Three of our favourite hikes in the area.
Mount Ouzon - A beautiful hike with great views of Lac Leman - 2 to 3 HOURS
Depart from Col de Corbier, just a 20 minute drive from Morzine. From the parking at the summit of Col de Corbier, take the large metal staircase up to the start of the trail. From here you’ll climb a fairly steep path through the woods until you reach the pretty Chalets d’Ouzon. Continue up the trail to Col de Planchamp where you’ll find a lovely view of the Dent d’Oche range.
From here the path is narrower winding through the trees and into an alpage leading to the last section. You’ll climb over the roots of a fir tree on the path into a very short but steep passage, equipped with chains to aid you. At the top, go all the way to the cross for spectacular 360 views of Lac Leman, the Dents du Midi and even Mont Blanc on a clear day!
Descend by the same route, taking care on the way down!
Point d’Angolon - A great loop with breathtaking ridge sections - 3 to 4 HOURS
Depart from Nyon Plateau, about a 10 minute drive from Morzine (or take the Nyon cablecar up). From here take the fire track up towards Lac de Nyon-Guerin. You’ll pass a little restaurant called Chez Nannon and keep heading up the track towards the lake. From the lake you’ll head across the alpage, towards the valley below Point d’Angolon. Traversing the valley, you’ll reach the final ridge which will take you to the summit. Quite a steep and technical section to the top where you’ll find views toward Mont Blanc, Tete de Bostan and the Samoens Valley.
Head down towards Pointe de Chamossiere enjoying the dramatic ridge walk as you go, and descend all the way to Lac de Joux Plagne. A little restaurant at the top is a good place to grab a drink or some food. From here take the fire track up to Col de Joux Plagne, and descend on the other side, crossing a small river and taking the narrower path back toward Lac de Nyon-Guerin. From here return via the first track all the way to the Nyon Plateau.
Lac Tavenuse and Refuge des Tinderets - A two-day hike with an overnight stay!
Depart from Lac Montriond – park in the parking next to Hotel du Lac / Domaine du Baron. Directly opposite the parking, across the road you’ll find the start of the trail. Head up, signposted towards Chalets de Lens and Col de Tavaneuse. This first section is steep and long through the trees until you reach the very picturesque group of mountain huts named Chalet de Lens.
From here head up the track toward Col de Tavaneuse where you’ll get your first view of Lac Tavenuse. Descend from here towards the lake. It’s a great spot for mid hike dip on a hot day! Continue up from the lake, and you will travers through two valleys until you reach another group of huts called Chalets d’Ardens. You’ll have a view of Refuge des Tinderets from here! A short descent and walk through the woods and you’ll arrive at Tinderets where you will spend the evening!
The next day head out from the refuge towards Col des Couttis, and descend down the other side towards Cascade d’Ardent. Quite a steep and long descent. From here you can take the path next to the river all the back to Lac Montriond and the parking where you began the hike the previous day!
NOTE – Booking is advised for Refuge des Tinderets – you can find all info here – https://www.refuge-abondance.com/
