The Croix de Nivolet
The Croix de Nivolet via Pas de l'Echelle
Moderate
Difficulty
6 h 30
Duration
1 536 M
Altitude
1 100 M
Elevation
Description
The Croix de Nivolet is the highest peak in the Bornes massif, towering at an altitude of 2,350 meters. It overlooks Lake Annecy and offers an exceptional panorama of the Alps, from Mont Blanc to the Écrins massif. This loop hike allows you to reach the summit through the Pas de l'Echelle, a passage equipped with bars and cables that crosses a fissure between the cliff and a needle, and to descend through the Chimney, a cave that traverses the mountain. This is a sporty and vertiginous hike, reserved for experienced hikers who are not susceptible to vertigo.
Access
Coordinates:
45.44091, 5.906333
Start from the arranged parking of Lovettaz, municipality of Saint-Jean-d'Arvey.
Ascent to the Col de l'Alpette through a steep trail in the forest.
Crossing of the Alpette plateau up to the hamlet of Nivolet.
Ascent to the Pas de l'Echelle via a steep and rocky trail, equipped with bars and cables.
Ascent to the summit of the Croix de Nivolet via an aerial and rocky trail.
Return to the plateau by the same path, followed by a descent to the Chimney through a very steep trail.
Passage through the Chimney cave, which crosses the cliff.
Descent through the forest to the Col de la Doriaz, then to the Granges du Priz.
Return to the parking lot via the road.
Advertisements
Comments
Alice
Lovely hike with a magnificent view of the lake. The trail is well-marked and not too challenging. Highly recommended!
Bob
Pleasant hike but a bit monotonous. The lake is beautiful, but there's not much variety in the landscapes. The path is sometimes crowded with bicycles.
Charlie
Superb hike! The lake is splendid, and the route is diverse and interesting. You pass by viewpoints, villages, chapels, waterfalls... Plenty to enjoy!