Mont Chauffé

An isolated and little-visited summit in a wild setting, offering a superb 360° panorama of Lake Geneva, the Chablais, the Dents du Midi and the Mont Blanc Massif. A route for experienced hikers, with very steep slopes, aerial passages and several easy rock climbing sections.

N.B. Route within a protected natural area: see recommendations in the practical information section.

Details

69545
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.31 km
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 5 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 853 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 853 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,072 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,232 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Departure from the hamlet of Le Sauvage. At the upper exit of the village of Abondance (towards Châtel), take the small steep road on the left that leads to Le Mont (signposted). Pass the hamlet of Le Mont, turn right, pass the chalets, take a stony track and park under the forest (small car park, information sign).

Directional signs and marker posts are located at intervals between the start and the Chalet de la Raille. After that, the route follows poorly marked paths or simple tracks.

(S/E) Follow the stony track under the forest which heads east-north-east towards Chalet de La Raille. Outside a small right-hand bend, just after a "2" painted in red on a white background on a rock (forest plot number), look for the start of a narrow stony path: the return route will end here.

(1) Continue east-northeast, ignoring a few turnoffs on the right. After a signpost, the track rises sharply. At a place called La Lavanche, the track turns sharply to the right and runs along the edge of the forest (on the right) and the mountain pasture (on the left). The slope levels out and goes around a promontory. Pass the Crébin and Trosset chalets in succession, then reach the Chalet de la Raille.

(2) Climb up a well-marked trail through the pastures, heading west, aiming for a passage between two rows of spruce trees. Depending on the time of year, you may need to pass under (or over) an electric fence once or twice. Pass by the foot of an old spruce stump and come out onto a grassy ridge.

Look for a couloir opposite with a clearly visible path, which you will need to take later, and a large rock with a kind of hole in it. Keep to the right to stay level (do not descend opposite to reach the couloir as you would then have to climb back up the scree). Find a faint path under the spruce trees. Cross a small rocky area and arrive at the foot of the couloir.

(3) Climb up the couloir on a faint path that is very steep and often requires the use of your hands. Climb as high as possible and, when the slope becomes too steep, leave the couloir on the left. Do not stray from the edge of the couloir (beware of the cliffs on the left) and cut back to the right to reach a small promontory. Continue north-west on very steep grassy slopes. Go around a notch on the left (using your hands from time to time) and reach a ridge.

(4) Follow this exposed ridge to the left (west). Cross a small rocky escarpment (easy scrambling). Continue along a grassy ridge and come out onto a stony area that abuts the summit walls.

(5) Aim for the middle wall, which has a sort of dark cavity. Enter a narrow rocky couloir and follow the small rocky ledge below the cavity. Pass a first rocky piton (small scramble) and continue climbing to the right. Pass a second rock spike (large scramble), descend a few steps and immediately climb back up to the right into a stony corridor. Reach a ridge and follow it to the left to the summit.

(6) Begin the descent via the same route. At the bottom of the couloir after the summit, keep to the left so as not to miss the rocky peak (steep on the right). You will reach the stony area at the foot of the summit walls.

(5) Descend to the right (west) following a trail through the scree. Do not descend too far and aim for the entrance to the Couloir du Féraillon, which is located to the right (upstream) of a small group of young spruce trees at the top of a ridge.

(7) Enter the couloir on a marked but very steep path. Several hundred metres further on, you will come to a good scree slope, which you should follow. Shortly before the couloir turns left, make a short traverse to the right (cairn, yellow marker) and ignore a double-headed arrow on the left. Then continue south, alternating between good scree slopes and steep tracks.

You will come out onto an overgrown forest track. Make a first turn left then right to follow a stony path downhill (cairns). This will take you back to the track you took on the way up.

(1) Take the track on the right and quickly return to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,232 m - Le Sauvage
  2. 1 : km 0.4 - alt. 1,261 m - Arrival at the Couloir du Feraillon
  3. 2 : km 2.98 - alt. 1,609 m - Chalet de la Raille
  4. 3 : km 3.56 - alt. 1,693 m - Rocky corridor
  5. 4 : km 3.82 - alt. 1,854 m - Ridge
  6. 5 : km 4.28 - alt. 2,001 m - Rocky area at the foot of the summit walls
  7. 6 : km 4.4 - alt. 2,072 m - Summit - Mont Chauffé
  8. 7 : km 5.13 - alt. 1,762 m - Departure from the Couloir du Féraillon
  9. S/E : km 6.31 - alt. 1,232 m - Le Sauvage

Notes

Hiking boots are essential. Bring warm clothing and rain gear. From the Chalet de la Raille (2) and almost until you return to the starting point, you will be exposed on the south side of the mountain: bring appropriate sun protection.

