oche) and further afield (particularly towards the Mont Blanc massif). Retrace your steps back to the pass via the same route.
NB: From this point, I suggest an optional alternative route with additional difficulties: click here for more information.

(6) Turn right towards Lac de la Case, heading downhill (^GR® markings).

(8) Walk along the left side of the lake, avoiding the wetland on the left (this is a^second filled-in lake), and continue straight ahead until you reach an intersection. Turn right and follow the^GR® trail for about 100 metres, then turn left at the fork (towards Château d'Oche). Shortly after a small climb, continue straight ahead (do not follow the yellow arrow signpost to the right) and then follow a path with no significant elevation change. You will come to another intersection; continue to the right uphill.

(9) Just before the Col de Planchamp, take a path on the left (towards Dent D'Oche). From this point, chains are regularly provided to help you tackle a few difficult sections. The path initially runs fairly horizontally, then continues up a few steep slopes in a rocky environment where you will need to use your hands. A minimum of caution is recommended on certain exposed sections. Watch out for falling rocks, especially those that you may cause yourself.

(10) Before reaching the summit, there is one last difficult section on a fairly exposed passage. Beautiful panoramic views can be admired, just as before. After a short descent, you will reach the secondary summit marked by a cross. From here, there is a tricky descent across a slab passage. It is recommended that you make good use of the chains, especially if the ground is wet.

(11) Once you arrive at the refuge, enjoy the beautiful views once again. Head west and begin another tricky section, descending a chimney equipped with chains. Be careful of stones that can easily roll under your feet and indirectly towards others. Reach an intersection on the outskirts of Col de Rebollion, turn left downhill and follow a few hairpin bends.

(12) At Chalets d'Oche, continue right on a wide path. After the place called "Haute Ugine" (as shown on the IGN map), there are two options: either go straight ahead for a more direct route, or go left for a more comfortable slope (the route takes the^second option). These two routes meet further down. A few metres further on, you will come to another intersection where there are again two options: left or straight ahead on an easier path (the route follows the^first option). Return to the starting point after passing the restaurant (S/E).

The starting point can be viewed on Google Maps: click here

Good hiking boots and walking sticks are recommended.

This hike is not recommended for people who are prone to vertigo.

Please take your rubbish with you, as nature has difficulty digesting it.

Here is a description of the difficulties encountered along each section (the route is not uniform):
- green: fairly easy going with no significant elevation changes or difficulties.
- Blue: steeper slopes and/or elevation changes on a well-marked trail.
- Orange: route presenting some technical difficulties and/or poor route viability (markings or visibility of the path).
- Red: difficult route due to significant elevation changes that may require some climbing, in an environment with some hazards.
- Black: fairly difficult route with some hazards.
- White: route in very difficult technical environments requiring certain equipment.

From (S/E) to (1): Blue difficulty
The start of the route is on a decent path. The route along the edge of the ski slope is less clear, but orientation should not be a problem.
There are no signposts, but small yellow signs point you in the right direction.

From (1) to (2): Blue difficulty
The route is relatively easy.
There are no markings or signposts.
Alternative route: from the fork above Pré Richard, it is possible to continue straight ahead on an easier path. In this case, you will pass by the Pelluaz reservoir to join the route described at elevation 1755.

From (2) to (3): Orange difficulty
You will initially encounter a path on a gentle slope. After joining the ski trail, the slope becomes quite steep.
White-red^GR® markings + signposts.

From (3) to (5): Blue difficulty
The trail initially follows a gentle slope. After running alongside a ski slope, the terrain changes and there is a steeper slope for a few metres.
White-red^GR® markings + signposts up to elevation 1755. No markings thereafter.

From (5) to (6): Blue difficulty
The route follows a long ridge with a succession of ascents and descents.
No signs, then from elevation 1839. White-red^GR® markings + signposts.

From (6) to (7): round trip - Blue difficulty
The route continues along the ridge on an uphill slope that presents no difficulty. Depending on the season, there may be nettles in this area.
No markings.

From (6) to (8): Blue difficulty
The descent from the pass is on a good path.
White-red^GR® markings + signposts

From (8) to (9): Blue difficulty
The route runs between the two Case lakes (the one on the left is a wetland), then passes at the foot of Château d'Oche, all without any significant elevation change.
No markings or signs except for the short section on the GR^®.

From (9) to: Red difficulty
Great care is required on the Dent d'Oche section, both on the ascent and descent: chains are in place along the entire route to make progress easier, but it is important to remember that you are in a mountainous environment. There is a risk of rock falls, so it is best not to provoke them in front of other hikers. The route can be busy in places, so you may need to wait to pass other hikers.
Yellow markings, no signposts.

From to (12): Blue difficulty
The trail is not particularly difficult.
White-red^GR® markings + signposts.

From (12) to (S/E): Blue difficulty
Overall, the route does not present any major difficulties; depending on the options chosen (see above), the slopes will be more or less steep.
Yellow markings

Pointe de Pelluaz: this peak, located south of Dent d'Oche, rises to 1,908 metres. Its name comes from pelu, which describes a mountain or land that is bare or stripped.

Lac de la Case (or Lac d'Oche): located between the summits of Pointe de Pelluaz and Dent d'Oche, there are in fact two lakes worth mentioning. While the oval-shaped lake to the south is clearly visible, the lake to the north is not visible at all as it is covered by vegetation and is a wetland area. See Wikipedia and the Ministry of Ecology website.

Dent d'Oche: this peak, rising to 2,221 metres, offers a beautiful view of the Lake Geneva basin and the rest of the Chablais Massif. For more information, see Wikipedia.