Lac de Pormenaz from Lac Vert and via Souay

Date of walk : Nov 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Hello,
This is a superb trail, but it is important to note that this hike is classified as difficult (steep inclines and multiple cliffside passages) and that you should not venture onto the path leading to the left after point number 5 (Le Souay) from October/November onwards. This route is covered in snow and ice, and there is a high risk of slipping and falling on the descent if you are not equipped with crampons, gloves and walking sticks at the very least.

I did it today and many people, like me, were stuck and had to turn back or go around by climbing to the right after the high-altitude lake (frozen) to the Moëde Anterne refuge, which considerably lengthens the route! Fortunately, there were locals who were familiar with the route to guide and dissuade the more reckless among us from taking the risky snow-covered and icy part of the Souay.

Enjoy your hike.

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Date of walk : Jul 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A superb hike last Tuesday. Thank you, Visorando, for this suggestion.

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Date of walk : Jun 11, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

This was a first for us, coming from flat country, so we can tell you that the itinerary was just perfect. We were blown away despite the unpredictable weather. Thank you for the detailed route information.

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Date of walk : Nov 02, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very beautiful hike, but avoid the Chorde section when it is too wet, especially on the descent. Magnificent views of the Fiz and the Mont Blanc massif if you climb to the Pointe Noire above the lake.

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Date of walk : Aug 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

In summer, the departure point is Plaine-Joux because access to the Lac Vert car park is for pedestrians only (approximately 3 km round trip). Magnificent view of Mont Blanc.
You can also climb from Lac de Pormenaz to Pointe Noire (4 km round trip and a little over 350 m elevation gain).
The entire hike is 17.5 km long with 1,200 metres of elevation gain.
It is a bit crowded up to the lake, but very quiet after that.

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Date of walk : Aug 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

one or two slightly tricky sections, but a lovely walk. Thank you

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Date of walk : Jul 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Hello
Great hike, we climbed up to the Moede Anterne refuge, which is 25 minutes from the lake, with a view of Mont Blanc at the summit.
However, on the way down, we took the path via Les Argentières and, at the Souay chalet, turned right to make a detour via the Ayères des Perrières chalets.
A very beautiful 19 km hike there and back.
Thank you for this route.

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Date of walk : Jun 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A beautiful hike, a little technical but not difficult.
We did it in early June, unfortunately the lake was still frozen and there was still snow, so we had to search for the path a bit, but with the GPS app it was no problem.
We saw ibex and marmots.
At La Plaine de Joux, there is a sign saying not to drive to Lac Vert, so you have to add 1.5 km twice.

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Date of walk : Oct 08, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Beautiful autumn colours on arrival at Lake Pormenaz. Not many people around as it was a Monday in October.
The climb up to the pass via ladders and cables is not easy. A beautiful sequence of steps to reach the top.
This hike makes you want to continue on to the Moede refuge or return via the Servoz loop.

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Date of walk : Sep 15, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Hike done with my 7-year-old son, camping out. We took the shuttle from the ESF car park to avoid a 30-minute walk on tarmac and get to Lac Vert.
A superb hike, even if Mont Blanc played hide and seek with the clouds.
We climbed up via Argentière, a beautiful mountain trail with a few chains and bridges that my son enjoyed, and no major difficulties to report.
We arrived at the lake around 6pm, alone with just us and the Fiz mountains in the background – magical.
As my son wasn't very sure-footed on the descent, we took a detour via the Moëde Anterne refuge to get back to the road. It's less fun, but there are no difficulties and it's easier on the knees . The marmots were there but wouldn't let us take any photos, the cheeky things.
We didn't go via La Chorde, so we can't comment on the potential difficulty of that path.

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Date of walk : Sep 09, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Very beautiful hike. I don't think it's too crowded in September. Be careful, there are two options for this hike: take the descent towards LA CHORDE and don't go up, because the lake is indicated at the top. Be sure to park at the Plaine de Joux car park.

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i strongly recommend visiting Pointe Noire du Pommeras. Superb views, picnic area... It's worth the short effort

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albert I Refuge

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Date of walk : Sep 01, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A magnificent hike with the family (the youngest is just 11). Splendid view of Mont Blanc and a picnic by the lake. We then continued to the Moede Anterne refuge and returned via Les Fiz, which doesn't add much to the hike and allows you to stop for a coffee or something else (and to refill your water bottles, for example).
The technical section is very manageable and not too vertiginous. However, I would advise against doing it on the way down or in wet weather. You can avoid it (see map) by turning left instead of right.
Dogs are not allowed.
I'm now looking for another hike that's just as spectacular. I'm open to suggestions!

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Date of walk : May 28, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A magnificent hike if you set off early (around 7 a.m.) as you won't encounter many people! Beautiful scenery. The "technical" section is indeed challenging but can be managed by taking it slowly. There was still a lot of snow at the top at the end of May. The lake was completely white. You can continue on to the Moede Anterne refuge and then return via Les Fiz.

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