Circular loop: Nivolet, Revard, via the ‘Cheminée’ and the Pas du Rebollion

Hello Mustapha,

The hike is classified as a ‘TD’, with plenty of information about the difficulty and the various sections involved.
Did you read the guide before setting off?

As for me, I’ve done the route with a rucksack weighing several kg and walking poles – it’s doable. I’ve also taken inexperienced walkers who managed it by being careful and taking it seriously.

I hope that, despite everything, you enjoyed it.

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Date of your route : May 12, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hello,

People should be warned, in the route description, that trails 7 and 14 are challenging and technical, and that you need to tackle them with a light pack.

Kind regards,

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Date of your route : May 19, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

I undertook this solo hike as part of my preparation for the ascent of Mont Blanc. I set off from Méry at 7.45 am after getting properly kitted out. The route begins immediately with the long climb up the Malpassant, which takes a good 1 hour 15 minutes to tackle the 600-metre ascent. Walking poles are strongly recommended for this mainly wooded section, which opens out at the top onto a lovely, rocky stretch. After the Malpassant comes a short stretch on level ground, giving your legs a good rest before you begin the ascent to the Croix du Nivolet. Here again, the slope up to the chimney is quite steep throughout, through the woods, but presents no major difficulty apart from the need for a good level of fitness. Next comes the Nivolet chimney – which, I should point out, is not compulsory! There is a slightly longer alternative route, but it is much easier. Do not take the chimney if you suffer from vertigo or are prone to anxiety. Indeed, the chimney is quite challenging, even dangerous, because once you’ve started this section of the climb, turning back will prove very difficult; you’ll have little choice but to carry on climbing despite the difficulty. I strongly advise you to stow away your walking poles so that you can use both hands, which will be essential. Furthermore, be careful to check the stability of the holds you use; a fall could be fatal. Once you reach the top of the chimney with a sense of relief, the Nivolet Cross is just above; the picnic at 12.30 pm is very welcome, as is the view. The descent to Malpassant takes about 1 hour 40 minutes at a good pace and is relatively straightforward. Back at Malpassant, you’ll set off on a long, 1 hour 10-minute walk—again without any major difficulty—which leads directly to the foot of the Pas de Rebollion. Here too, the section will be very challenging, so you must take into account how tired you are at that point. The slope is very steep right at the start, though not particularly risky; walking poles and good footwear are essential. Once you reach the first cable-assisted section, I’d also advise putting your poles away as they’ll be more of a hindrance; you’ll need both hands to pull yourself up using the cable. Once past the first cable-assisted section, turning back will also be tricky. Proceed very carefully, as a fall could cause serious injury. The distances between the various cable-assisted sections are quite long; I advise you to take your poles out again each time before putting them away. Once you reach the top of the Pas du Rebollion, a break is well deserved. If you do not wish to tackle the Pas du Rebollion, you can simply continue the ascent to the right, which will take you to the pass via a magnificent path that is less dangerous and less difficult. Unfortunately, as I was pressed for time, I was unable to push on to Mont Revard and had to turn back via the descent from the pass.
All in all, the walk took me about 10 hours 30 minutes.

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