Le Col Blanc - n°9 - Noir

This is the finest and most demanding of the routes: 50 km and 3000 m of height gain. Not for those with small calf muscles or small appetites!!

Oisans Trail Station Route no. 9 - Villard Reculas Trail centre

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Departure/Arrival: Villard Reculas
Duration: 6 1/2 to 10 hours
Distance: 50 km
Max. altitude: 2700 m
Min. altitude: 780 m
Height gain: 3440 m

ROUTE
Turn right out of the Tourist Office and then onto the path first left. The descent via the Fontaine de l'Ours is very tricky, through woods and often slippery. The first part of this route is identical to route no. 5 and also shares the path with the famous MTB Megavalanche competition for a short section, so look our for mountain-bikers if running on weekdays in early July. Remember to fill up with water in Allemond, as you will need it for the rest on the run.
Once at Verney lake, which together with the dam forms the Grand'Maison hydroelectric power plant, turn right towards Verney at the end of the dam. This is the start of the hardest, but also the most untamed, part of the route. Run through Pourchery, a hamlet of Vaujany, and then onto the Sentier des Cheminées to Vaujany itself, before heading off to the Col du Couard via the Trail Centre at La Villette. At the top of the col, above 2000 metres, look up and you will see the Vaujany gondola lift on the Dôme des Petites Rousses. Follow the yellow hiking signs and run along to the Jasse, Balme Rousse and Fare lakes (with the Cabane Rajon) and finally to the Lac du Milieu, which takes you up to the Col Blanc, with its lunar landscape and snow late into the season. A track takes you on to the pure waters of Lac Blanc and then on to the Combe Charbonnière, home to a host of marmots. The descent is highly technical, but you can catch your breath at the Mine de l'Herpie, before carrying on to Alpe d'Huez via the Rampe des Mules and altiport. Watch out not only for cars when crossing Alpe d'Huez, but also for the signs to the panoramic footpath that leads back to Villard Reculas.

THE ADDED BONUS: The Cabane Rajon
Well known to hikers, the Lac de la Fare and the building known as the Cabane Rajon was the scene of a terrible event during WWII, as depicted on the sign on the side of the building.
The lake can also be reached via l'Alpette, providing an opportunity for a family walk.


Route created with the website tracedetrail.fr