Sornin Plateau

A hike near Grenoble, set in breathtaking surroundings. Starting this hike from here allows you to begin with a less strenuous ascent than from other possible starting points.

Details

2863358
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Snowshoeing
    Activity: Snowshoeing
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.65 km
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 6 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 691 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 692 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,560 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 921 m

Photos

Description of the walk

The start is at the car park opposite Chemin de la Molière.

(S/E) Take this path uphill, go through the gate and continue due north towards the pylon. Stay on theGR®9(red and white markings).

(1) At La Croisette, take the second path on the left which climbs (initially north-west) towards Sornin, ignoring the one on the right. Reach a junction before the hamlet.

(2) Turn right into the meadow and reach Sornin.

(3) Continue straight on (north-east) along the path, leaving the hamlet on your right. Accommodation available in one of the houses.

(4) Turn right towards the fir trees, heading for “la Dent du Loup”.

(5) At the sign for “plateau de Sornin”, continue straight ahead northwards to reach the Dent du Loup (high-voltage power line present).

(6) At the Dent du Loup, there is a stunning view of Veurey and the Grésivaudan valley. Watch out for the cliffs!
Retrace your steps back to the "Plateau de Sornin" signpost.

(5) Take the path up to the right heading west. Pass the shepherd’s hut, where you can admire the scenery and take a break (bench). The path continues westwards then turns south towards La Côte. A route through the forest with little variation in terrain.

(7) La Côte is a crossroads: continue southwards downhill and look out for the “Sornin” signpost you saw on the way up.

(2) Turn right and continue southwards to begin the descent a few dozen metres further on, following the path taken on the ascent.

(1) Back at La Croisette, continue the descent to the right and return to the car park where you started (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 922 m - Car park opposite Chemin de la Molière
  2. 1 : km 1.82 - alt. 1,182 m - La Croisette.
  3. 2 : km 3.73 - alt. 1,376 m - Sornin
  4. 3 : km 3.89 - alt. 1,359 m - Sornin hamlet.
  5. 4 : km 4.88 - alt. 1,404 m - On the right.
  6. 5 : km 5.27 - alt. 1,423 m - Sornin Plateau 1425 m.
  7. 6 : km 5.61 - alt. 1,400 m - Dent du Loup
  8. 7 : km 7.76 - alt. 1,548 m - Elevation 1545 m.
  9. S/E : km 12.65 - alt. 921 m - Car park opposite Chemin de la Molière

Notes

(3) In the hamlet of Sornin, a house is available as a refuge.

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

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 5 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
J.P
J.P

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Beautiful route with stunning views and no major difficulties.

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martinedemaria
martinedemaria

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely snowshoe hike with plenty of snow
So that means you need to follow the GPS track closely as the paths are less clearly marked. But with the route description and the GPS track, it’s perfect

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lougatt
lougatt

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 31, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent walk. The first hour is a steep climb that’s best avoided with children, and you certainly shouldn’t attempt it in trainers (as I’ve seen people do). But the effort is well worth the view once you reach the plateau. Thank you for this route, which is mostly in the shade so you won’t suffer in hot weather, and, above all, isn’t too busy.
The route is very easy to follow. Enjoy the hike, everyone!

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Fredo007
Fredo007

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 27, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Very clear instructions.
The first part is quite a steep climb for 50 minutes (take care if you’re with children).
The arrival on the plateau is well worth it: magnificent views.
It’s worth following the route in the correct direction for the circular loop around the plateau, as the end of the circular loop (before the return) is steep, but downhill.
The walk took 3½ hours without too many breaks.
A lovely walk

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jpbajart
jpbajart

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 22, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No


A 4-hour walk, including a short lunch break at the shepherd’s hut.
From the plateau, there is a stunning view.

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