Variation of the Col du Chérel on snowshoes

This easy walk has already been described by Bernardino, so the following is only a variation.
There are no specific markings for snowshoes; the summer markings are sufficient.

Details

52845
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Snowshoeing
    Activity: Snowshoeing
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.96 km
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 4 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 529 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 529 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,491 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 985 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐
    Areas: Alps, Bauges
  • ⚐ District: Jarsy (73630)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 45.664915° / E 6.191334°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 3432OT, 3432OTR
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

(S/E) From Préchérel, take theGRP® trail to reach the Pont de Leyat quickly, with little elevation gain.

(1) At the bridge, there are two options:
1 - The new track.
2 - The old trail. It is clear that this path has a steeper gradient than the new trail, so it is best to take it on the way up.
The disadvantage is that it is a narrow path through the woods and you are walking in the shade.
At 1,370 m, we reach a place called "Sous les Plans" and rejoin the new trail, along with the sun.
Panorama: Mont Aiguille in the distance.

(2) The decision is made to continue along the new track, even though the distance to be covered is a little longer, as the view is clearer.

The Col du Chérel is reached without difficulty, after passing close to some chalets.

(3) At the pass, avalanches are clearly visible on the slopes of Trélod and Arcalod, but this does not deter ski tourers from hurtling down the slopes of Arcalod.
On the other side, chamois are looking for food on the grassy areas that have been cleared by the avalanches.
There is a cold wind at the pass, so for our picnic break we head back down to seek shelter in a chalet we spotted on the way up.
Then we descend to "Sous les Plans".

(2) This time, we continue along the new trail, whose moderate slope is easier on our knees. It's sunny, but it's much longer. We return to Préchérel (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 985 m - Préchérel
  2. 1 : km 1.18 - alt. 1,054 m - Pont de Leyat
  3. 2 : km 2.57 - alt. 1,356 m - Sous les Plans
  4. 3 : km 3.99 - alt. 1,491 m - Col de Chérel
  5. S/E : km 8.96 - alt. 985 m - Préchérel

Notes

Snow slides have been observed on the new trail, so depending on snow conditions, it is best to let things settle and make the round trip on the old trail.
The Chérél Pass, like other areas, is a wintering ground for black grouse. Please see the following link for information on how to ensure the peace and quiet of these small creatures and a few others.
http://www.parcdesbauges.com/fr/rcp

This route is also accessible in summer.

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

Chocolate factory in Jarsy.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 6 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
Anisette74
Anisette74

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 12, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

We did the route in reverse order to what was described, i.e. with the slightly steep climb up into the forest and the descent along the forest path. It was better and more enjoyable.

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Chaden
Chaden

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hike done outside of school holidays, so not many people, just one group at the pass. Hike done with crampons, no need for snowshoes. Beautiful climb through the forest. A bit windy at the top, so we descended a little towards the chalets for a snack. Leisurely return via the trail.
Thanks to the author for this hike!

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GUILLOUXJM
GUILLOUXJM

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely circular walk. In our opinion, start with the shortest, steepest path and come back down via the longest one. Quite busy.

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Le Dex
Le Dex

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Even without snow, it's a pleasant hike.

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mazgal
mazgal

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 02, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Perfect for me while I'm recovering

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Bisserain73
Bisserain73

Thank you for your appreciation of the description.

I completely agree with the details regarding the snow drifts on the new track.

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gerbert73
gerbert73

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 11, 2015
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A beautiful hike that starts with an easy path to the Leyat bridge. Then I agree with the description that recommends taking the old track, which climbs a little more steeply through the forest but is certainly less monotonous than the new track, which winds endlessly. The arrival at the pass is superb, with a beautiful panorama. Unfortunately, you have to descend a little to eat, as there is often a chilly breeze at the top of the pass. Below Arcalod, you can see numerous scree slopes.
The descent via the new trail is a bit long but pleasant because it is very sunny, so much so that I could actually see old avalanches across the trail, so be careful in unfavourable conditions (heavy snow or avalanche risk).
This route has a real "mountain atmosphere", which we share with the many ski tourers in this area.

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gerbert73
gerbert73
• Edited:

A beautiful hike that starts with an easy path to the Leyat bridge. Then I agree with the description that recommends taking the old track, which climbs a little more steeply through the forest but is certainly less monotonous than the new track, which winds endlessly. The arrival at the pass is superb, with a beautiful panorama. Unfortunately, you have to descend a little to eat, as there is often a chilly breeze at the top of the pass. Below Arcalod, you can see numerous scree slopes.
The descent via the new trail is a bit long but pleasant because it is very sunny, so much so that I could actually see old avalanches across the trail, so be careful in unfavourable conditions (excessive snow or avalanche risk).
This route has a real "mountain atmosphere", which we share with the many ski tourers in this area.

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