Hike to Col des Aravis, Chalet du Curé & Crêt du Merle

Last spring, I went on a hike in the Aravis mountains: Starting from La Clusaz, I walked to Col des Aravis, followed the Route de la Soif until Chalet du Curé and looped back through Crêt du Merle.

Here is a map of the path I walked (download KML):

I arrived at La Clusaz by LIHSA bus from Annecy (62 line). From the bus station, I started walking towards Col des Aravis, using cross-country skiing tracks then the GRP Massif de Tournette-Aravis. I reached the Col: There were a lot of people there. I then started on the path to Chalet du Curé. I wanted to take a trail that went above the dirt road of Route de la Soif but it was still covered with snow so I walked on the road until the Chalet. There was a great view from there: On the Mont Blanc, l’Etale and Pointe de Merdassier, as well as Aiguille de Borderan on the other side of Col des Aravis. I ate lunch then went back to the Col. To get back to La Clusaz, instead of taking the same trail as in the morning, I passed through Crêt du Merle. I then went down a ski slope and reached a road that led to the village.

Above, at the bus station in La Clusaz.

Above, La Clusaz and the Aravis in the background.

Above, Crêt du Merle, Crêt du Loup and Aiguille des Calvaires.

Above, following a ski slope.

Above, Pointe de Merdassier.

Above, at Le Planet.

Above, Aiguille de Borderan and Aiguille des Calvaires.

Above, Tête du Danay and Chaîne du Bargy in the background.

Above, Pointe de Beauregard.

Above, Col des Aravis in view.

Above, Aiguille de Borderan to the north.

Above, Pointe de Merdassier to the south.

Above, Le Nom, a tributary of the Fier river.

Above, Mont Blanc.

Above, Mont Lachat de Thônes.

Above, shops and restaurants at Col des Aravis.

Above, Chapelle Sainte-Anne.

Above, on the way to Chalet du Curé.

Above, Croisse Bolet and Le Petit Croisse Bolet.

Above, viewpoint on the Mont Blanc.

Above, Chalet du Curé.

Above, l’Etale.

Above, towards Col de l’Arpettaz.

Above, on the way back.

Above, crocus.

Above, La Giettaz.

Above, back at Col des Aravis.

Above, on the trail to Crêt du Merle.

Above, Pointe de Beauregard.

Above, Télésiège du Crêt du Merle.

Above, Aravis.

Above, Aiguille des Calvaires.

Above, Crêt du Loup.

Above, ski slope.

Above, Tête du Danay.

Above, Pointe Percée.

Above, on the road to La Clusaz.

Above, village.

Above, Eglise Sainte-Foy.

Above, waiting for the bus.