Pointe d'Andey from the Plateau de Solaison

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The Pointe d'Andey offers a commanding view of all the surrounding peaks, the Glières Plateau, the Môle, the Pic du Marcelly, the Bargy mountain range, as well as the entire Arve Valley and its highest point: Mont Blanc. On the other side, on a clear day, there is a beautiful view of the Lake Geneva basin and the Jura mountains in the background.

Details

n°31385126
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.44 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 371 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 371 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,874 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,503 m
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Photos

Solaise Plateau
Solaise Plateau
Solaion Plateau and the Bargy mountain range
Cross and Virgin of Andey.

Description of the walk

Park in the car park at the cross-country ski centre on the Solaison plateau (herringbone parking), before the roundabout: the road is closed in winter.

(S/E) Turn left at the roundabout as indicated by signs and continue for 300 metres along the road. Then leave the road and follow the path on the right, north-east, through the meadows. Reach a fork

(1) Climb steeply to the right along the path. It's just an hour of breathless climbing, but with magnificent views all the way up. At the Croix et Vierge d'Andey, continue a few metres to the left to reach the summit of Pointe d'Andey.

(2) The highest point of the hike, at 1,877 metres. For the descent, take the path on your right and head towards the Col d'Andey (1,759 metres).

(3) Descend south-east through the forest towards the initial fork.

(1) Continue along the same route as on the way up to the cross-country ski centre car park (S/E).
(S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,503 m - Cross-country ski centre car park
  2. 1 : km 0.54 - alt. 1,522 m - Crossing of the circular.
  3. 2 : km 1.64 - alt. 1,873 m - Pointe d'Andey (1877m)
  4. 3 : km 1.92 - alt. 1,751 m - Col d'Andey (1,759 m)
  5. S/E : km 3.44 - alt. 1,503 m - Cross-country ski centre car park

Notes

The route I suggest forms a circular loop that passes through the Col d'Andey.
The climb is steady but accessible to all, even children, and does not present any particular difficulties.

In winter, the ascent and descent are via the same route, with snowshoes, but nevertheless requires a good level of fitness for the steepest sections before the cross.
Summary:
Duration of the ascent: 1 hour
Duration of the descent: 45 minutes
Starting altitude: 1,500 m
Finish altitude: 1,877 m

Tips

Remember to bring water and a cap/hat, as you will be in direct sunlight throughout the hike, with no shade.
There are no water sources on the hike.
Hiking boots and walking sticks are highly recommended.

Restrictions

Dogs are allowed on a leash, as there are herds in the surrounding mountain pastures.
Camping is permitted between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m.

Reviews and comments

4.1 / 5
Based on 8 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.1 / 5
Ease of following the route
4 / 5
Route interest
4.1 / 5
User 791829

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

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

Incredible 360° view
Tough climb!
Circular offering varied terrain

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Gilcool 1
Gilcool 1

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A very easy hike with little elevation gain, even if the slope to reach the peak may seem steep. It is not long and, if you take your time, is accessible to a wide range of people. Ideal for a family outing. Beautiful view from the summit over the Arve Valley and the surrounding mountains. In addition, on the way back, it is very pleasant to enjoy the local restaurants.

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jdpfund
jdpfund

Overall rating : 4 / 5

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

We climbed in the snow. It was quite rough and frozen in places, so slippery. The 360° view from the summit is simply wonderful.

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Dominique. Reghem
Dominique. Reghem

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The hike is worth it for its superb views.

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VCOT
VCOT

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed in average weather conditions, including fog.
Accessible for an average hiker, although the climb is a little steep, especially at the beginning.
Rating: 4/5

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dguyon
dguyon

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Magnificent view from the summit. Short but steep climb!

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gipi74
gipi74

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 09, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

very beautiful view from the summit of Pointe d'Andey
however, the path climbs straight up with no bends to ease the slope, which isn't very pleasant

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volcan74
volcan74

Overall rating : 2.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Very busy route : No

How can anyone write that this hike is very easy and accessible to children?
The day I did it, there was a young child who ended up on his father's shoulders.
The climb is very steep, even if it isn't long.
I came back down the other way as described, and it was hell: just as steep with small, slippery stones.
I should point out that I hike often.

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