Snowshoe itinerary: Le Monolithe via Aussois

Along a peaceful path, the trail winds through the pines before revealing the Monolith, an immense column of cargneous rock rising out of the forest. Its slender, almost unreal silhouette dominates the undergrowth like a silent guardian.

Description

A gentle stroll, where the walker's step leads to one of the valley's most astonishing natural curiosities.

Additional welcome

Find out about weather conditions and avalanche risk before you set off (weather services, mountain rescue services, professionals, tourist office...).
Equipment and clothing must be adapted to the forecast.
Postpone your activity if the weather forecast is poor. Respect safety instructions and do not venture off the marked routes in winter.

Environments

• Mountain view
• Mountain location
• 10 - 20 min from a train station by car
• Less than 10 minutes from a bus stop on foot
• 10 - 20 min walk to bus stop

Rates

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 6.3km
• Route type LOOP
• Elevation gain 180m
• Negative gradient 180m
• Daily duration 02h30
• Signposted itinerary Yes
• Beaconing accuracy Signposted route n°2
• Nature of the land Non-groomed itinerary
• Maximum altitude 1685m

Opening period

From 15/12 to 01/04 daily.

Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Subject to snow conditions

Location

As hazards may occur at any time on the routes, the GPX tracks provided are not contractual. They are provided for information only. Riders use them at their own risk, depending on their level of technological proficiency and their understanding of the terrain.

Documents

• The monolith by Aussois: full info (pdf)

Animals

Pets allowed : No

The route includes a section inside the Vanoise National Park, where animals are prohibited.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• 1/ From the Plan de la Croix parking lot, follow the Le Monolithe itinerary on the groomed track to reach the 1ère Combe, then take the small path on your left to reach the Piste de Jomier.
  2/ 0 h 25 - Once on the Piste de Jomier, continue in the direction of Le Monolithe and follow the path that winds along the edge of the forest to the next junction, about 2 km further on.
  3/ 1 h - At this intersection, continue straight on, passing successively through the Croisement du milieu and the Vallon de la Source, following the Le Monolithe itinerary along the middle path, before arriving at the Parking du Monolithe.
  4/ 1 h 30 - From the parking lot, head towards the welcome signs, then up the path above the groomed track to reach the Monolithe site. Enjoy the majestic 93 m-high cargneol needle. Descend to the right and continue to the cross-country ski trail junction.
  5/ 1 h 40 - At this junction, turn right and head up the false flat on the groomed trail. Continue this way until you reach the Piste de Jomier, keeping to the side to respect the cross-country ski tracks.
  6/ 2 h 15 - From the Piste de Jomier, follow the shared groomed trail back to the Plan de la Croix parking lot.
  7/ 2 h 30 - Parking du Plan de la Croix .