The Golet de l'Agneau via Plainpalais

Phiphi38, I published this route in 2020 and the climb was very easy. However, in my description, I noted everything so that hikers would know what to expect in advance. I even advised against it for children. But it's still a short route, and to keep it short, you have to climb straight up. That said, I did it again last year and there were some scree slopes that weren't there in 2020.

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Date of your route : Jul 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Very busy route : No

This suggested route for the ascent is absurd and dangerous. It makes more sense to follow the route described for the descent. The ascent is very steep in the middle of an avalanche slope, and the only point of interest is to head straight ahead... You often find yourself on all fours... Obviously, the "moderate" rating is not appropriate... Frankly, not recommended.

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Date of your route : Aug 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

It says it’s a steep climb, and it certainly is!
After the counterweight of the ski lift, the blue arrows are very few and far between, but with the GPS route it’s doable.
However, at point 3, we turned back as we were worried about the descent, which was a bit of a ‘risk’. Walking poles and good shoes are essential, and wet weather should be avoided – it’s already quite slippery when it’s dry.
A ‘difficult’ rating would probably be more appropriate given the gradient, even if it’s short in terms of distance.

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Date of your route : Oct 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

A really enjoyable hike thanks to the section through the Golet de l'Agneau. A truly brilliant stretch. But apart from that, it’s straight up the slope… a very steep one.
I preferred to take Pascal Sombardier’s route (description on his website) from the Chavonnes car park. You join the route described for the descent at the Prairie des Carres, and follow it uphill to the Golet (blimeyit’s steep!!), then back via the ridges and the Col de la Verne. It’s longer but undoubtedly more varied and fun (and much less ‘dangerous’ on the descent).

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Date of your route : Oct 09, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

This hike is quite short, but be warned: it’s a steep climb! That in itself isn’t a problem, but the descent down the scree slope (which was extremely dry at this time of year) was tricky.
There were plenty of slips and a clear risk of falling (even with good shoes and poles).
Otherwise, it’s beautiful, it’s fun, and the ‘Tru de l’Agneau’ is well secured.
On the plateau, I extended the route along the cliffs to see the arch and the view.
In short, a lovely, challenging hike not recommended for beginners despite its ‘short’ duration.

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Jonat, when I created this route, I was well aware that it was a continuous climb with no easy sections. However, whilst it is physically demanding, it does not present any technical difficulties, which is why I haven’t classified it as difficult.

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Date of your route : Sep 04, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

Hello, in my opinion, this is a hike to avoid – the ascent and descent are very steep and slippery. Unless you’re training for the Vertical Kilometer. I didn’t pay enough attention to the elevation gain-to-distance ratio. Of course, it took us 4½ hours rather than 3; admittedly, we’re approaching sixty, but we’re regular walkers.
To call it difficult is an understatement.

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Date of your route : Aug 14, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hello,
This is a (steep) hike that deserves a T3 rating. For the record:
T3: Challenging mountain hike
The path is not necessarily visible everywhere. Exposed sections may be equipped with ropes or chains. You may need to use your hands for balance. A few exposed sections with a risk of falling, scree, and rocky slopes with no clear path.
Requirements: Very sure-footed. Good hiking boots. Average navigational skills. Basic mountaineering experience desirable.

For those who simply wish to see the Golet without using the ladders but still want the thrill, it is possible to set off from the resort. Hike, for example, 64913. You need a keen eye to spot the sign.

Personally, we did a circular route, ascending via the Trou de l'Agneau (turn right at the foot of the ladders; a rope is recommended) and descended via the Golet. Duration: 7 hours

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Yes, there are plenty of options around Margeriaz; everything has been said and done—or almost everything.
I often hike alone and always try to take the shortest route to the summit, which is why I’ll often suggest a shorter walk with more elevation gain for the same total ascent.
This is the first time I’ve suggested a hike as I’m new to Visorando, where there are so many enthusiasts that it’s hard to come up with something new.

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Date of your route : Nov 13, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Personally, I quite like a route that’s somewhere between the one described here (a bit short) and the Visiorando route “Margeriaz via the Col de la Verne and the Golet de l’Agneau” (a bit long)
If you’re a small group, you can drop a car off above Thormeroz, just past the place called “Entre deux Nans” on the map. Then you drive the other vehicle up to the starting point just past the Col de Plaimpalais. Personally, for the ascent to the Golet, I prefer the route described here to the descent (which is slightly less steep), but it’s a matter of taste. From the summit of Margeriaz, head down to the ski lift and follow the ridge as closely as possible, not forgetting to visit the Pont de Pierre a little to your left on the way. Continue to point 1592 on the map via the well-marked path of the tannes and glacières, then straight on to the Col de la Verne and a little further down to the spot where you parked your car. All that remains is to go and collect your other car near the Col de Plaimpalais.

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