Complete crossing of the Bornes massif (Haute-Savoie)

Duration : 2 days

France, Northern Alps

Level : climbing: 4c/5a max, good endurance (average altitude difference: 1500m)

from 480 € / p. from 1 to 2 persons

Infos & Booking

Description

I propose you to complete the entire alpine crossing, without turning back, of the western part of the Bornes massif in 2 days. As a bonus, you will spend a memorable night in a bivouac at the top of the Tournette, the emblematic summit of Haute Savoie which dominates Annecy lake!

You will spend two days of an incredible journey along the ridges, following an obvious line when you look at these mountains from the western shore of Annecy lake. You will climb the following summits: Dents de Lanfon, Lanfonnet, Tournette, Pointe de la Beccaz, Crête des Mouches and Point de Chauriande. This route is somewhere between alpine hiking and mountaineering, with some "chamois" passages, but also some beautiful climbing on short sections. It is a route designed for a total traverse with a few variations on the normal accesses, notably the avoidance of the normal route of the Dents de Lanfon, which is dangerous, and a very original descent to Plan Montmin at the end of the route.

The bivouac will be a moment of happiness, contemplating the world from above, near the top of the Tournette, with a gourmet meal (which respects zero waste and organic quality) already assembled on site especially for you!

You will live a human adventure above all, with the rope link, and the time taken to contemplate and live the immersion in this space out of time. Much more than a challenge, it's about realizing one of the most beautiful routes in Haute-Savoie, in a beautiful environment between lake and mountains. And to live this micro-adventure without stress, without time. Just to live the obvious and confirm that beauty is everywhere and happiness is at hand!

This crossing of the Bornes massif by its ridges is also possible with a public transport approach.

If you like this kind of alpine crossing, I also propose other magnificent routes around  Annecy lake:

And to live a different mountaineering experience, you can follow me in the Mont-Blanc massif, in search of crystals on the Talèfre glacier.

Program

D1: Crossing from the Dents de Lanfon to the Tournette.
Meeting point at 9am in front of the church of Alex for a material and emotional review before departure. We will leave the vehicles on site and hike lightly.
We climb the forest track of Aulp Riant, which we quickly reach. Then follows a path, then a trail, and a bit of climbing to reach the summit of the Dents de Lanfon by a variation on the west face. From here the traverse of the Dents begins, a real hike and panoramic climb over Annecy lake. The descent by the normal cabled route leads back to the Col des Frettes. From here, a little walking awaits you, then again a piece of route alternating walking and climbing to cross the Lanfonnet.
The col des Nantets is restful, before joining the touristy and very busy ascent of the Tournette from the chalet de l'Aulp! But we quickly leave the hustle and bustle to go left to find the north ridge of the Pointe des Varos, a beautiful, easy, elegant route to the eponymous col. From there, we finish on the path, to arrive with pomp and circumstance at the foot of the Tournette chair.
Settling in for the bivouac, night on site.

D2: Crossing from the Tournette to Pointe de Chauriande.
Departure at a time when the sun warms the bodies. We start with a warm up on the ridge towards the south summit of the Tournette, then a bit of descent to find the mountain pastures. Then follows the crossing of the Grand U between the Pointe de la Beccaz and the Crêt des Mouches: a thread... A line that is never hard but is as aesthetic as possible. A last climbing passage in III and we find softer spaces.
From the Crêt des Mouches, we start a short descent to reach the last easy climb to the top of the Pointe de Chauriande, before passing through a "hole" that gives secret access to the west face, to go back down to Plan Montmin, where a vehicle will pick us up for a return to Alex.

The price includes

  • Supervision by the mountain guide.
  • Preparation of the itinerary and the bivouac.

The price does not include

  • Transport to and from Alex, about 20 minutes drive from Annecy.
  • Return trip from Plan Montmin to Alex.
  • Food for the bivvy.
  • Drinks.
  • Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".

Accommodation

  • Bivvy.
Next departures :
  • To be confirmed
  • To be confirmed
  • To be confirmed
Infos & Booking