Les Hauts-Forts from Morzine

In Morzine, take the Route de la Manche (following the Dranse). At a place called ‘Le Crêt’, take the small road on the left that goes uphill and follow it for 250 m. Park after the bridge, in the small car park on the right.

(S/E) Head north-east towards Les Hauts Forts and you’ll soon reach the forest. Follow a series of long, steep switchbacks through the forest. The path is fairly well-marked and even; follow the yellow dots and arrows. Pass close to a small waterfall and continue along the main path. This will take you to the Bramaturtaz chalet.

(1) Continue climbing. Cross a stream: be careful – the stones are arranged like steps but they are slippery and shift slightly.

(2) Leave the forest and you’ll reach a chalet with a fountain (note that this may have run dry by late summer). Continue climbing up through the mountain pasture along a less steep path. You’ll then reach the Chalets du Plan de Zore.

(3) Carry on straight ahead towards Les Hauts-Forts, leaving the chalets on your right. The path is easy at first. The slope becomes steeper and the first hairpin bends appear. Climb up to the Col du Pic à Talon.

(4) Turn right and follow the ridge along a gentle path. You’ll reach the Col des Chalettes (snowfields possible depending on the season).

(5) Continue eastwards along the ridge to reach the Col de l’Encarnette.

(6) Look out for a hump: once you’re on top of it, spot a small path on your left that leads downwards. Take this path: very soon, a cable appears to secure your descent for about ten metres. Cross a gap: the path across it is clear and well-defined; the danger lies in the drop-offs to the right and left. Once on the other side, another cable helps you climb up; continue along the ridge, which gradually widens. You will then reach the summit of the Hauts de Forts and its cross.

(7) The descent follows the same route as the ascent back to the car park (S/E).

Water point at the chalet with a fountain (2).
Hiking poles are highly recommended for the descent.
No special equipment is required to cross the pass.

The resort of Morzine; the Dents Blanches route is not far away. From the summit, there are views of the resort of Avoriaz, the northern slope of the Haut-Giffre, Mont Blanc, the Pointe d’Angolon and a large part of the Chablais massifs, as well as the Lac des Mines d’Or, etc.