Mont Saint Jacques

(S/E) From Le Chanton, the Vanoise Express terminus, take the path that climbs straight up and then immediately turns right. Cross the road and follow the flat ski run. Further on, it joins another run which you must follow uphill to reach the foot of the Pierres Blanches chairlift. Continue until you reach the junction beneath the Lac Noir cable car.

(1) From there, take the path on the left above the road which climbs behind the houses. Pass under the ski lifts again until you reach the Plan Bois clearing.

(2) Follow the tarmac road to the left for a few metres; this soon becomes a stony track on the other side of the clearing. Enter the forest.

(3) Follow the signposted path which climbs to the left; it is well signposted all the way to the summit. It climbs steeply through the Swiss stone pine forest. As you emerge from this pine forest, you’ll catch sight of Mont Saint-Jacques. Continue the ascent to reach the Col du Seuchet with ease.

(4) Continue due west to reach the summit of Mont-St-Jacques with ease.
At the summit there is a small chapel and an orientation board – a must, given the view!

(5) Head back down the same route to the pass.

(4) Turn left onto a narrow path that winds its way between the rocky outcrops, to join the Frasses path in the scree slope below.
Follow this path to reach the Frasses chalets.

(6) Turn right onto the road, then right again onto the correct path which joins the outward route at the crossroads in the forest.

(3) Turn left back onto the route you took on the way there to reach the Plan Bois crossroads.

(2) Turn left onto the road and head down to the original junction of the cable car at Le Sauget.

(1) Follow the outward route back to Chanton, the Vanoise Express station.

The Vanoise Express is only open during the winter season and in July and August. Check with the Montchavin and Peisey Tourist Offices for exact dates and opening times.