Snowshoe itinerary: La Piste Blanche

This walk takes you to the base of the famous Sardières monolith, a stone sentinel that has stood above the forest for thousands of years. The route alternates between the sun-drenched Sardières plateau and peaceful woodland.

Description

A walk where nature, geology, and the mild winter weather come together to offer
a moment of tranquility in the mountains.

Additional welcome

Check the weather conditions and avalanche risk before you set out (weather services, mountain rescue services, professionals, tourist office...).
Make sure your gear and clothing are appropriate for the forecast.
Postpone your activity if the weather forecast is poor. Follow safety instructions and do not stray from marked trails in winter.

Environments

• Mountain view
• Mountain location
• 10 - 20 min from a train station by car
• Less than 10 minutes from a bus stop on foot

Rates

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 7.8km
• Route type LOOP
• Elevation gain 200m
• Negative gradient 200m
• Daily duration 03h00
• Signposted itinerary Yes
• Beaconing accuracy Route 9
• Nature of the land Non-groomed itinerary
• Maximum altitude 1640m

Opening period

Daily from December 15 to April 1.

Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Subject to snow conditions

Location

Since hazards may occur at any time along the routes, the GPX tracks provided are not binding. They are provided for informational purposes only. Riders use them at their own risk, depending on their level of technical proficiency and their understanding of the terrain.

You can start from the Sardières Cross-Country Ski Center.

Documents

• Snowshoe itinerary: La Piste Blanche_Val-Cenis (pdf)

Animals

Pets allowed : Yes

Pets allowed with supplement : No

Out of respect for wildlife, please keep your dog on a lead.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• 1/ Leaving the Sardières Nordic chalet, take the road leading up to Le Monolithe. Pass through Sardières Le Lotissement, then follow the Le Monolithe route across the plateau to the crossroads at the entrance to the forest.
  2/ 0 h 20 - At this crossroads, continue on the uphill groomed track to reach Le Monolithe.
  3/ 0 h 35 - At Le Monolithe, turn left onto the groomed trail shared with cross-country skiers. Keep to the side and continue on this wide track for about 3 km to reach the Plan de la Croix parking lot.
  4/ 1 h 40 - From the parking lot, cross the road and turn left onto the track that runs alongside the main road toward Sardières. