The Sardières Monolith at the start of the Croix d’Aussois trail

Park in the Croix d’Aussois car park (photo).

(S/E) Start by following the cross-country ski trail (walking carefully along the edge so as not to damage it), which is fairly flat at first, then climbs gently after a left-hand bend. At the first hairpin bend on the right, leave the ski trail and take an ungroomed path that climbs into the forest.

(1) Cross a track and continue in the same north-easterly direction. After the highest point, you’ll reach the Carrefour du Milieu.

(2) Head straight on towards “Vallon de la Source and Monolith – 0h15”. The descent is a little steep but not very long and offers a beautiful view of the monolith. After the car park, head slightly uphill to reach the famous rock.

(3) The walk continues by veering to the right (south-east) to descend towards Sardières, sometimes following the ski trail. It may be necessary to take off your snowshoes for the last hundred metres before the county road and the tourist office, as the road may have been completely cleared of snow. Join the D83 and cross it to reach the picnic area.

(4) After your picnic (optional!), cross the D83 again and follow the cross-country ski trail south-west to the footbridge spanning the road.

(5) Turn right, then left, to follow the large ‘pedestrians’ sign whilst walking alongside the cross-country ski trail for 180 metres. Then leave the ski trail to begin a descent through the forest.

(6) Cross the D83 again and continue straight ahead. Underneath the high-voltage power line, take care as the path may be partially covered by snow due to the wind (photo). There is then a climb of around 60 metres to reach the car park where you started (S/E).

There is a picnic room available at the Tourist Office at the entrance to Sardières (photo).

As this walk follows a route that is largely through woodland, it is advisable to check that there is enough snow for snowshoeing.

Sardières Monolith