Park at the start of the forest road near Champ Massot.
(S/E) Walk about a hundred metres along the forest road and, at the bend, take a steep path on the right (north) (Racapé path). Be careful of the numerous tree trunks in the area: the start of the path can be difficult to spot (on the day of our hike, the signpost had been knocked over).
Climb up to the Col des Aures, keeping north. You will reach the pass after a series of hairpin bends.
(1) At the pass, look at the cliff to the west. The trail runs along the foot of the cliff (at a reasonable distance, however) and goes around the obstacle to the south. The passage is not difficult. For safety, we wore helmets. Leave the trail on the left towards Pas de la Suiffière and climb as best you can to the summit of Grand Som, marked with a metal cross.
(2) An orientation table allows you to identify the peaks in the distance. Descend north via the Sentier des Moutons trail.
(3) When you reach Col du Bovinant, turn left and take the gentle descent towards the south-west. A few hundred metres further on, you will reach Habert de Bovinant.
(4) From there, a clear valley opens up to the south. Roughly follow the lowest line of the valley and reach the Col de Mauvernay. Orientation is difficult in foggy weather. If the trail is lost under the snow, it is possible to find it again at the pass.
(5) From the pass, follow the trail that crosses a long scree slope heading south then south-southeast. The trail is very stable and can even be seen under the snow. It ends with a section facing south at the foot of the cliff: a helmet is also recommended. Reach the edge of the forest.
(6) A sign indicates Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse. The steep trail winds through a series of very short switchbacks and regularly runs alongside a wide forest road, finally joining it at an elevation of 1,190 metres.
(7) Take the forest road downhill to return to the start (S/E).