Col des Annes to Pointe Percee
8
Overall rating
Very Good
Length
9.48km
Elevation + / -
1038m / 1038m
Trail type
Point to point
When to go
End Jun - End Sep
Hike duration
4.0 - 8.0 Hours
Altitude Range
1723m / 2750m
Technical level
Very Difficult (5/5)
Natural beauty
Very Nice (4/5)
Run duration
3.0 - 5.0 Hours
Families
15+ Years old
Dogs
No Dogs
Provision Sources
1 Refuge
Contributors:
The Pointe Percee is a rocky peak sticking out from the Chaine des Aravis above Sallanches. There is a sign on the highway from Chamonix in the direction of Geneva that you pass by that points out the Pointe Percee and that is how I got curious. This route approaches the Pointe Percee from the west. This does require you to drive all the way to Col des Annes in the valley of Le Grand Bornand. It is quite an effort and at some point I will explore the approach from the Sallanches side of the cliffs starting at the Refuge de Doran. The big advantage of the route I took is the spectacular views I had into the valley below the Chaine de Aravis. The pictures speak for themselves!
The trail itself is absolutely grueling. The track is super steep, super rocky and covered in lose scree. In my research I found that many website will recommend bringing a climbing helmet just in case there is a rock fall. I think you should heed that advice when taking on this route. After slugging your way up the rocky paths you will finally be rewarded with a very impressive 360 degree view all around the Pointe Percee. There is a big cross on the summit too. After summitting you make your way back using the exact same route.
Photos of this Trail
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Trail Directions & Safety Considerations
Children
15+ Years old
Dogs
The route is too steep and too technical. You cannot bring a dog up here.
When to Go
End Jun - End Sep
Risk Considerations & Difficulty Assessment
This route reaches an altitude of 2750m at the Pointe Percee summit. The route is very difficult with a lot of lose scree rock and big boulders. The best time to go would be late June to late September but you need to check conditions before heading out. Your best source of information is most likely the Refuge de la Pointe Percee - Gramusset. The trail from your starting point at Col des Annes to the starting point of the steep climb up after the Refuge de la Pointe Percee is easy to navigate. Your main waypoints being Tete des Annes, Col de l'Oulettaz and the Refuge de la Pointe Percee. From the Refuge there are two main trails. I took the one on the left going straight to the Pointe Percee peak. This route is considered the "Normal Route". The climb looks very daunting and it can feel like there is no real trail. Keep following the painted dots and other markers and it will start making sense and you will reach the summit. The trail up to the Pointe Percee is steep rock and lose scree. A helmet and gloves are typically recommended and I agree with that recommendation. Especially when there are other people doing the same route then there is large change that they will send some stones flying. You will be using your hands quite frequently so the gloves prevents cuts and scrapes. This trail in my opinion is about as rough as it comes.
Trail Starting Point
The trail starts at the Col des Annes in the valley of Le Grand Bornand. I dont see any other reasonable way of getting there without your own car
Trail Directions
This route is short but it will take you a long time. It starts of pretty easy and from Col des Annes you will make your way to the Tete des Annes. From there you make your way to the Col de l'Oulettaz. From there follow the signs for the Refuge de la Pointe Percee Gramusset. At the refuge you should take a little break and a snack and prepare for some of the roughest climbing you are likely to do this holiday! The trail to left side is referred to as the "Normal Route" and its the one I used to get to the summit. The trail is steep and rocky and full of scree. Its going to be slow going. Keep going and you will reach the top. Getting back will simply be a matter of doing the same route in reverse.
Points of Interest for this Trail
We have a large database of all of the points of interests in and around Chamonix. These are the points of interest you will find along this trail:
3D Map & GPS
Trail Route Map & GPS
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3D Map of this Trail
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