Best Hikes in Chablais
A spread out massif
The Massif du Chablais is the second largest massif in the northern Pre-Alps and is full of a host of mountains that are accessible to all. The massif is surrounded by the Bernese Alps to the north, the Giffre to the south-east and the Bornes to the south-west. In addition, the massif is made up of sedimentary limestone and silico-clastic rocks.
A diversity of peaks
Le Chablais culminates at 2466 m at the top of the Hauts-Forts on the resort of Avoriaz. The Hauts-Forts is, it must be said, a difficult hike that requires a certain amount of training and a safe foot. In the western part of the massif, it is possible to make many easy outings to the Praz-de-Lys Sommand resort, such as Pointe de Chalune. In addition, I also recommend the Bellevaux region with its peaks offering peaceful walks. I have in mind in particular Pointe d’Ireuse and Mont Forchat.
Among the most striking peaks of the Chablais region, I would certainly mention the Môle (1863 m). Its shape, clearly visible from Geneva, is somewhat reminiscent of that of Mount Fuji in Japan. In winter, the Chablais is a prime playground for skiing and snowshoeing. The resort of Les Gets and Samoëns are ideal places for a winter walk.
You will find below a selection of hiking routes that I have been able to do in the Chablais. Each hiking itinerary is carefully documented with a description, a trail and photos. Feel free to send us your comments or remarks by email or at the bottom of the corresponding articles.
12 January 2012 | by Pierre-Alexandre
From the ski resort of Sommand, many summer hikes are possible in winter. For a discovery of the snowshoe outing, I propose the Col de Cordon that is an easy and safe route. The elevation gain of 230 m is climbed in about one hour depending on the snow conditions
25 December 2011 | by Pierre-Alexandre
The itinerary proposed here is an easy winter stroll starting from the ski resort of Praz-de-Lys and allowing to reach Sommand by the Col de la Ramaz.
It can be an initiation to the practice of snowshoeing as there
16 April 2011 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Pointe de Lachau is a stroll without any difficulty (if not the last part of the ridge a little steep when arriving at the summit), and feasible in half a day. Next to the imposing Mont Chauffé that will accompany us throughout the hike
20 July 2008 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Located in the Valley of Abondance, Pointe d’Ardens is the object of a beautiful outing in a green landscape.
The itinerary I propose allows discovering a part of the Mont de Grange Nature Reserve
27 April 2008 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Lac des Plagnes can be the object of a beautiful family walk in the Valley of Abondance. Very popular with fishermen in summer, its banks are accessible by a small path that makes a loop and allows admiring the surrounding landscape
5 March 2008 | by Pierre-Alexandre
With Montagne de Chevran, Mont Orchez constitutes a superb belvedere on the Valley of the Arve facing the Môle and the Bargy Massif.
Without any difficulty, the path gets through a beautiful forest by a sometimes very steep path. In wet weather, the descent can be very slippery
19 April 2007 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Situated opposite Pointe de la Gay, this summit named Sur la Pointe is a hiking destination within easy reach of everyone, and is ideal for a nice family outing.
The summit of Sur la Pointe offers a beautiful panorama of Lake Geneva, the Roc d'Enfer and the pastures of Chablais, and overlooks
21 October 2006 | by Pierre-Alexandre
The Lac Damoz des Moulins is an ideal hiking goal by a hot summer day. Most of the itinerary takes place in a forest where reign freshness and pleasant humidity.
The lake of modest size is nestled at the foot of the Tavaneuse Massif in a calm and serene environment
1 October 2006 | by Pierre-Alexandre
ont Billiat is a fabulous site to discover the Chablais Massif.
Although of low altitude, its location offers a panorama on Lake Geneva on one side, Dent d’Oche and all the summits of Chablais on the other.
The well-marked trail is accessible to all
20 August 2006 | by Pierre-Alexandre
The Pont du Diable is a nice little walk near Mieussy as it allows discovering the Giffre in a small valley.
Under the bridge, the Gorge du Giffre is four meters wide, nine meters deep. It is the ideal ground for the practice of canyoning, kayaking, or sport fishing.
The hydroelectric dam, operated by
3 November 2005 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Little visible from the valley, Pointe d’Ireuse presents itself rather under the appearance of a vast dome than under the aspect of a peak. The itinerary describes a loop passing through the Chalets de Nifflon d’en Bas, then the picturesque chapel of Nifflon d’en Haut, with a return to the
22 September 2005 | by Pierre-Alexandre
The itinerary that I propose here is more a half day trip than a real hike as the elevation gain and distance are negligible. The magnificent mountain pastures and the very close summits will make this itinerary an unforgettable memory for young and old alike
