Crossing between the Rochers de la Balme and the Rocher du Playnet

From the Grenoble valley, take the road up towards Villard-de-Lans, then head towards Corrençon until you reach the terminus at the golf course car park.

(S/E) Head due south along the footpath for 500 m to the Charnoyennes junction.

(1) Turn left towards the forest and follow the cross-country ski trails signposted “Combe de Fer”. Several routes are possible; head towards Les Pissots, avoiding a return via the Champ de Bataille, and reach a clearing beyond the cross-country ski trails.

(2) Turn right onto the summer path which climbs through the forest to the Serre du Play junction.

(3) Turn left onto the route climbing through the forest, which is steep in places, and continue south-east until you emerge from the forest and reach the Cabane du Serre du Play.

(4) Continue south-east, climbing the snow-covered slopes to the ridge between the 2006 m and 2004 m peaks of the Rochers de la Balme. Reach the summit on the right at the 2004 m mark.

(5) Descend south-west to the gap directly below the Talweg du Grand Pot.

(6) Climb the opposite ridge then traverse the slope, aiming for an unwooded ridge that allows you to switch to the southern slope. Traverse the western slope, keeping below the line of cairns marking the summer path.

Begin the descent towards the Pas Ernadant, aiming for the weak points in the small rocky ridges to be crossed: these passages are easier to see when approaching from below; as you are coming from above, you need to step forward slightly to spot them and cross them without having to take off your boots. The final part of the descent, with a clear view of the Pas, is easier.

(7) Climb up the opposite slope to the south-east over undulating terrain to the summit of Rocher du Playnet, which you reach from the right.

(8) Descend back down to the Pas Ernadant.

(7) Continue down to the north-west into the valley leading to the Grand Pot plateau.

(9) From the Grand Pot, there are two options for the return journey:
- cross a small pass and continue down north-west to the Cabane de Carrette, then along the long plateau to Corrençon.
- follow the GPS track for this route and turn right for a long descent northwards across the Ranc de l'Abbé, following the summer path. This will take you through the forest back to the junction you passed on the way up.

(3) Continue descending northwards to the clearing below the Combe de Fer.

(2) Follow the cross-country ski trails back to Corrençon (S/E).

You can usually put your snowshoes on right from the start.

The traverse between the Rochers de la Balme and the Pas Ernadant can be tricky in winter, as it involves traversing a slope with a significant overhang above fairly steep terrain. Only attempt this section if the snow is well-settled and your snowshoes provide good grip.
If this traverse does not seem safe to you, it is possible to descend from the breach (6) via the Grand Pot valley to the point marked (9).

The views are always magnificent along this eastern ridge of the Vercors.

It is not uncommon to come across ibex, even in winter, particularly near the Pas Ernadant.