Aulp du Seuil Hut – Pravouta Hut

(S) Head south-west on the^GR®®9and follow it until you reach the Col de Bellefont. The snow is soft, but with crampons it’s a breeze (though it is steep).

Start the descent here, staying on the^GR®®9. Head for a clearly visible notch between the base of the cliff and the forest, finishing with a short climb. Reach the edge of the forest.

(2) Enter the forest and stay on the^GR®® to reach the point directly above the Prayet pass.

(3) Continue along the^GR®® towards the Dent de Crolles, traversing an area above steep slopes and at times close to the edge of the cliff.
Take care here as this is a dangerous spot if the snow is not stable; a short descent then takes you to the Dent de Crolles plateau.

(4) Cross it on a slightly ascending curve. Reach the pass above the Trou du Glaz, a distinctive notch in the ridge.

(5) Descend this section: Caution: this descent is steep and the drop-off is close by; today it proved easy but: in other snow conditions, it requires mountaineering with an ice axe and crampons.
After this section, reach the path at the base of the cliff, but: remain cautious as it is still very steep.
Continue the traverse with great caution. Reach the large meadow which, from the Col du Coq, climbs towards the Pas l’œil. Continue the descent to reach the Col des Ayes.

(6) Take the path on the opposite side to reach the Col de Pravouta.

(7) Head down the other side; a short descent quickly leads to a large building: the Pravouta hut. Ten metres from the hut, there is a large padlock on the door; in fact, you simply need to open a quick-release link to enter the hut (E) – today’s stage.

3 October 2023 The route is largely situated on the private estate of the Marquis de Quinsonas, who has banned access to it, as reported in the media.
The Chartreuse Regional Nature Park has reached an agreement with the owner to ensure that the trails included in the Reserve’s access plan (and only those) remain accessible to hikers. Please stay on the^GR®®9.

I settle in comfortably; outside it’s pouring with rain and it’s going to last all night—but tomorrow is another day, as the optimist would say.

Whilst this route is fairly easy in summer, in winter certain sections are a far cry from a ‘leisurely snowshoe walk’; it requires a bit of commitment, and you need to be confident and not hesitate to put on crampons (I always carry them with me).