From the Alfred Wills Refuge to Châtelet d'Ayères via Lac de Pormenaz

Alfred Wills Refuge - Col d'Anterne

(S) Head south, following the^GR®5towards Lac d'Anterne (sign in front of the refuge) and cross the stream. Take a steep path up a ridge overlooking the magnificent Anterne plateau. After climbing 300 metres and crossing a few small passes (2,100 m), you will arrive above the Lac d'Anterne basin. Descend slightly to the lake.

(1) Continue south towards Col d'Anterne on the easy uphill trail to reach the pass.

Col d'Anterne - Chatelet D'Ayères

(2) Descend towards Refuge de Moëde Anterne via the^GR®5, along a stony path that descends steeply and then levels out.

(3) At the first intersection, continue left towards the refuge.

(4) At the Moëde Anterne refuge, leave the^GR®5and follow the signs for "Lac de Pormenaz". Walk along the Laouchet, a small lake overgrown with aquatic vegetation, and at a fork, turn right (south-west).

(5) At the intersection, ignore the path that descends to the right and continue straight ahead (south). After a few ascents and descents, you will arrive at Lac de Pormenaz. Walk along the lake on your left via a small path until you reach an intersection.

(6) Head towards "Chalets de Souay par la Chorde" or "Châtelet d'Ayères". The descent is steep and sometimes exposed, but well equipped with ladders and chains to secure the passage. On this path, it may be possible to find crystals. At the T-junction, turn left to continue the descent.

(7) At the bottom of the descent, cross the stream via the metal footbridge and climb a few metres to reach the Chalets du Souay. Continue along the small tarmac road and follow the signs for "Châtelet d'Ayères" in the forest. This will take you to Châtelet d'Ayères (E).

Caution: there are exposed sections with several ladders between Lac de Pormenaz and Ayères du Milieu. You can avoid this section by taking the path that descends to the right at the lake.

View from the Col d'Anterne

180° panoramic view: foreground on the left: Massif des Aiguilles Rouges with the Brévent, the Aiguille de la Glière and the Aiguille du Belvédère (2965m); on the right, the Pointe d'Anterne (2733m); below, the Pormenaz Refuge; in the background, the Mont Blanc massif, the Aiguille Verte...