The Col de la Gardette and the Cabane de la Gardette via the Balcons du Piolit

Drive through Chorges towards the hills via the D69. At the end of the tarmac road, park at the junction of the tracks leading to Naune Raze and Les Gontards.

(S/E) Set off to the right heading south, following the snowshoe route signs, then turn due east across Champ Froid, following snowshoe tracks and signs for the snowshoe route. Enjoy a magnificent view of Lake Serre-Ponçon. Join the^GR®50.

(1) Head straight on along it and continue towards Clot Chaud. Pass through the Forest des Barthiers without leaving the^GR® until you reach a junction of paths.

(2) Leave the^GR® and follow the F8 snowshoe trail to the left. Climb gradually through a larch woodland until you reach another track with a car park.

(3) Turn right, go through a gate and you’ll very quickly come to another junction.

(4) Turn right and continue the ascent through the larch trees. Leave the woodland and follow the winding path to reach the Col de la Gardette. Enjoy the exceptional views from here.

(5) Take the path on the left or follow the snowshoe tracks, heading north. Follow an almost flat path to reach the Cabane de la Gardette.

(6) Retrace your steps to return to the crossroads you passed on the way there.

(4) Turn right onto the wide track towards the Balcons du Piolit. You’ll reach the Torrent des Réallons.

(7) Cross it and then turn left to reach an interesting viewpoint. Continue on a very gentle climb, passing some drinking troughs, before rejoining the^GR®50.

(8) Turn left onto it and descend steeply to reach the wide track leading to Le Tuchet.

(9) Continue along the^GR® to the left until you reach the Goutards junction.

(10) Turn right onto the small path – this is the^GRP® Tour du Lac de Serre-Ponçon – and leave it shortly afterwards on the left to return to the car park between Naune Raze and Gontards (S/E).

This route presents no technical difficulties but requires a good level of fitness, particularly if undertaken on snowshoes.
As with any winter snowshoe hike, be very vigilant about the risk of avalanches.
Bring a pair of binoculars to enjoy the panoramic views at the Col de la Gardette.

(5) Col de la Gardette, view here:
- to the south, the Mercantour, the Gapençais, the Digne Pre-Alps, Lake Serre Ponçon and the Champsaur;
- to the north, the Écrins National Park and the Gourmiers valley.