Slightly less vertiginous than the Aulp du Seuil or Fouda Blanc climbs, the Belles Ombres sangle is still a great vertigo hike, offering uninterrupted views over Belledonne and Grésivaudan. From La Plagne, the route is a compendium of all that the Alpette plateau has to offer in the way of bucolic alpine meadows, forest trails and hanging balconies.
From the Varvats car park, we follow a forest road and then a steep path through the woods towards Pré de Pratcel and Pas de l'Echelle. From here, the route climbs northwards and follows the slopes of the mountain, perched between two rocky limestone bars, where we are sure to spot some Chamois. The first, more aerial section ends at the Grotte à l'Echelle. The rest, as beautiful as ever, is less vertiginous.
Below the summit of Le Pinet, a few switchbacks wind between the rocks, giving easy access to the summit plateau. The Alpette, the Granier and the Rocher de Belles Ombres (another strap), Belledonne and Mont-Blanc come into view. After a picnic break, we follow the ridge to the Fouda Blanc, before descending via the Haberts de St Vincent and the Pas de l'Echelle.
Although not very physical or technical, this route nevertheless includes some aerial and vertiginous sections that can be quite impressive. You'll need to feel at ease on a mountainside path and have a good level of fitness if you want to enjoy the day to the full.
Helmets and harnesses are safety equipment, useful if you feel uncomfortable on a steep section. They shouldn't be necessary, but they can be used in a stressful situation if one of the participants needs them.
Yes, it is possible to do the tour with 10-year-olds, provided they are good walkers and able to follow the instructions at key points.
This is a full-day outing. Departure in the morning, picnic en route, and return in the afternoon. Obviously, we adapt to the level of the group once we're in the field!
In the event of bad weather, I will suggest alternative outings, or reschedule. The straps cannot be used if the ground is wet!
Live with your guide, from first contact to the summit.
Creative and flexible
A flexible framework for devising the most appropriate itinerary or activity for each day, depending on the group and the conditions.
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