The Molière Plateau

Park in the car park at the La Quoi chairlift, at La Sure station after Autrans. Please note! The total elevation gain for this hike, 496 m, includes the 350 m covered by the ski lift! The actual elevation gain is therefore 146 m.

(S) Take the La Quoi chairlift. Get off at the top station.

(1) Turn right and follow the signs for^{the GR®9}and the snowshoe trail markers (purple logos). Continue to Les Egarlettes.

(2) Pass the ski lift arrival point on your right; stay on the tracks to the left. To do this, do not head downhill; stay on the ridge line. Reach the junction of^{the GR®} and the track leading to Plénouze.

(3) Stay on the track by turning right and follow the snowshoe markings. Leave the^GR®9here. Continue on to reach Plénouze and its signpost.

(4) Follow the snowshoe markings and turn left, staying on the ridge. You will then rejoin the Sentier des Génisses; stay on this path as you leave the woods to reach the large crossroads at La Molière. Take a break at the orientation table.

(5) Leave the trails of the Sornin and Charande plateaus behind here and head right onto the track – known as the Route Forestière in summer – towards the Feneys mountain hut. Make your way to it.

(6) Turn 180° to the right onto the track and follow the snowshoe markings. You’ll come to a hairpin bend with a barrier.

(7) Turn sharply left and head down the Pichières forest track. Please note that the snowshoe markings are sporadic; pay close attention to the few signs present. You’ll join another track at a hairpin bend.

(8) Turn right through 180°, follow the track as it descends gently along the contour lines until you reach the crossroads before the Combe d’Huisse.

(9) Begin a gentle climb by turning right, eventually reaching the junction with the Sentier de Plénouze.

(10) Keep to the track straight ahead and descend gently until you reach the downhill ski run. Turn left then right, cross the ski run with great care, then cross the Sure ski lift.

(11) Continue straight ahead to reach the car park for the La Quoi chairlift (E).

(S) La Quoi chairlift: Please note, you must ascend between 09:00 and 10:00; collect your ticket from the ticket office 200 metres further on at Park Alpin; descent is not permitted.
(Between 1 and 5) The trail is shared with cross-country skiers as far as La Molière. Follow the signs on the small purple boards – these are the snowshoe logos.

Bring:
- Warm clothing, gloves, hats, balaclavas.
- Pack a rucksack with hot drinks and plenty of water, plus a packed lunch.
- Head torch, knife.
- First-aid kit, emergency blanket.
- A change of clothes for when you arrive.
- Compass.
- Binoculars.
- IGN map OT 3235 (preferably laminated).

(5) La Molière orientation point, with beautiful views across the Alps, from Switzerland to the Écrins.
(6) The Feneys mountain hut is open in winter; meals are available – hearty and very good (cheques or cash only, no credit cards).
As well as the scenery, there’s a chance to spot wildlife, such as ibex, and perhaps traces of dogs or wolves.