From Le Lignon to the Alfred Wills Refuge via the small pass of Anterne

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Beautiful climbs and pretty waterfalls, with panoramic views over the Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval valley.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Tour des Fiz in 4 days

Details

n°498459
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.08 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 686 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 58 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,805 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,176 m
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Photos

Alfred Wills Mountain Huts

Description of the walk

(S) From the Lignon car park, follow theGR®5(red and white markings) south-west, a wide stony path that climbs through the forest and rises alongside the Torrent de Salles. Continue to the Sauffaz and Pleureuse waterfalls, to the right of the path, at an altitude of 1,450 m.

(1) After the waterfalls, take the narrow path on the left towards Collet d'Anterne, still on theGR®5. The slope is steep and the trees gradually disappear. Pass under a high-voltage power line and reach Collet d'Anterne (small pass with a cross; panorama: Sixt valley and the Fonds cirque, Montagne d'Anterne and, in the background, Mont Blanc).

(2) Continue towards the Anterne chalets (Alfred Wills). The path descends gently and leads to the Montagne d'Anterne plateau.

(3) Cross the Ruisseau d'Anterne via the footbridge, then climb a slight incline. This will take you to the Alfred Wills Refuge (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 1,176 m - Lignon car park
  2. 1 : km 1.36 - alt. 1,438 m - Turn left. - Cascades de la Pleureuse et de la Sauffaz
  3. 2 : km 3.19 - alt. 1,794 m - Collet d'Anterne - Col d'Anterne
  4. 3 : km 4.05 - alt. 1,747 m - Footbridge over the Ruisseau d'Anterne
  5. E : km 5.08 - alt. 1,805 m - Refuge d'Anterne Alfred Wills

Notes

From Les Fardelays to the Lignon chalet, there isn't really anywhere to park. You'll need to park along the road or in a car park further down. To walk back up to Le Lignon (20 mins), there is a small path that cuts through the bends in the undergrowth.

Worth a visit

Sauffaz and Pleureuse waterfalls.

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.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
DidierE
DidierE

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful walk, shaded for most of the climb, passing close to a waterfall. Beautiful scenery and a pleasant refuge where you can eat (welcome after the long climb).
I recommend continuing on to Lake Anterne, which adds to the elevation gain but is well worth the detour for the scenery.
At this time of year, there is still a lot of snow beyond the refuge and it may not be possible to follow the GR trail.

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Foutanguel
Foutanguel

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 27, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hello,

Route taken on 21/05/2022, originally to complete the Tour des Fiz in 4 days.
Unfortunately, this route (the 4-day tour) is virtually impossible to do at this time of year, as there is still far too much snow (snowfields still at 1,800 metres).
The Wills refuge had only recently opened (a few days or even a few hours ago, according to some hikers we met on the way up).
The climb is quite strenuous in places, especially with a 20kg rucksack on your back for this planned bivouac.
The arrival at the small pass of Collet d'Anterne offers a breathtaking view of the valley below Wills Refuge.

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ebshape
ebshape

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 20, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A well-marked route that is very popular during the summer season.
A beautiful hike through varied landscapes (forest, waterfalls, viewpoints, mountain pastures) with a few steep sections in places.
In my opinion, one of the valley's must-do hikes.

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Mamitatren
Mamitatren

Hello, I downloaded these files to plan a trip to Haute-Savoie in July 2019.
I will give my opinion when I return. Thank you.
Marie-Claire.

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oleflon
oleflon
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 14, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Beautiful hike... steep climb to the pass...

Bivouac near the refuge...

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raymondehautesavoie
raymondehautesavoie

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 13, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Beautiful hike, a few people down towards the waterfalls due to the heatwave!

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