From the Col de la Portette to the Tubanet refuge

Park at the start of the Col de la Bataille road (D199), which is closed, just before the Col de la Portette when coming from Bouvante-le-Bas.

(S) Put on your snowshoes depending on snow conditions and cross the ‘wall’ of snow left by the DDTE snowplough. Continue along the departmental road, which climbs gently through the Bouvante Pionnier communal forest. The road is still clearly visible despite the deep snow.

After passing the Route Forestière du Pionnier, which branches off to the right ahead (signs visible even in heavy snow), and leaving the Route Forestière des Esserennes on your left (which lies opposite and heads back uphill)… you’ll reach an inside bend in the road, the ‘carrière’ junction, just before a sharp right-hand bend marks the start of a steep climb.

(1) A wooden sign on the left indicates the start of the first Malatra Forest Road.
Take this forest track. The climb then becomes steeper through the undergrowth. You will soon reach the quarry junction. If there is heavy snow and no other tracks are visible, you may not notice where the two forest tracks cross. The track is narrower and winds its way through the snow-covered fir trees of the Malatra Forest, continuing to climb in a south-south-easterly direction. This route, used by mushers, can be very well-tracked all the way to the Tubanet Refuge. It is also popular with cross-country skiers. Many large animals can be spotted: mouflons, deer, chamois, wild boar, etc.

(2) At a place known as Carrefour du Bout de Malatra, leave a descending road on your right that comes from the Malatra clearing.
You will reach the start of the Tubanet track (labelled as a ‘private track’ on the IGN map), marked by signs explaining the current regulations for this sensitive natural area. Depending on snow conditions, a barrier may no longer be visible.

(3) Take the Tubanet path, which winds its way through the Ambel Forest. You will then come to an unobstructed view of the Ambel plateau, which is a nature reserve.

(4) Then take the path on your right towards the Tubanet Refuge. The path descends and you will soon catch sight, in the distance, of the refuge where you will spend the night (E).

This route can be done on cross-country skis.

Frequent fog and potentially heavy snowfall mean that this two-day winter walk must be undertaken with a hiker who knows the area or a guide, otherwise you risk getting lost.

CAUTION if you are going for a walk on the Ambel plateau. Snow accumulation creates snow cornices which may give way under your weight and send you tumbling off the cliffs. Admire the view of the Dois mountains from a safe distance from the edge.

There is no running water at the refuge. Make sure you bring enough with you.
Dogs are only permitted from 11 October to 31 March. Outside this period, you risk being fined. Park rangers are very active in the area and can provide you with information.

The Bear Monument, provided it isn’t buried under the snow, on the^GR®93towards the Montagne d’Ambel (towards Fond d’Urle).

The Ambel plateau.