Pic de Blanchard via the Chalets de Corniens

Parking at Chez Jacquier, just at the entrance to the hamlet of La Joux: small car park at the entrance to the path, on the right-hand side of the road, at the foot of a white house with a wooden balcony. Access via the D24, past the Thollon station and the cable car departure point.

No markings (except for a few yellow markers).

(S/E) Follow a track that leaves the road on the right (coming from Thollon station) towards the Chalets de Corniens. The track climbs gently to the south-east and then continues east-south-east, overlooking Lake Geneva (beautiful views from time to time).

(1) After the Ruisseau du Locum (named after a small village that can be seen at the bottom by the lake), the track climbs in a few steep hairpin bends. Continue south and note the sound of the stream on your right as you get closer to it. Cross a cattle fence via a turnstile. At the next fork, turn left towards Corniens.

(2) At the next crossroads (green signpost), keep left, still heading towards Corniens. Climb gently eastwards to reach the Col de Corniens (path to the Chalets de Nordevaux and Les Mémises on the right; in July 2015, this path was closed due to unstable scree).

Red and white markings

(3) Descend the gentle slope, parallel to the ski lift, with the twin towers of Mayen (on the left) and Aï (on the right) in the distance. This will take you to the Chalets de Corniens.

(4) Go around the chalets on the right and then look for a marker post on the right, slightly higher up. Cross a stream, turn left and head south-east along a narrow path that climbs steeply.

The path then winds its way eastwards, mostly through forest but with occasional views of the lake on the left and the peaks on the right. Cross a few dry river beds or avalanche couloirs (narrow, steep passages). Pass two signposts for Blanchard/Corniens and then cross a grassy area.

No markings

(5) After a slight bend to the right, look for a bright clearing opposite you at the top (this is the Col de Blanchard), a large overhanging rock on the right and, on the left of the path, a spruce tree with the letter B painted in faded orange on its trunk. Leave the^{GR®® trail} continuing uphill opposite and take the very faint path that branches off to the left just behind the spruce tree, for a very short descent and a very short climb (red and white cross). Be careful to spot this fork in the path! If you come across a signpost at the corner of a hairpin bend on the right, turn back.

Continue across, passing an abandoned hut, and walk on fairly flat ground through the undergrowth with a few wet patches. Leave the forest and come out onto the old Blanchard mountain pasture.

(6) The summit is clearly visible on the left, due north. Continue north-east on the path, which becomes a simple trail. Cross one or two wet sections and then a valley. Go around a group of spruce trees on the right and reach a small pass that is not named on the map.

(7) Turn left and climb the ridge to the summit (boundary marker).

(8) The descent is via the same route as the ascent. From the summit, the point to reach to enter the forest is due south. It can be identified by a cluster of spruce trees with a dead tree in the middle. Descend to the unnamed pass (7) then turn right to find the path.
In October 2015, a hiker placed two short strips of white plastic on either side of the path at the entrance to the forest (6), but there is no guarantee that this improvised marking will remain in place.

Red and white markings

(5) Find the^GR®® and follow it to the right. Pass the Chalets de Corniens (4) and then the pass of the same name.

No markings

(3) Leave the^GR®® trail on the left towards Nordevaux and follow the path on the right. At the crossroads (2), be sure to take the path on the right (the one on the left goes to La Frasse). Follow the wide path taken on the way there, cross the Ruisseau de Locum stream again (1) and return to Chez Jacquier (S/E).

Hiking boots are essential. Up to the Chalets de Corniens (4), the route follows a wide stony path. The route between the Chalets de Corniens (4) and the Col de Blanchard is little used, and it shows! The path is narrow, sometimes poorly marked and often in the middle of tall grass: although not particularly dangerous, the route requires caution and is best avoided in wet weather.

It is strongly advised not to undertake this hike in winter! The route crosses several avalanche corridors and, incidentally, when the Thollon-les-Mémises ski resort is open, the section between (2) and (3) is used by skiers. Caution is advised in early spring.

At Chalets de Corniens (4): water source (low flow in summer), possible shelter, or even an unguarded refuge for the night (basic facilities).

A 1:25,000 map is essential (at least the one accompanying this description). A compass is useful.

Hike completed three times by the author, with various variations, the first on 7 August 1981, the last on 14 July 2015.

Superb views:
- Along the way, over Lake Geneva.
- From Pic de Blanchard, over Lake Geneva and the mouth of the Rhône, the Vaud Pre-Alps, the peaks of the Tanay region (Valais), Pointe d'Arrite and Pic de Borée.

The Chalets de Corniens offer a pleasant setting and can be the destination for a shorter hike: allow 2 hours for the round trip, not including breaks.