Allow 3 hours to walk to the summit and between 1½ and 2 hours for the descent (not including breaks).

There is a water source at Chalet de la Raille (2). However, bring your own supplies.

A 1:25,000 map is essential, and a compass is useful.

Warnings:
1) This hike is for experienced hikers only. From the Chalet de la Raille (2), you need to have a good sense of direction(know where to go) and be able to find your way around.
2) Between the foot of the rocky couloir (3) and the summit (6), the route is on very steep slopes and includes several rock climbing sections and exposed passages. This hike is therefore not recommended for people who are prone to vertigo and may require children to be roped up.
3) Only undertake this hike in good weather conditions: in case of fog or rain, for example, give up!
4) There are still guidebooks that indicate the ascent of Mont Chauffé via the Couloir du Feraillon, i.e. via the route taken here on the descent. This couloir is very steep (see the hike diagram), very rocky (two steps forward, one step back), and exposed to the sun early in the day: the climb up this couloir is a terrible slog and should be avoided at all costs!

Recommendations:
The Raie mountain pastures are grazed by herds: dogs must be kept on a leash.
This route crosses the Cornettes de Bise nature reserve. The following are prohibited: picking and gathering plants; leaving any rubbish behind; motor vehicles; campfires; wild camping and bivouacking.
See detailed regulations: Biotope Protection (APPB) - Pays d'Evian Vallée d'Abondance

Hike completed 13 times by the author, the first on 26 July 1976, the last on 21 July 2015.

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

From the summit, there is a superb 360° panorama: Lake Geneva, Dent d'Oche and Cornettes de Bise, the Vaud Alps, Dents du Midi and Grand Combin, Vallée d'Abondance and Mont de Grange, Mont Blanc Massif.

From the first rocky couloir (3), the landscape becomes very wild. This is one of the few places in the Chablais where Edelweiss can be found (please refrain from picking them).

The La Raille mountain pastures are grazed in summer by Abondance cows, which are used to make the farmhouse cheese of the same name.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 8 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
johangold
johangold

In fact, from point 3 to point 5, and even for the climb, you can follow the IGN route exactly. I also mapped the route on the app, just in case.

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Netra
Netra ★

Thank you very much, johangold, for your clear and prompt response!

I will soon revise the map and description to take this information into account.

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johangold
johangold

For the first question, it's between points 3 and 4. There's a path that's not necessarily easy to see, which branches off a little further to the left when you're climbing. I just noticed that compared to the route on the website, I was further to the left, and I followed the dotted line on the IGN map, whereas the route currently described is further to the right. I can send you two comparative photos if necessary.

For the climb:

From point 5, head to the far right, almost to the cliff, and start climbing up the wall along a clearly visible break. You will see a small cairn at the top of the path. Descend a little and climb straight up to reach the top of the ridge. The cross is visible straight ahead and the path is well marked.

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Netra
Netra ★

Hello Johangold, thank you for your feedback.

When you mention access to the plateau, is that just after the rocky corridor (3) or elsewhere?

Several people have told me that the green route in the photo is easier, but I have never taken it myself. Could you describe this route from point (5)? Thank you in advance.

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johangold
johangold

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Overall accurate description, but I didn't follow exactly the same route as indicated on the Visorando website, particularly on the climb up to the plateau before the ridge. There is a more clearly marked path that I was able to follow. Otherwise, thank you for the photo showing the two routes to the summit. The path on the right in green is indeed much safer.

Otherwise, it was a very beautiful hike with magnificent scenery, but also very difficult and technically demanding. The descent through the scree is just terrible and endless.

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Netra
Netra ★

Hello,

The possibility of doing this hike in December depends largely on the conditions.

If there is no snow yet and the weather is good, there is no problem.

If it has already snowed, if it is raining or if it is foggy, I strongly advise against it.

This hike requires good weather conditions.

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JB DESMARETS
JB DESMARETS

Hello,
We are three experienced hikers. Is this hike accessible in December?
Thank you in advance for your feedback.

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Netra
Netra ★

Hello Zarak, thank you for your feedback.

I have noted your comments about the final ascent, which confirm other comments: it is easier on the right.

So that I can update the route, did you record a GPS track during your climb? If so, could you upload it to your page (on the website's home page, click on the "Tools" tab at the top left / Import a GPX track)?

Thank you in advance for your help.

