Le Grand Chavalard
Location
Right bank of the Rhone above Leytron, in Ovronnaz.
Descriptif
Difficult trail between forests and mountains, in T4. The route runs through the mountain pastures and touches the peaks. A great moment of happiness. Reduced equipment and possible refreshments at the Fenestral hut. Superb intensity.
Total length
66 km-effort
Walking time
29.75 km
Elevation + et –
+/- 2702 m
Altitude: between 1368 and 2901 m
National hiking map 1:25’000
Dents de Morcles 1305
Best period
July to September
Difficulty
T4
Useful information
Poles are recommended and orientation is easy. Checking the schedule of the ski lifts can help you in your decisions on the way back.
Itinerary
Join the Jorasse chairlift car park (2,578,570/1,117,057/1,380 m) and reach the bridge at pt 1368 which spans La Salentse. Follow the path up the river to reach the municipal reservoir, cross the torrent again and finally reach the mountain pasture from pt 1516 where the path branches off either towards the Rambert hut heading northwest or south to reach the top of the Jorasse chairlift. Follow due south on the Crêtes de Saille trail after crossing the Bougnonne installations at pt 1863. From Jorasse, follow the route towards Petit Pré at pt 1998 and go back up under the Greppon Blanc towards the Grands Prés plain, still heading west. The rest runs along the bottom of the valley towards the Col de Fenestral. Take advantage of stopping at the cabin of the same name to stock up on supplies or to greet the volunteers who work there. Continue your journey along the mountainside facing due south, below the Grand-Chavalard, above the Lac de Fully. At the next point 2121, if you feel like it, tackle the steep slope that leads to the summit of the Grand-Chavalard; the view is breathtaking. Be careful on the way back, which may have some surprises in store for you if the ground is wet. Still from point 2121, head towards the Lérié without missing the small path at point 1852 that varies regularly and breaks the pace of the fastest. Return to Petit Pré and turn off to Seya at 2182 m if your legs are still alert enough. Because there is always the possibility of reaching the Jorasse facilities if you are within opening hours (to be checked). If you opt for the botanical trail, reach the Grande-Garde at point 2146. The detour is worth it. This is the last high point of the race and via a very pretty path that takes you first to Odonne, return to your starting point via the Ovronnaz cantonal sports center. That’s it, in theory, done!
