due west, towards the Chalet des Rouelles. At the bottom of the valley follow a track to Lieulever and the Relais du Lac Noir. Early in the season it is often possible to arrive at the door of the auberge on your skis!
DAY 3
The Grand Arc (2484m)
| Starting Point | Lieulever (1280m) |
| Finishing Point | Lieulever (1280m) |
| Height Gain | 1200m |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Time | 5 hours |
| Orientation | South-east |
Do not be put off by the intimidating appearance of the south-east face of the Grand Arc when viewed from Mont Bellacha. The slopes are the perfect angle for skiing making this one of Savoie’s great ski-touring classics.
From Lieulever, follow a track which climbs through the forest past Les Platières (1341m). The lower slopes do not hold the snow very long so it is often necessary to carry your skis for this short distance through the forest. Stay on the western side of the stream until you leave the trees. Follow the base of the combe towards the north-west, passing below the Petit Arc. At around 2200m, turn towards the north to reach the west arête of the Grand Arc not far from the summit.
The usual descent follows the ascent route. However, a more direct, and steeper, line can be taken almost directly from the summit, but take care to avoid the gullies which end in cliffs! Immediately below the cliffs, traverse due east for about 300m then turn right (south-east) to descend below the Bec d’Aigle. At an altitude of around 1450m, turn right again (south-west) to rejoin the track which leads back to Lieulever.
DAY 4
Traverse of the Pointe des Marmottes Noires (2339m): Lieulever (1280m) to Le Biollay (1340m)
| Starting Point | Lieulever (1280m) |
| Finishing Point | Le Biollay (1340m) |
| Height Gain | 1060m |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Time | 5 hours |
| Orientation | South-east |
The Pas de la Mule is not the easiest col to recognise. It is the second depression to the north of the Pointe de Combe Bronsin, just to the left of a quite distinct pyramid (point 2426m). The last thirty metres on both sides of the Pas de la Mule are quite steep and exposed and will often need to be climbed in crampons.
From Lieulever, follow the track towards the Chalet des Rouelles. The ascent through the forest is a lot easier than it might at first seem, as there is a good track to follow. At the hairpin bend at 1300m, continue south-eastwards for about 150m to pick up the track which leads to the Chalet de la Perrière (1680m). Climb almost due east from the Chalet de la Perrière to an altitude of around 1850m. Bear right (south-east) to reach a flat area at 2145m. This is a small lake in summer. The Pas de la Mule is due east of this lake. It is best approached via a ramp, which leads in from the south, with the last 30m being done on foot. Traverse the col, descending about 50m on the eastern side, and then head due north to reach the summit of the Pointe des Marmottes Noires.
Approaching the Pas de la Mule (Day 4)
The descent follows south-east facing slopes to 2000m, before joining the ascent route from Day Two. Follow the road back to Le Biollay.
DAY 5
The Pic du Rognolet (2659m)
| Starting Point | Celliers-Dessus (1360m) |
| Finishing Point | Celliers-Dessus (1360m) |
| Height Gain | 1300m |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Time | 6 hours |
| Orientation | South then south-east |
A justifiably popular tour. However, the final, steep slope below the summit is not usually very easy to ski because of the number of tracks made by people climbing up on foot.
From the car park at the southern end of Celliers-Dessus, head due west for a few 100m to join the road. Follow the road to the entrance to the Ruisseau des Plans Valley at around 1500m. Follow this valley to about 2300m, and then bear right (north) to reach the final steep slope leading to the summit. Most people leave their skis at a small shoulder about 70m below the summit and do the final section on foot. Descend by the ascent route.
DAY 6
The Grand Pic de la Lauzière (2829m)
| Starting Point | Celliers-Dessus (1360m) |
| Finishing Point | Celliers-Dessus (1360m) |
| Height Gain | 1470m |
| Difficulty | Moderate (except the last 50m which are climbable with crampons and ice-axe: French alpine grade: PD+) |
| Time | 7 hours |
| Orientation | North then south-east |
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