Porte des Aravis

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This hike is only worthwhile when the La Clusaz resort is closed, as parts of the route follow groomed and busy ski runs. It is a demanding hike rated 2.3 with gradients of around 35° over the final 200 metres. The view opens up to the Mont Blanc range on one side and the Jura on the other. You may spot a few chamois along the route.

Details

n°96306587
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–
  • Skiing
    Activity: Skiing
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.05 mi
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 5 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 3,507 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 3,510 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 7,831 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 4,406 ft
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Photos

Summit slope
Above La Creuse

Description of the walk

By car, drive to the La Balme car park after passing through La Clusaz. Shuttle buses run to La Balme from La Clusaz or Saint-Jean-de-Sixt.

(S/E) Descend a flight of steps leading to the path providing access to the Combe de Fernuy, the start of the route. Follow this path uphill to reach the junction with a wide track.

(1) Leave the path leading to the Aiguille des Calvaires slopes on your right and continue straight ahead, heading south-east. Cross a well-marked path, then continue, veering left to head east. Begin a diagonal ascent leading to a small, unnamed pass providing access to the Combe de la Creuse at an altitude of 1971 on the IGN map.

(2) Continue to the right heading south-east. Reach an altitude of 2200 m.

(3) From here, you can see the summit clearly; continue up a steeper slope to reach the summit of the Porte des Aravis.

(4) Descend by following the ascent route in reverse to return to the Balme car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 4,409 ft - La Balme car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.71 - alt. 5,820 ft - Wide path traverse beneath the cable car
  3. 2 : mi 1.16 - alt. 6,421 ft - Small pass. Combe de la Creuse
  4. 3 : mi 1.73 - alt. 7,162 ft - Start of the return ascent to the Porte des Aravis
  5. 4 : mi 2.1 - alt. 7,831 ft - Porte des Aravis
  6. S/E : mi 4.05 - alt. 4,406 ft - La Balme car park

Notes

Caution: between (1) and (3) you follow a traverse that may be prone to avalanches.
(2) The Refuge de la Creuse is 200 m north along the summer trail. It is not visible from this point.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.