The Grand Montrond

Date of your route : Oct 31, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The first part of the climb through the forest wasn't very interesting, but once we emerged from the trees, the landscape was magnificent: over Lake Geneva, over a large part of the Alps where it had just snowed, and on the other side, over the ridgeline and the Jura.
We followed the snowshoe trail markers for part of the way through the forest. For the descent from Grand Montrond, there are numerous signs indicating that it is forbidden to pass through the mountain pasture in summer. The GR route/markings have been modified accordingly. As it was autumn, we were able to descend via the mountain pasture, but as no one had walked there for three months, the trail was already almost invisible, so the GPS route was very useful.

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Date of your route : Aug 26, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

However, we had planned to turn off towards the Crozat chalet to avoid the climb up to Grand Montrond. Unfortunately, the Crozat mountain pasture is fenced off all summer until the end of September, so we had to walk much further than expected! Should this be noted on the information sheet?

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Date of your route : Jul 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful and easy walk. The climb is mainly via steps (stairs).
The ridge between Petit Montrond and Grand Montrond is quite steep in places. Good hiking boots are recommended.
Magnificent scenery and views of chamois below Grand Montrond.
However, it was not possible to descend via the mountain pastures. These were fenced off and a sign prohibited access.

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Date of your route : Jul 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Please note: from 1 June to 30 September, the mountain pastures and the route between points 7 and 9 are not accessible. The only option therefore seems to be a return trip between the starting point and point 7 (= 10 km).
Magnificent panoramic views!

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Date of your route : Jul 01, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike with breathtaking views of the lake and the Mont Blanc range.

The only downside was on the way down (point number 7) with the owners of the Crozats alpine farm.
They were rude and threatening towards some young people, even though the route advised us to walk past their farm.
We didn't disturb their sheep in any way!
Shame on them.

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Date of your route : Sep 11, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful view of Lake Geneva. The climb up the road can probably be done via numerous trails, but as we were unfamiliar with the area, we stayed on the beaten track. There were no signposts for the climb up to Grand Montrond, so we climbed at random but did not follow the route to point 7. For the descent, we took the main path at the start, then at the fork to the left after the chairlift, we stayed on the purple snowshoe trail, which was full of roots and stones and a bit challenging. I can't share my route because the app shows straight lines instead of the twists and turns of the trail 🙃

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Date of your route : Jun 12, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Nothing to add to the previous comments

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Date of your route : Apr 27, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

a very beautiful hike with magnificent views. At certain points, you have to look carefully to find the markings, but they are there...

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Date of your route : Aug 10, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

the route is done in reverse. A marked trail from the Mijoux cable car to the Gélinottes ski lift allows you to avoid the road. The descent from the small round hill to the station via the steps is safer than mountain biking but a little tedious. Beautiful views if the fog allows. Despite this very hot summer, the natural ventilation of the area prevents heatstroke and excessive sweating.

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Date of your route : Jul 30, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

I did it in reverse and really enjoyed it. From the station to Grand Montrond, just follow the signs put up by the station. The descent from Petit Monrond is also easy and very well marked.
The view is magnificent, although unfortunately, due to this summer's drought, the Mont Jura mountains are a little dull.
A very beautiful hike, thank you for the idea.

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Date of your route : Jul 21, 2022
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

For the start, we didn't follow the paved route but took the GR trail signposted for Colomby de Gex, which is more pleasant. This hike is best done in fine weather to enjoy the magnificent scenery. A very beautiful hike

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Date of your route : May 28, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Since this hike was created, the following simplifications have been made:
from 1 to 4 ly secure, with numerous recent steps and yellow markings (start as indicated or to the left of the Montrond Télécombi);
5 no changes: yellow markings on the mountain trail;
6 junction with GR9, last climb quite difficult (Chalet des Crozats* nearby)
7 return-descent via GR, easy: be careful at the junction of the wide trail and the road, keep left: direction not marked!
Suggestion: From Grand Montrond, the GR continues towards Colomby de Gex in 1 hour 15 minutes: the summit is only 75 metres higher and accessible via a path with dips and bumps, offering an unforgettable view that is very similar to that from Grand Montrond!

• Warning sign: shepherds ask that their peace be respected with the message "No drinking water: shepherd's water is undrinkable!" A word to the wise..

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Date of your route : Feb 10, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

In fine weather, it was magnificent and without difficulty

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Date of your route : Jan 20, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very good hike, very nice view to reward the climb.
Two points to note, however:
- in winter, snowshoes are essential
- i did this hike in January and the number of people was quite manageable, but it can become problematic during the high ski season, as you will often cross the slopes

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Date of your route : Jan 16, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

I tried the circuit in January, but would advise against it. The route passes through the resort's ski slopes, which are very busy, so I had to take a different route. A quiet zone has also been established to protect the flora and fauna, and access is prohibited to all persons. There are huge crowds at the resort during the winter, which detracts somewhat from the appeal of the hike. It's a shame because the snow-covered landscapes of Haut Bugey are magnificent at this time of year.

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