Haute Pointe, Chavasse and Chalune loop from Sommand

Author's update on 08/09/2025:

• addition of notes regarding the presence of sheep during the summer
• indications of a less difficult route avoiding access to Pointe de la Chavasse in the practical information section

Start the route from Sommand station (access via the RD308 from Mieussy or Taninges). There are plenty of parking spaces available.

(S/E) At the restaurant, head north and follow the D308 towards Col de la Ramaz for about 200 m.

(1) Continue left on a small road and cross the hamlet of Crêt Rôti. Then continue on a carriage road until it ends.

(2) Pass an isolated house on your right (known as Vanne) and head north on a footpath. Further on, after a right-hand bend, you will reach Col de Cordon and a crossroads.

(3) Follow the path on the right, east-northeast, to the next intersection.

(4) Follow a discreet path to the left, heading west, which leads to a ridge. Follow this ridge to the right (be careful of the steep drop on the left). The route becomes off-trail, on steep slopes in a grassy environment. The progression then continues on a few spontaneous paths before continuing on a continuous trail to the summit of Haute Pointe (beautiful viewpoint).

(5) Descend on the other side, north-east, then east-north-east. Keep this bearing until you reach Col de Chavan, ignoring a few side paths.

(6) Continue straight ahead on a path, then head towards a ridge line through rough terrain. Then follow a faint path east-southeast to the base of Pointe de Chavasse.

(7) Begin the ascent of the peak, which requires great care. Follow the path along the right-hand corridor. Take tight zigzags on the steepest section (beware of falling rocks). You will arrive at an unnamed pass: on the right is Pointe de Chavasse, on the left is its secondary summit.

(8) Turn right and you will soon reach the summit of Pointe de Chavasse.

(9) Return to the unnamed pass.

(8) Turn right and descend in a south-easterly direction. Go around a small summit on the right and ignore the trailheads on the right. This will take you to the Col de Vésinaz.

(10) Continue straight ahead on a path uphill (steep slope). Reach a ridge and follow it to a small rock: you will need to use your hands to climb over it. Continue along the path, ignoring a path coming from the left, then one from the right (beware of falling rocks). You will reach a junction at the foot of Pointe de Chalune.

(11) Turn left and quickly climb to the summit (extensive views).

(12) Retrace your steps to the previous intersection.

(11) Head left towards the east and descend. Further on, turn right and descend south to Col de Chalune.

(13) Continue straight ahead, south, then south-west to a trail junction, left towards Chalet Blanc, right towards Col de Vésinaz.

(14) Continue almost straight ahead. At the next intersection, continue south. Then head southwest to reach the D308.

(15) Cross the D308, passing at the foot of the ski lifts. Head west and follow the stream on your right. Ignore the lifts on the left and continue until you reach a T-junction with a track.

(16) Follow the track to the left. Pass several ski lifts and continue straight ahead to the car park at the start (S/E).

The starting point can be viewed on Google Maps: click here.
Good walking boots and walking poles are recommended.
Please take your rubbish away with you – nature will thank you for it.

Between points (4) and (7), the route passes through pastoral land where there are flocks of sheep and Patou sheepdogs. The on-site signage is clear, and at each enclosure there is a sign indicating whether access is open or closed (other signs state that no liability is accepted in the event of an incident). If access points are explicitly closed, it is recommended that you avoid them by altering your planned route (in particular by following the alternative route suggested immediately afterwards). Please note the uncertainty regarding the southern access point near the summit of the Haute Pointe, where the fence is crossed without a gate (it is therefore unclear whether access is closed or not in this area).

For those wishing to avoid the technical difficulty of accessing the Pointe de la Chavasse, I suggest a much less exposed alternative route: click here to view the description of this section. This is also worth bearing in mind if certain access points are closed during the summer months. Please note, however, that this route takes longer to complete, given the increased distance (approximately 2.6 km) and a greater elevation gain (approximately 200 metres).

This walk is not recommended for those who are not sure-footed or who suffer from vertigo. It presents difficulties mainly in two sections:
1) The area around the Haute Pointe: some sections require off-trail walking, with a few parts demanding a degree of caution.
2) The approach to the Pointe de Chavasse: the route follows a narrow path through a corridor on steep and fairly exposed slopes.

In detail, below is a difficulty rating by section (the route is not uniform):
- Green: fairly straightforward walking with no significant elevation gain or difficulty.
- Blue: the slopes and/or elevation changes are more pronounced on a well-marked route.
- Orange: routes presenting some technical difficulties and/or poor route conditions (markings or visibility of the path).
- Red: a difficult route due to significant elevation changes that may require some climbing, in an environment presenting certain hazards.
- Black: a route on a fairly difficult trail and/or involving imminent dangers.
- White: routes through very challenging technical terrain requiring specific equipment.

From (S/E) to (2): Green difficulty
The route is easy to follow (just take care of passing traffic).
Signposting: Yellow arrows + signposts.

From (1) to Green difficulty
You follow a road without encountering any difficulties.
Signposting: Yellow Arrows + signposts.

From (2) to (4): Blue difficulty
The path is walked without any notable difficulties.
Signposted with yellow arrows and signposts.

From (4) to (5): Orange difficulty
Please note that from this point onwards, you may encounter some difficulties:
-^Initially, the route follows a moderately visible path up a gentle slope to the ridge.
- Next, the route continues off-trail, following the ridge more or less closely. A few short sections of track then follow.
- The^third section follows a fairly visible path leading to the summit.
Markings: Yellow Arrows + Signposts.

From (5) to (6): Blue difficulty
A section requiring a little care is encountered on a rocky stretch which is tackled using two-step technique. The rest of the route is less difficult.
Markings: Yellow Arrows + signposts.

From (6) to (7): Blue difficulty
Shortly after the Col de Chavan, head towards the ridge line over somewhat uneven terrain, then follow a well-defined path with no particular difficulties to be encountered.
Unmarked section.

From (7) to (8): Red difficulty
The ascent to the Pointe de Chavasse is the main challenge of the route: the climb takes place in an area exposed to rockfalls, on very steep slopes where there is no room for error. Follow the path, which runs just slightly above a gully to its right, avoiding the stony area, then alternate between heading right and left as you climb in stages, occasionally using your hands for support, whilst remaining particularly vigilant on certain narrow sections. Please note that the route described is of moderate accuracy given the nature of the terrain. This route is best tackled in dry conditions.
Unmarked section.

From (8) to (10): Blue difficulty
On the descent, follow a path without any significant difficulties.
Markings: Yellow Arrows

From (10) to (12): Orange difficulty
The route begins with a short climb up to a ridge. Shortly afterwards, there is a slight difficulty on a rocky section where you will need to use your hands. You then follow a path over a few steep slopes in an area potentially exposed to rockfalls (take care).
This section is mostly unmarked.

From (12) to (13): Blue difficulty
After the summit, there are a few rough sections in places.
Marked with yellow arrows

From (13) to (14): Blue difficulty
Follow a path without encountering any significant difficulties.
Markings: Yellow Arrows + signposts.

From (14) to (15): Green difficulty
The route follows a track that is easily passable by vehicle.
Signposting: Yellow Arrows + signposts.

From (15) to (S/E): Green difficulty
This very easy section follows a path that corresponds to a ski run, then a track suitable for vehicles
Unmarked section