Country:
District:
It is possible to tour the Chamrousse ski area without ever seeing it.
Admittedly, you start at Le Recoin, after parking your car in the cable car car park.
(S/E) You climb to the left of an old ski lift on a grassy slope that is full of flowers in spring (daffodils and elderflower orchids) to reach the Col de l'Aiguille.
(1) A few more minutes to cross the Cargneules and the Casserousse trail (watch out for marmots...) and you leave the ski area for a good while. The trail joins the Tour des Forêts et Lacs de Chamrousse via a long, almost flat crossing.
First, descend into a very wet and flowery depression that was probably a lake when there were still glaciers in the area.
Then climb up the Lac des Pourrettes pass.
This is a fine example of a lake that is gradually filling in... It no longer receives enough water.
(2) After locating the signs, it is easy to find (on the left bank) the trail that climbs to the Brèche Robert Nord. It is the one that is not marked (according to the map).
But it is well marked and climbs higher and higher through the scree. It can be tricky at the start of the season with a thick layer of snow under the Grand Eulier (unnamed peak on the IGN map north of the breach).
At the breach, take a break to admire the Roberts Lakes and enjoy some dried fruit.
(3) Take a good look at the colour of the lakes and the climb to the Col des Lessine before taking the trail that crosses downhill. You will arrive at the lakes... so... what colour are they?
(4) After reaching the bottom of the Lacs chairlift (be careful, it's wet), you will find the signs for the Tour des Forêts et Lacs de Chamrousse to climb up to the Col des Lessines. The climb is as rocky as you could wish for.
(5) Once at the pass, the return trip to the summit is an interesting option, with a 350-metre elevation gain. Admittedly, the trail continues over scree, where you have to be careful not to lose your footing. Higher up, you'll find grassy slopes almost all the way to the summit of Grand Van.
(6) It's definitely worth planning a picnic break up there if it's not too windy.
(5) After descending to the Col des Leissines, take the path on the left that crosses over to the Col de la Botte.
(7) Leave the trailhead on your right and continue straight ahead. Immediately after the pass, the rocks appear to be crushed... Look closely, it looks like cotton... It's asbestos!
As you pass, you will also see one or two small lakes below, under the Pas des Escombailles.
Continue downhill towards a series of small lakes nestled in their stone settings.
Keep your eyes peeled, this is a place where marmots live.
(8) Cross the Col de l'Infernet before plunging back into the wooded area. A break at Lac Achart is a must... if you like crowds...
(9) After the spillway, take the marked trail furthest to the right, which heads south-west and then west. It will take you above the Arselle, then you will cross the Bacha Bouloud ski lift at a flat section (1,857 metres).
Then look for two chairlifts and a double ski lift. Head in that direction.
(10) At the double ski lifts of La Perche, continue towards the Téléski des Dames. Descend on the other side to reach a trail. Cross the road and you will immediately find a trail that descends towards Le Recoin.
There is then a hundred metres or so of uphill walking before you reach the car (S/E).
Visorando member
Moderate 
Very difficult 
