The Cross on the Alp

I did this trail on 9 February 2025, following exactly the route suggested here. On the first part of the ascent, there was no trace of snow, but from around 1200m, I crossed frozen and packed snow. Crampons are very useful on this section, otherwise it's easy to slip.

After passing this zone (about 200-300m of steep climbing), the snow became lighter and it became easy to continue the rest of the ascent. There was no risk of avalanche, as there was a reasonable amount of snow. In my opinion, the trail is of medium difficulty, with a slightly sustained ascent but no technical or exposed sections. It is easily accessible.

At the summit, I found the scenery exceptional, with Mont Blanc, with the last rays of the sun projected onto it, appearing very close and standing out clearly. The wind was light to moderate.

When returning to the route, it's important to follow the map, as the path is well signposted at the start, but after passing the small wooden huts (probably animal shelters), you have to turn right through the forest and the markers disappear (or are rather blurred). It's ideal to have the route downloaded onto a watch with a GPX map.

An ideal route for a day out, accessible to everyone!

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I did this hike the day after the new snow fell, so I made the trail. I started without equipment, then with crampons and continued with snowshoes. The hike was difficult because the snow was fresh. I didn't do the loop so as not to go over the step of the ladder and I think I made a wise decision. The view from the top was divine. It took me 5 hours 30 minutes to make the return journey, bearing in mind that I'm not fast! I only met one couple, which was a great change of scenery and a wild atmosphere. Thank you so much for this guide!

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A snowshoe hike with 50 cm of powder at the summit, without any previous tracks, back up to the Alpe cross, with a magnificent view. To avoid any risk, I didn't return via the valley, as there may be snow bridges that give way above sharp limestone pavements several metres deep. And I didn't wear crampons to descend the Pas de l'Echelle, which is icy at -5°C. A great hike to do in summer and winter alike!

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Very nice hike. We took the ladder ascent and descent. No difficulty in dry weather. Saw a chamois. The car park at Les Varvats is very small. Preferably arrive before 9am.

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Easy access to the car park at the start, steep slope from the start of the walk. No difficulty other than the physical effort required by the slope.
We did the route in the opposite direction as it's easier to climb the ladder step and descend through the valley.
Beautiful panorama from the Alpe cross.
A very pleasant hike that we recommend.
Thanks to the route planner for suggesting it.

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We did this route in the opposite direction to the one suggested; we found the climb over the Pas de l'Echelle easier and the descent via the Vallon also more pleasant. A very pleasant walk, with superb views and a variety of landscapes. Be careful on the sharp limestone pavement before the sheepfold. They are ankle traps. Magnificent 360-degree views from the summit.

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I lengthened the route by passing by the Alpette de la Dame (turn right at point 2). The path is nice. At the top, I took the GR9 to the left to get back to point 3 and continue the walk as suggested.
In the end, it was a fine walk, sometimes marked - crossing sharp limestone pavements before the pas de l'échelle. With the extension: 980m ascent and 6h00 hike.
Note: it might be a good idea to do it in the opposite direction to pass the Pas de l'Echelle on the way up, as Halouin indicated in his comments, even though it descends relatively well.
Thanks for the trace.

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A lovely walk in beautiful October sunshine, with superb scenery and a relatively easy route to follow. The descent is a little long and tedious, but if you're going uphill, you have to come down again. All in all, a very fine day

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We did this route in the opposite direction to the one suggested; the Pas de l'Echelle section seemed easier on the way up and the descent via the Vallon also more pleasant.
The common section of the out-and-back path is stony and requires a little care on the way down; the small stones roll underfoot and can cause you to fall, probably not seriously as the surroundings are not dangerous, but a fall nonetheless!
There were no problems with orientation, even without using the description; the map and the indications on the ground were enough.
It was a very nice walk on a very hot day; the wooded sections were very welcome.
Thanks to all those who share their hikes; a mine of ideas.

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In summer, the trail is slightly different from the snowshoe trail.
The difference in altitude is 815 m instead of 888 m; the distance is also slightly shorter.
Very stony section before reaching the Pratcel meadow.

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Magnificent walk, but icy and dangerous path in the forest.
No difficulty after that.
Magnificent 360-degree view from the summit.

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Lovely snowshoe hike thanks to the fresh, powdery snow that fell on the night of 31 January to 01 February 2022. We kept our snowshoes on throughout the day, from the moment we left the car (the car park was covered in 3 or 4 cm of snow).
It took us 3.5 hours to get up and 2.5 hours to get down, excluding the picnic stop.
On this day of fresh snow, we found the descent of the Pas de l'Echelle (between points 10 and 4) (very) tricky. It requires a sure footing, self-confidence and not being a beginner.
Having read previous comments (February 2018 and November 2019), I had packed a 20 m rope and our harnesses. In the end we didn't use them. But if I go back in comparable snow conditions, I'll take this equipment again, just to be on the safe side.

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A very pleasant walk, with superb views and a variety of landscapes.
A pleasant start in the forest despite the steep climb.
Duration: 5.5 hours, including picnic, with a leisurely descent.

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I've just done this walk today: I think it's dangerous to suggest doing it on snowshoes. Between points (9) and (10), the sharp limestone pavements are very dangerous: there are 3/4 metre holes that are not visible (because they are covered by snow). Fortunately, the snow wasn't very deep, so I was able to probe with my sticks the areas where there were rocks, but in high season, it's guaranteed Russian roulette.
When you reach point (8), it's much safer to turn back. So I'd say that the walk is well worth it (magnificent panorama) as long as you remain reasonable when turning back at point (8).

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A very nice walk in a magnificent valley where we saw a dozen marmots playing...

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