Ascent beneath the Aiguilles d'Arves

Date of your route : Jul 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

I would like to return to point 5, which I find very dangerous.
As already mentioned by other hikers, this 20-metre stretch is on a very narrow path made up of wet fragments of tiles that give way and slide on a steep slope.
Having already gone 2 to 3 metres, we wanted to turn back, which was very dangerous. We were very close to sliding all the way down after finding ourselves lying flat on our stomachs.
There is no way to hold on, and we only managed to get out of there by helping each other.
I strongly advise against this passage, especially since the return loop via Pradin is much more pleasant and safe.

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Date of your route : Oct 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant hike that is particularly interesting if the Aiguilles d'Arves peaks are not hidden by a blanket of clouds. The landscapes are reminiscent of certain parts of Iceland. The "slippery" section indicated is concentrated over a distance of about thirty metres. With walking sticks and taking it slowly, there is no cause for concern. I don't recommend doing it any other way than in the direction indicated if you don't want to break your legs on climbs without clear paths or markings. The landscapes encountered on the way to the starting point are splendid, and even more so with the autumn colours.

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Date of your route : Aug 30, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Route with beautiful views
second part of the route which must be done with a GPS due to the absence of a path
However, at point 6 (Gros Crey), there is a dangerous passage in my opinion, which gave me quite a scare
very steep slope with slippery ground covered in crumbling slate
very few footholds
My partner turned back
so I think that because of this section, which is about 20 metres long, this return route should not be taken due to the risk of falling
A word to the wise.

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Date of your route : Jul 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Great hike with magnificent views of the Aiguilles d'Arves.
A bit crowded at the start of the family circular route, then quieter afterwards.

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Date of your route : Aug 19, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike in a setting with impressive panoramic views. The end of the circular hike along the ridges is a little unclear, particularly between points 6 and 7, where you have to descend blindly through tall grass, which doesn't make it easy to find your footing on this fairly steep descent. Fortunately, the path to take further down remains visible at the shepherd's hut.
A beautiful hike with few people on this day, especially on the second part along the ridges where we were alone!

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Date of your route : Jul 30, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We did this hike in the opposite direction to the one suggested.
There isn't really a path between points 7 and 6, so you have to climb straight up using the GPS track provided on Visorando.
Crossing the slate between points 6 and 5 on the way up seems less dangerous than on the way down.
Beautiful views of Mont Blanc from Crey Aigu and Gros Crey.

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Date of your route : Aug 09, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We did this hike today as a family (the youngest is 7) without any particular problems. The duration of the trip is reasonable, including lunch under the peaks. The first part of the hike is easy to follow and without any major difficulties. It gets a little steeper when you reach point 3, La Basse du Gerbier. There are magnificent views all along the route.
We had a picnic when we reached point 4. Despite the heat of the day, it is much cooler at the top, so be sure to bring warmer clothing.
After returning to point 3, the circular route continues along the western ridge. The first part follows the ridge and offers beautiful, breathtaking views. From point 5 onwards, the hike is no longer clearly marked and the GPS track is very useful. The descent from point 6 is quite steep but is ultimately quite easy. You reach point 7 and then point 8, the highest point, which also offers magnificent views. You then finish by taking a clearly visible and easy path.
All in all, a very good hike, the second part of which takes you through a less frequented area that is admittedly a little more technical but very enjoyable.

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Date of your route : Jul 11, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike done this morning, setting off at around 5:00 a.m. to reach Basse du Gerbier at around 7:00 a.m., then returning to the car park at around 10:45 a.m. for a total of approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes (including numerous photo breaks and snacks along the way).
I had never done this route at Les Aiguilles before (I usually go via Plan Pradin) and it is truly superb. The numerous marmots and chamois encountered along the way only added to the magnificent panoramas, with breathtaking views of the Aiguilles d'Arves and Saussaz, as well as the Aiguilles d'Argentière and even Mont Blanc (from Gros Crey and Bon Ventre).
The climb to Basse du Gerbier is not difficult, except at the end where the slope is steep at times and slippery. The start of the return journey along the ridges is easy until the bypass before Gros Crey (point 5), where a traverse across the slate slope can be quite tricky for those who are sensitive to vertigo and "beginner" hikers. The ground is unstable due to moisture and crumbling slate, and requires careful crossing with the aid of walking sticks (strongly recommended on this return via the ridges). After the summit of Gros Crey (point 6), the trail gradually disappears (especially in the snowfields) and it is not easy to find (and follow) the path that descends on the eastern slope. It even becomes completely non-existent until the shepherd's hut (point 7), but this is normal as you are off the trail. From there, you will find a path that is fairly easy to follow until you reach the starting point (point 1).
In summary, this is a really great route with superb scenery and rich flora and fauna, but it requires a little practice and equipment (at least hiking boots and poles). Avoid in wet and especially foggy weather. I recommend setting off very early in the morning to avoid the crowds and heat and maximise your chances of seeing animals!

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