Before the Pierra Menta area became synonymous with one of the world’s premier ski touring races, it gained recognition almost by chance. It’s an area of relatively small ski resorts, where tourist brochures boast that their ski instructors work as farmers in summer.
The region is a paradise for ski touring during the winter months. Unlike higher-altitude areas in the Alps, the classic ski touring routes here are frequently travelled by local skiers—including some of France’s top specialists in the discipline—as well as by those responsible for designing the Pierra Menta-Tivoly route and competitors or enthusiasts scouting the area. This means tracks are often well-established, and the Tourist Office or sports shops can provide reasonably up-to-date information on route conditions. In Arêches, unlike elsewhere, the ski tourer is king.
Beaufortain is a delightful place to spend the Christmas holidays—we recommend it as a gift. The alpine ski resorts of Arêches, with spectacular off-piste terrain, or Les Saisies, with excellent hotel and apartment options, may not be vast but offer ideal conditions for a memorable stay. The latter also boasts one of France’s most beautiful cross-country skiing domains, with its starting point right at the Col de Les Saisies.
This resort hosted the cross-country skiing events for the Albertville Olympics in 1992. The atmosphere is peaceful and charming, perfect for those escaping urban crowds and avoiding the masses of France’s mega-resorts. A word of advice: it’d be almost a crime to leave Beaufortain—a region producing cheeses with one of France’s most renowned protected designations—without savouring a Savoyard fondue or sampling local delicacies.
The recommended season runs from December to mid-March. If the weather turns bad, don’t miss the chance to try cross-country skiing on Les Saisies’ trails. Its black run is magnificent.
Le Grand Mont (2,686m). A magnificent Alpine viewpoint
One of the highest and most accessible peaks in the area, with just 600m of vertical climb from the lifts at Arêches-Beaufort resort. The ascent route described is the one taken by an average of 3,500 people on the third day of the Pierra Menta-Tivoly ski touring race. Italian Fabio Meraldi, with nine wins in this event, is a legend of the sport, and during the 2000 European Youth Championship held here, Spanish athletes secured a historic victory on this mountain.
The spectacle of thousands cheering the legendary racers who climb this summit three times in a single day is breathtaking.
Route
- Ascent elevation gain: 620m
- Descent elevation loss: 1,600m
- Starting point: Arêches resort
- The simplest and least energy-intensive route is to take the lifts from Arêches village up to Le Cuvy (1,710m) and then to Les Bonnets Rouges (2,050m). From there, head south on an obvious path in good weather, well-trodden by local ski tourers. At around 2,400m, turn west to reach Le Grand Mont’s summit without major difficulty. In good conditions, this route offers an exceptional introduction to ski touring, culminating in a panoramic Alpine vista.
- Descent: Retrace your ascent route to the ski runs, then follow marked pistes back to Arêches or Le Chornais.
- Variations: From Le Grand Mont, descend towards Col de la Louze, then to Lac de Saint Guerin and Arêches. (Not advised with low snow due to shrubs.)
- From the summit, another option is descending to Lac Tournant (2,002m) and onward to Le Chornais or Le Planay—one of Le Grand Mont’s most thrilling descents. Caution: this route is more technical with multiple variants. Check conditions beforehand. Existing tracks don’t guarantee safety or ease.
La Legette du Mirantin (2,353m). An ascent that leaves no one indifferent
- Ascent elevation gain: ~1,100m (varies with snow cover)
- Descent elevation loss: ~1,100m
- The normal route up La Legette du Mirantin is striking for its beauty and the steepness of its eastern face, which the described itinerary follows. The final 200–300m never dip below 35–40°, so attempt only in stable snow. "Legette" refers to its lesser height compared to its big brother, Mirantin.
- Drive past Arêches towards Le Planay and La Dray (1,240m), parking at the road’s end.
- Climb past chalets to Plan Villard (1,530m), then trend west-northwest into the valley leading clearly to La Legette. Alternatively, follow the summer trail to a vantage point overlooking Mirantin’s valley, where the majestic Mirantin (2,371m) dominates the view.
- Merge with the main route and tackle the impressive final slope, likely requiring kick-turns ("conversions" to locals).
- Descend via your ascent route.
- Optionally extend the day by climbing Mirantin. The traverse into its valley is technical, challenging, and exposed—only for experienced tourers in stable snow. Remove skins and carry skis for sections. The final stretch is steep.
Other classic ascents in this ski touring paradise include Mont Coin (2,539m) and Pointe de Riondet (2,357m), accessible from Lac de St-Guerin (a reservoir), Pointe de la Grande Journée (2,460m), or the nearby Bosse du Catex (2,173m)—recognisable from Le Planay by its summit avalanche-control "Catex" (explosive-triggering cable system).
