Snowshoeing itinerary: Le Monolithe via Sardières

In the heart of the beautiful Sardières pine forest, an unexpected silhouette rises up between the trunks. It's the Monolith, a fine needle of cargneous limestone almost 93 metres high, standing like a mineral giant among the trees.

Description

To walk through this forest is to advance towards an almost unreal apparition: a stone spire that seems to defy the sky, the silent guardian of the place.

Additional welcome

Find out about weather conditions and avalanche risk before you set off (weather services, mountain rescue services, professionals, tourist office...).
Equipment and clothing must be adapted to the forecast.
Postpone your activity if the weather forecast is poor. Respect safety instructions and do not venture off the marked routes in winter.

Environments

• Forest location
• Mountain view
• Mountain location

Rates

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 4.3km
• Route type LOOP
• Elevation gain 230m
• Negative gradient 230m
• Daily duration 02h15
• Signposted itinerary Yes
• Beaconing accuracy Marked itinerary N°1
• Nature of the land Non-groomed itinerary
• Maximum altitude 1670m

Opening period

From 15/12 to 01/04 daily.

Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Subject to snow conditions

Location

As hazards may occur at any time on the routes, the GPX tracks provided are not contractual. They are provided for information only. Riders use them at their own risk, depending on their level of technological proficiency and their understanding of the terrain.

Documents

• Le Monolithe by Sardières: full info (pdf)

Animals

Pets allowed : No

The route includes a section inside the Vanoise National Park, where animals are prohibited.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• 1/ From the Chalet nordique de Sardières, follow the road signposted Monolithe to Le Clott, crossing Sardières Le Lotissement.
  2/ 0 h 20 - At Le Clott, turn left and enter the forest to reach Vallon de la Losa, following the signs for Le Monolithe via Sentier des biches.
  3/ 1 h 15 - At the crossroads in the Vallon, continue on the path towards Le Monolithe, via Sentier des Biches, to the Monolithe site.
  4/ 1 h 40 - On site, take time to admire this geological jewel in the heart of Haute Maurienne Vanoise, before descending again, taking care to cross the cross-country ski trails. Return to Sardières Le Lotissement, then take the road down to the D83.
  4/ 2 h 15 - Chalet nordique de Sardières .