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Zarak_
Zarak_

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 27, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very, very good hike. I confirm and clarify the detailed description and feedback from other comments:
- nothing to report until you reach the chalet, the path is clear and straightforward
- After the chalet, the path is easy to follow and takes us through a field of tall grass. The end of this section is marked by a path near a spruce tree
- The first section of steep ascent, where you will definitely need to use your hands, is entirely via a marked path that is easy to follow. Good footwear (hiking or trail running) is almost essential. Watch out for the cliffs on the left and loose rocks (the path is relatively unfrequented and not cleared).
- The ridge path is once again well defined and moderately dangerous due to its proximity to the cliff. The climbing passages are simple but exposed. Not for those prone to vertigo!
- The final section (grade 5) to reach the summit is indeed easier on the right, as mentioned in another comment. The passage is well-travelled (marked path to the foot of the cliff) and the path continues along the cliff on a relatively clear route (look for slightly worn handholds). Once again, be careful if you are prone to vertigo. Although relatively simple, this passage nevertheless requires you to know how to place your feet correctly and find the right handholds. The descent is more difficult, and despite the hiking experience of some of us, the technical passage required the help of other members experienced in climbing to guide us.
- Impressive and comfortable summit. Breathtaking view.
- Descent to technical grade 5, watch out for loose rocks and downclimbing steps.
- From there, the terrain (and OSM maps) no longer seem to be up to date, as there is a clear, well-marked path to the point. Be careful not to lose it in the small scree-like areas, but the route is clear and you don't have to cut through the grass alone.
- The descent from 7 is... an experience. At first, it's a well-marked dirt path, steep but comfortable. Then comes the scree, and that's where the fun begins, as you find yourself almost literally surfing on the rocks, with a very steep slope. Watch your ankles, look for small rocks and proceed with caution, but the descent is actually quite simple. I wouldn't want to go up that way, though.

In summary, a very good hike, but I must emphasise the technical nature of certain passages, which make the route very difficult or even impossible for beginners, people who are prone to vertigo or who are afraid of climbing steps. Be sure to consider your equipment carefully before setting out.

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JPFB
JPFB

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 14, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

Hike completed in perfect weather and visibility. The view from the summit is truly superb.

The route description was very useful, except that I got lost in section (5). The description "go down a few steps and immediately go back up" should read "go down several metres". In any case, the hike should be done in the direction indicated.

Unfortunately, the return journey is quite difficult, with a descent that is nothing more than a long trek over endless scree. There is no path, you slip and slide continuously, it is tiring and borderline dangerous. For this reason, I do not recommend this hike.

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Netra
Netra ★
• Edited:

Hello JCE46,

Thank you for your comments and feedback!

Regarding point (2), I will update the description.

Regarding point (4), the alternative you suggest may be of interest to many hikers (including myself, as I get older ).

This dialogue box is not suitable, but I see that you have posted the photo with the two routes. I have just selected it: all hikers wishing to undertake this hike will be able to see it.

Ideally, it would be possible to plot the alternative route on the same map as the main route, using dotted lines, for example. For the moment, this is not technically possible. I hope it will be one day.

Thanks again for your contribution!

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JICE46
JICE46

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 08, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A beautiful summit, which is well worth the effort despite its modest altitude.
Visorando's description is spot on in terms of the terrain, and it is indeed better to follow the route indicated than to climb up the Ferraillon couloir (steep slope + scree + rocky slabs!).
Two comments:
- Point 2 of the description: it is no longer a vague trail, but a good trail, apparently due to drainage work.
- Point 4 of the description: I tackled the wall as indicated and retreated at the second ledge, judging it too tricky, exposed and likely to cause problems on the descent (I was accompanying a group of six people). After searching, we found a passage on the far right of the face, consisting of a series of steps and corridors, which was much more passable and safer (clearly, we weren't the first to go that way). As a precaution, we installed a handrail on the descent in two places.
I have a PDF file where I have visualised these two routes (the proposed route is in red, the actual route is in green), but this dialogue box does not seem to allow me to attach it.

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Gilles88
Gilles88

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 09, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Very beautiful route, beautiful views, but you mustn't be afraid of heights and you need to find the right route, otherwise the hike could be dangerous.
The descent could endanger people climbing up there due to falling rocks.

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jl74500
jl74500

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Yesterday's hike was exactly as described. I saw the edelweiss, which was a very pleasant moment.
The descent down the scree slope is quite long, so it's best not to do it in the other direction.
Not suitable for people who are prone to vertigo.

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Tometxe
Tometxe

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 21, 2016
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A beautiful hike if the weather is good!

I strongly agree with the comment advising against taking the route in the other direction: if hikers are descending the scree slope, there is a high risk of falling rocks of varying sizes, so you should avoid climbing this way at all costs (apart from the fact that it's not at all pleasant).

Thank you!

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