Trail running of the 5 lakes (Beaufortain, Savoie)
Duration : 1 day
France, Northern Alps
Level : advanced
from 55 € / p. from 2 to 6 persons
Infos & Booking
Description
Join me for a 25-kilometer trail run that traverses the heart of the Beaufortain region (forgotten mountain passes, high-altitude lakes, etc.), far from the postcards and summer crowds. Starting from Plan de la Lai, in the cool morning shade above Roselend lake, this loop is unlike any other!
The route revolves around a simple yet breathtaking idea: five high-altitude lakes linked by passes and stiles that few people use. Lakes Esola, Riondet, Cornu, Verdet, and Noir are nestled in glacial cirques where silence reigns. Between them, the transitions are technical and sometimes off-trail. This is where trail running becomes an exploration of the terrain. The highlight of the route is the Presset hut and lake, at 2,514 meters altitude, facing the Pierra Menta. This monolithic rock formation, rising from the massif, is a living legend of the Beaufortain region: local lore says that Gargantua himself created it with a furious kick against the Aravis mountains. From the hut, the view encompasses the Aiguille de la Nova, the Pointe de Presset, and the entire wild heart of the massif. The return via the Passeur de la Mintaz, the Lac d'Amour, and the Grandes and Petites Berges ridge offers a breathtaking end, with a plunging view of the Lac de Roselend, a midnight-blue body of water nestled in its alpine pastures, with Mont Blanc as a watchful backdrop. A mythical, still pristine terrain, well worth the effort.
Technical Information:
- Terrain: technical sections, off-trail sections, challenging passes, panoramic final ridge.
- Atmosphere: wild, mythical, far from the crowds, with the Pierra Menta towering before you. Preparation for the UTB, GR5, GR20, a high-mountain trail race requiring sustained effort management.
- Alternating sections run on alpine pastures with technical passages at altitude.
- Nutrition: bring a light picnic (sandwich, wrap) + snacks (energy bars, seeds, gels, dried fruit).
Isotonic drink recommended. Bring at least 1 liter of water at the start (refills available at the lakes and the Presset hut).
To experience other beautiful moments in the activity, I also offer:
- a day of introduction to trail running in the mountains in Beaufortain,
- a trail running itinerary on the Beaufortain ridges,
- a trail discovery course in the heart of Beaufortain,
- an introductory and advanced trail running course in Savoie,
- the Beaufortain trail tour
- and 5 days of trail running on the wild islands of Brittany.
Program
- Meet at 7.30am in Beaufort.
- Briefing and weather report.
- Transfer to Plan de la Lai (Cormet de Roselend).
- Departure at 8.30am from Plan de la Lai.
- Ascent to the Cormet de Roselend (1,968m) with an immediate view of Roselend lake and Mont Blanc.
- Pralognan Pass (2,400m): first pass of the day. Technical climb on a steep trail, leading out onto the plateau of lakes.
- Lake Esola, Lake Riondet, Lake Cornu, Lake Verdet, and Lake Noir: crossing the Forclaz chain of lakes. Off-trail sections, requiring careful route-finding between each lake. A glacial cirque setting with a technical section along the ridge between Lake Cornu and Lake Verdet.
- Col de la Nova (2,800m): descent towards the Presset slope and a sudden view of the Pierra Menta. Highest point of the route.
- Gargan Pass: challenging section, rocky terrain, requiring careful progress.
- Presset lake and hut (2,514m): lunch break facing the Pierra Menta. Supplies available at the hut. Ibex are frequently seen in the area.
- Mintaz Pass: descent on the slopes of Lac d'Amour. Easier terrain.
- Lac d'Amour: contemplative break at the foot of the Pierra Menta.
- Grandes and Petites Berges: breathtaking views of Lac de Roselend, the Cormet, and Mont Blanc on the horizon.
- Return to Plan de la Lai (1,968m): descent through alpine pastures.
- Debriefing of the outing.
- Return to Beaufort around 4pm.
The price includes
- Supervision by the mountain leader, specialist of trail running.
- Shuttle transfer from Beaufort to Saint-Guérin lake.
- Group safety equipment (first aid kit).
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to Beaufort, a 20-minute drive from Albertville.
- Meals.
- Drinks.
- Personal equipment (trail running shoes, backpack, technical clothing).
- Personal accident and repatriation insurance.
- Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".