Mont de Grange as seen from Pré-La-Joux

Start from the large car park at Pré-la-Joux (chairlift, ski lifts, summer toboggan run).

(S/E) Head north, leaving the Pierre-Longue chairlift behind you and keeping the ski lifts on your left.

(1) Turn right and head down alongside the conveyor belt, until you reach some houses.

(2) Turn left onto a track between the chalets. Climb slightly and stay on the track, ignoring all side paths. Cross the Ruisseau des Rubis (elevation 1436) and climb up to the Betzalin chalet.

(3) As you emerge from the hairpin bend at the foot of the chalet, turn left onto a path that climbs steeply through the forest. Leave the forest and you will immediately reach the Chalet des Covagnes.

(4) Turn sharply right. At the next junction, turn sharply left. You’ll reach a pass near the Lenlevay chalets (if you turn round, there’s a lovely view of the Dents du Midi).

(5) Then turn right. At the chalets, turn left and then right towards Mont de Grange. Climb gently along a shaded path. Look out for a signpost on the right marking the start of the Arête de Coicon.

(6) Take the path on the left and climb through the scrub. Pass a grassy plateau, then climb steeply along numerous hairpin bends. Continue northwards along the ridge. Cross a rocky scree slope and reach the summit (orientation table).

(7) Descend the entire Arête de Coicon via the same path.

(6) At the bottom (signpost), turn right and head down to the Lenlevay chalets and the unnamed pass.

(5) Continue straight on along the mountain pasture track.

(8) Cross a perpendicular mountain pasture track and carry on straight ahead. Head south-south-east then south-south-west, ignoring all side paths.

(9) At the crossroads, take the^first path on the left, which descends steeply into the forest. Be careful, as it is somewhat hidden, but there is a sign indicating the direction.

(10) Turn left (east-north-east) and continue the descent through the forest.

(11) Ignore a path on the left and continue down the numerous hairpin bends. You’ll emerge above the ski lifts; go round them on the left.

(1) Turn right and pass downstream of the ski lifts to return to the starting point (S/E).

There are no water sources; please wear suitable hiking boots for certain tricky sections. Please note that this is a physically demanding hike. The final section is long and can be discouraging, as there are several points where you might think you’re almost there.

REGULATIONS:

This route passes through the Mont de Grange protected natural area. To avoid disturbing wildlife and to preserve its habitat, please respect the regulations in force.

Permitted:

• Dogs on a lead
• Camping is permitted between 7 pm and 9 am.

Prohibited:

• Picking plants
• Collecting plants
• Littering
• Motor vehicles

During your walk, you may also come across herds grazing in the mountain pastures; please ensure you follow these guidelines:

• Close gates and fences
• Keep your dogs on a lead and pick up their faeces
• Do not wash, bathe or clean any objects in the drinking troughs
• Do not approach the herds
• Stay on the paths

Here, as elsewhere, nature deserves your respect

Further information: Protection Biotope (APPB) – Pays d’Evian Vallée d’Abondance

At the pass where the route joins the^GR®5, there is a lovely view of Lake Plagnes, and at the summit, a breathtaking view across the whole Abondance Valley and Lake Geneva as far as Mont Blanc, weather permitting.
The Pré-La-Joux car park is nearby; there’s no problem finding a space.