Circuit of Mont Outheran, via the Col du Mollard, Col du Planet and Col du Grapillon

Reach the Désert ski resort (in the commune of Entremont-le-Vieux), either from the CD1006 via the Cols de Coux des Egaux and de la Cluse, or from the Vallée des Entremont via the Col du Granier and Entremont-le-Vieux.
Park at a large bend on the CD45 (at 1,172m), where the cross-country skiing area is located in winter.

(S/E) Set off due north on the Col du Mollard road, which turns into a dirt track as it enters the forest, for a steady, rolling climb leading to the Col du Mollard and its cross.

(1) Descend the fairly steep forest track opposite towards Saint-Cassin; let the Col des Fontanettes path branch off to the right, and when the track approaches the stream, cut across to descend to the left over the bridge over the Merderet.

(2) Head up the track opposite, on the left bank of the stream, to reach the Col du Planet.

(3) Head back down the Saint-Thibaud-de-Couz side along the passable forest track; turn left at the Prairie du Planet to continue along the forest track, which rises gently. After a level stretch, reach the junction at 1,238m.

(4) Let the road descend to the right, then turn left onto a wide forest track that runs the entire length of the western flank of Mont Outheran. Initially level, it then rises gradually and then more steeply, following the contours of the terrain. After another section that is more or less level, it reaches the hamlet of Pré Orcel at an altitude of 1,433m.

(5) Here, the Col du Grapillon path branches off to the left and back (northwards): take this to climb a few hairpin bends (a narrow, steep section where you’ll often have to push your mountain bike) before the gradient eases for a traverse south-eastwards to the wide pass of the Col (1,509 m).

(6) Descend opposite, on the Entremont side, along the rough, signposted forest track which makes two wide bends. At around 1,420m, leave the track and head off to the left, following the view towards the summit of the Téléski des Bruyères (a short climb).

(7) Below the ski lift’s top station, take the path opposite that follows the ski run. Leave the forest to find yourself amidst some rather steep alpine ski runs, but a path allows you to descend by heading eastwards across the slopes, then turning right to descend back down the centre. The slope levels out; you’ll reach a path branching off to the left, leading to the Nantet chalets and the Col de la Cluse road (CD45).

(8) Follow this road to the left; it takes you back to the starting point (S/E).

The route remains at high altitude but is generally fairly easy and not very technical; there are a few steeper sections: descents from the Col du Mollard and the Col du Grapillon (summit), and the ascent to the Col du Grapillon from (5).

The traverse along the western slope passes close to several springs.

Passing along all sides of the mountain offers varied views of the surrounding area. However, the number of unobstructed views is limited by the predominantly wooded nature of the route.

Alternative route: from (6), you can easily climb to the right on a round trip to La Cochette (110m elevation gain) for an unobstructed view of the Chartreuse.