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Head to the Ruchère ski resort, then on to a place called Le Habert at an altitude of 1,150 m.
(Start/Finish) Take the wide path leading to the Col de la Ruchère.
At an altitude of 1,200 m, pass over a slight plateau curiously known as ‘the car park’; a little further up is the Oratoire Teste de Lavines, before emerging at the pass at an altitude of 1,400 m.
(1) Take the path heading east; after a few hairpin bends, a signpost offers the choice of reaching the Pas du Loup or the Petit Som in 45 minutes.
(2) We’ll opt for the latter, mainly to tackle the steep, snow-covered narrow pass on the ascent, where it’s essential to tread carefully in the snow, as any slip in this area could have serious consequences. It’s perfectly acceptable to use your hands for support.
(3) Upon exiting the gully, head north and, after 5 minutes, you’ll reach the Petit Som and its metal cross
Take in the scenery: the Dent de l’Ours, the Grand Som, the Chamechaude and the majestic Mont Blanc.
(4) Head back towards the exit of the Goulet.
(3) Descend to the left to the Col de Léchaud (1,704 m).
(5) From the pass, head south down the valley to reach the Pas du Loup (1,550 m).
(6) To cross the Pas du Loup, you’ll need to climb a short way up, followed by a slightly trickier section on the descent, which is best tackled by scrambling down.
The path then continues gently downwards until it reaches the signpost you passed on the way up.
(2) The rest of the route is now familiar; it is the reverse of the ascent. Head for the Col de la Ruchère and then it’s the final descent through the forest to the car park (S/E).
Visorando Member
Difficult 
Very difficult 
