The circuit around the Aiguille du Rateau

To reach the start of the walk, follow the Vallée des Avals to the left at the roundabout in Courchevel 1650. Then take a dirt track to the Croix du Biol, the starting point of the walk.
Park where best you can, taking care not to obstruct the passage of farm machinery.

(S/E) Head due south towards the Croix de la Grande Val, staying on the track. Pass some strange cairns. Continue to the junction at the Chalets de la Cave de la Grande Val.

(1) Head towards the Chalets de la Grande Val, leaving the path leading to the Grand Plan refuge and the Merlets lakes on your right. Turn left and head for the crossroads of paths at the Cabane Cave de la Petite Val.

(2) Go round the hut, either to the right or to the left, and look out for the path heading due south. Take this path. Once on the path – which sometimes disappears – head towards the lake via the Combe du Rateau until you reach it.

(3) Walk along the right-hand side of the lake, then follow a path that is clearly marked at the start. Further on, the cairns and markings become scarce. You will reach a rock marked ‘Col du Râteau’. This is not the pass itself, which is visible in the distance beyond the snowfield.

(4) Head towards the Col du Râteau by sight, making your way through the rocks.
Take care here: snowfields may be present all year round. The slope becomes steep and requires caution due to the unstable terrain. Reach the pass.

(5) Begin the descent with great caution for the first few metres. The landscape opens out. The path is not always visible, but lines of stones indicate the direction to follow. Reach the end of the scree slope.

(6) Continue over easier terrain to reach the junction at the Ruisseau des Avals.

(7) Turn left to climb up to the Col de Chanrouge, where you can enjoy a fine view.

(8) Return via the same route to the previous junction.

(7) Start the descent on the left, following the Ruisseau des Avals. You’ll reach Le Plan and Lac du Pêtre.

(9) Walk round the lake and take the well-marked path. You’ll reach the junction at the Chalets de la Grande Val, which you passed on the way out.

(1) Follow the route back in the opposite direction to return to the Croix de Biol car park (S/E).

The climb to Grande Val takes you through alpine pastures. Please ensure you close the gates properly.
This walk does not present any technical difficulties, but requires a good understanding of the terrain and sure-footedness for the ascent and descent of the pass. Avoid in unsettled or rainy weather.
There is little running water along the route, so please bring sufficient drink.

This walk intersects with many other routes and offers numerous alternatives: the Petit Mont-Blanc, the Merlet Lakes, and Courchevel via Plan Mugnet or the Pyramide.
(7) See here: Lake Chanrouge, the Aiguille de Chanrossa, Mont Coua, La Tueda