Hike to Aiguille Croche & Mont Joly
During summer, I went on a hike to Aiguille Croche and Mont Joly, in the Beaufortain mountains above Saint-Gervais.
Here is a map of the path I walked (download KML):
In the morning, I took a train from Annecy to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet. From the train station, there was some time before the next bus, so instead of waiting, I walked through the forest until the next bus stop in the village of Saint-Gervais. From there, I took a LIHSA bus to the center of Les Contamines-Montjoie, a ski resort further in the valley. I switched to a free summer shuttle that got me to the Télécabine de la Gorge. I boarded the gondola then switched to another cable car, Télécabine du Signal, which arrived at Le Signal and the start of the hiking trail. The trail went through the Col du Joly on the way to the Aiguille Croche. There was a great view from up there with the Aravis, the Mont Blanc and the Beaufortain well visible. I then followed the ridge to Mont Joly, passing through Tête du Véleray and Tête de la Combaz on the way. There was also a great view from Mont Joly. I soon started on the steep descent and reached a dirt road after a while, which I followed until Mont d’Arbois. I arrived just in time to board the Téléphérique du Bettex before it closed. I needed to switch gondola at Le Bettex to get back to Saint-Gervais. Finally, I took a LIHSA bus to the train station and then a train to Annecy.
Above, Saint-Gervais train station in the morning.
Above, Le Bon Nant.
Above, I walked next to the tracks of Tramway du Mont Blanc in the beginning, before reaching the forest.
Above, bridge above Le Bon Nant. The bus stop was there.
Above, Mont Joly seen from the bridge.
Above, waiting for the shuttle at Les Contamines-Montjoie.
Above, near the Télécabine de la Gorge, still in the valley.
Above, on the Télécabine du Signal.
Above, at Le Signal.
Above, Aiguille Croche.
Above, dirt road to Col du Joly.
Above, Mont Joly.
Above, ridge between Aiguille Croche and Mont Joly.
Above, at Col du Joly, looking towards Beaufort.
Above, lake for artificial snow.
Above, Mont de Vorès.
Above, Mont Blanc.
Above, Col du Joly.
Above, Gazex installation for avalanche control.
Above, Lac de la Girotte.
Above, ridge to Mont Joly.
Above, antenna at the summit of Aiguille Croche.
Above, looking towards Megève and the Aravis.
Above, Pointe Percée.
Above, Désert de Platé.
Above, Mont Mirantin.
Above, Col des Aravis.
Above, Mont Charvin in the background.
Above, clouds have covered the Mont Blanc.
Above, looking back at Aiguille Croche.
Above, Tête du Véleray.
Above, Aravis.
Above, Tête de la Combaz.
Above, Mont Joly.
Above, summit of Mont Joly.
Above, panorama to the north.
Above, on the way down.
Above, Mont Géroux.
Above, Saint-Gervais.
Aboe, Mont Joly.
Above, cross at Mont Joux.
Aboe, Aiguille Croche.
Above, Mont D’Arbois.
Above, on the Télécabine du Bettex.
Above, back in Saint-Gervais.
Above, on the train.