Dents de la Portetta via the ridges of Mont Charvet

From Moutier, head towards Courchevel, then in Moriond, turn left at the first roundabout – towards Vallée des Avals. Wind your way up through the housing estates, then turn left onto a small road that descends to Lac de la Rosière. After a few bends, you’ll reach the excellent car park by the lake (campervans permitted for overnight stays).

(S/E) The path starts immediately at the far end of the car park (south-east); follow it and quickly cross a picnic area. Cross the river, follow the path running along the right bank, then look out for a path branching off to the left.

(1) Take a well-signposted path on the left, the “Sentier des 1000 marches”, and follow it without difficulty to the Col de la Chal. A steep, well-maintained and efficient climb.

(2) From the pass, head south-southeast towards the Col de la Dent. The path runs along the ridge, hugging the left-hand side without ever climbing up onto it. You’ll soon reach the Col de la Dent.

(3) Continue south on the path towards Crête du Mont Charvet – Col de la Grande Pierre – Dents de Portetta. Up to the Col de la Grande Pierre, the path follows the ridge through a very distinctive landscape. It is magnificent and well worth the detour.

(4) At the Col de la Grande Pierre, the path drops southwards to reach the Plan des Tincavets.

(5) Be careful not to be tempted by the path that descends westwards, which is better marked. You must take a small path to the south-east, signposted Col de Saulces – Dent des Portetta. Follow it as it zigzags across short grass and boulders to reach a flat area (2,240 m) and a crossroads.

::6:. A path leads to the Col des Saulces, with the option of taking a slightly longer circular route. Ignore this and head south, then due east, towards the Dents de la Portetta. Follow the path, which is well marked at the start through the meadow. The slope then steepens; follow the steep scree slopes to reach the pass. Keep your eyes peeled to follow the trail as closely as possible (markings – cairns) and arrive in the midst of a very rocky and rugged landscape until you reach the much-coveted pass.

(7) A rugged yet captivating landscape. At the pass, there is a sweeping view over Pralognan-la-Vanoise and, just behind it, the Vanoise Glaciers, the Grand Bec, etc.
Descend via the same route, taking care not to dislodge any rocks that could injure hikers below.

(6) Continue north-west towards the Vallée des Avals. The path is well marked; follow it down a fairly steep descent. You’ll reach a junction with another path.

(8) Turn left, then right a few metres further on to head north-west again. You’ll reach a track near a cross that you’ve been able to see for a while.

(9) Turn right and follow this track (north) for a short while.

(10) Caution (altitude 1780m): leave the track to turn right and head towards the Torrent de la Rosières, which is signposted. Follow the stream, crossing it two or three times via recent metal footbridges, as the path has been washed away by mudslides. Descend gently along the right bank of the stream to rejoin the original route at the junction with the “Sentier des 1000 marches”.

Continue straight on to the car park (S/E).

This hike is a bit long and rugged, reaching nearly 3,000 m. Make sure you are self-sufficient.
Map – anorak – gloves – hat – food – drink.
In spring, snow can be found quite late on the final slopes. Good footwear will definitely be useful.

This hike can also be done in the opposite direction. I enjoyed doing it clockwise.
You tackle the bulk of the ascent straight away and get more out of the Sentier des 1000 Marches.

The Sentier des 1000 Marches is quite a surprise and well worth a visit.

(6) You can also extend the route by heading to the Col des Saulces and climbing up to the Plassa pass, then following the walls of the Aiguille de Mey. You then follow the cliff down a little through the scree to reach the bottom of the final slopes leading up to the breach.
There’s snow lingering at the foot of the faces, but it makes for a lovely combination.