Grand Naves – Nant du Beurre Mountain Hut

Leave your car in the car park at the bottom (entrance) of Grand Naves and take the shuttle bus to the Tovet car park.

(S) From the Tovet car park, follow the main track (the track that runs alongside the cross-country ski trail) north-east towards Bonpertui via Grand Plan.

(1) At the Grand Plan huts, leave the main track and take the path towards the Bonpertui huts on the right, heading towards the arcosses (north-east). Reach Bonpertui and admire the old huts, entirely covered in sheet metal, as well as the lovely rowan trees which are a delight for foxes.

(2) Carry on for a good hundred metres, then turn right, heading due east towards the Montagnettes de la Forclaz situated just above. Follow the valley of the Bochet stream through the arcosses to rejoin the main track (running north-south) and emerge at the Montagnettes de la Forclaz.

(3) Follow the main track southwards towards Lac du Bozon and Raymond Derex’s chalets (follow the signposts). You’ll reach Lac du Bozon.

(4) Turn left and continue due east, following the signs for “Passage du Bozon”. Reach this pass, where the path winds its way between the rocks and small fir trees, which are frequently blown about by the wind.

(5) When you reach the top, you’ll find yourself on a plateau facing the Vanoise. Continue north-east.

(6) Head towards the highest peak to the north, which is none other than the Quermoz, the highest point of the hike. Follow a gully leading to the summit ridge, then continue along the ridge to the summit, marked by a sign and a cross (2,296 m). From the summit, enjoy a magnificent panoramic view over the whole of the Vanoise, the Nave Valley, the Lauzière and Mont Blanc…

(7) Descend via the same small valley to return to the junction you passed earlier.

(6) Turn left, heading due east, to go round the Quermoz and join a track at an altitude of 2,150 metres.
Be aware of the risk of avalanches below the Quermoz, where the slopes are steep and sometimes leeward; check the snow conditions and do not approach the steep slopes of the Quermoz. To do so, stay in the relatively flat area. The suggested route allows you to bypass this potentially hazardous sector.

(8) Head north-west towards the Col du Va (2,222 m), to the right of the summit of the Quermoz. From the pass, there is a magnificent view of the Cheval Noir and the Lauzière massif.

(9) Descend into the valley towards La Forclaz (steep slope at the start) to join the main track heading north; this is the track you followed southwards to reach Lac du Bozon.

(10) Take this track to the right, heading north, passing close to La Cave and La Vieille Cave. Note that on this section, the track is marked with signposts that leave little room for error. Continue to the Nant du Beurre refuge (E).

The Nant du Beurre stream hut is brand new (2012), very comfortable and staffed even in winter (bookings are required for overnight stays).

The Lac du Bozon refuge is unstaffed but can provide shelter. Please ensure you leave it clean and tidy behind you.
This guide does not present any particular difficulties, but you undertake this mountain activity at your own risk. There may be a risk of avalanches, particularly below the Quermoz, where the slopes are steep and sometimes leeward; simply take a wider route, keeping well clear of the steep slopes.

Please do not hesitate to check with mountain professionals for the latest conditions and to hire a professional guide.

A panoramic view of the east and north-facing slopes of the Vanoise from north to south, including the Cheval Noir, the Col de la Madeleine, Mont Bellachat, Polcet, Le Grand Bec, La Grande Casse, Bellecote, Aliet and Mont Pourri… as well as Mont Blanc, the Col de la Louze, the Grand Mont, the Aravis, Belledonne and the Bauges…