The Pic de la Corne from Prétairié

Access is from the main square in the village of Abondance, on the left bank of the Dranse. Head uphill towards the Essert cable car. Then continue along the main road, the Route de Charmy l’Envers. Pass through Plan de Charmy and Charmy-l'Envers in turn and continue to the hamlet of Prétairié, the end of the road and the starting point of the hike, where there is a large car park.

(S/E) Head south and take the alpine track at the far end of the car park, which leads uphill.

(1) Turn right onto the track towards Les Serranants and ignore the path on the left leading towards Tavaneuse.

(2) Pass the Serranants chalets on your right and continue straight on (west) to quickly reach a crossroads.

(3) Continue straight on, west-south-west, leaving the path on your left.

(4) At the next junction, veer slightly to the right and follow a path that winds steeply upwards. Follow this up a valley to the Col de Damoz des Moulins.

(5) Turn right, heading due north, and follow the ridge up to the summit.

(6) The return journey follows the same route in the opposite direction to the Prétarié car park (S/E).

Essential kit.
Good low-cut or high-top shoes with studs.
Rainwear (top and bottom) (even in summer), a light jumper and a headband in your rucksack.
Sunglasses.
A fully charged mobile phone.
A small first-aid kit in your bag.
A good supply of water (two litres) and a tasty snack for a bite to eat at the summit.
A pair of binoculars.