The Grand Rocher and the Crêt du Poulet

A stone's throw from town and you're high in the mountains. But pay attention to the risks.

Technical sheet

n°4098314

A Theys walk posted on 03/03/16 by djhoward. Last update : 09/03/20

Activity: Snowshoeing
Distance: 8.57 km
Author’s time: 6 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
Return to departure point: Yes
Vertical gain: + 467 m
Vertical drop: - 465 m
Highest point: 1,903 m
Lowest point: 1,436 m

Areas: Alps, Belledonne, Dauphiné
District: Theys (38570)
Start/End: N 45.324743° / E 6.04703°
IGN map(s): Ref. 3433OT
Today’s forecast: Loading…

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Description

(S/E) From the Foyer de Ski de Fond du Barioz ((cross-country skiing centre), go in a westerly direction along the almost-flat road and stay on it for about 300 meters.

(1) Climb to the left on the forest trail, which you can leave to take shortcuts. Reach the Pierre Roubet chalet on the left after a large loop.

(2) Fork to the right. You can't go straight ahead because there is a :risk of avalanche::. Climb the more-or-less wooded slope until you reach the ridge.

(3) Turn right and go along the ridge on the GRP: "Balcon des 7 Laux" - "Tour du Pays d'Allevard". Reach the Grand Rocher.

(4) Turn around on a parallel path and after some distance reach point (3) Continue straight ahead and pass under the Crêt Luisard.

(5) Continue northeast on relatively flat path until the refuge of the Crêt du Poulet.

(6) Leave in a south-westerly direction on an initially flat path but which descends gradually. Cross the ski tracks to find a trail that starts to the right.

(7) Descend to the right on this trail. N.B. Access to the trail ahead is prohibited as it is (exposed to avalanches).

(8) Continue right to descend on leisurely switchbacks through the forest and finally reach the Foyer de Ski de Fond du Barioz (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,436 m - Foyer de fond du Barioz
1 : km 0.26 - alt. 1,445 m - Trail intersection
2 : km 1.17 - alt. 1,573 m - Pierre Roubet chalet - Chalet de Pierre Roubet
3 : km 1.92 - alt. 1,769 m - GRP intersection
4 : km 3.4 - alt. 1,903 m - The Grand Rocher
5 : km 5.14 - alt. 1,772 m - Cret Luisard
6 : km 6.56 - alt. 1,697 m - Cret du Poulet refuge - Refuge le Crêt du Poulet
7 : km 7.63 - alt. 1,614 m - Descent intersection
8 : km 8.11 - alt. 1,535 m - Forest
S/E : km 8.57 - alt. 1,438 m

Useful Information

In winter, when leaving the Foyer de Ski de Fond, you'll be required to pay a fee of €2 (to cover the cost of creating snowshoe trails), also allowing you a free drink.
In winter, when you reach the ridges, do not approach the edge because cornices form and there is therefore a risk of falling.
Between points(2) and(7) there is a path(absolutely forbidden because of the risk of avalanche).
This hike can also be enjoyed in the summer.

Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

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During the walk or to do/see around

Above the refuge of the Crêt du Poulet(6) (5mins away), there is an orientation table.

Other walks in the area

The Cross on the Alp

Departure from Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont (Savoie) (73 - Savoie)

A lovely with snowshoes, with a beautiful view of the Alpine peaks at its height. Note that this hike can be done in all seasons.

Trek around Mont Outheran starting from Désert d'Entremont

Departure from Entremont-le-Vieux (73 - Savoie)

A beautiful hike to be done with or without snowshoes.

Col de Porte

Departure from Sarcenas (38 - Isère)

In the heart of the Chartreuse mountains, the Col de Porte is a former family ski resort whose ski lifts are now closed. The paths are more or less well marked allowing you to enjoy the trails on cross-country skis or snowshoes. The proposed circuit climbs through forest, coming out on a crest and offers superb views over the entire Chartreuse mountain range.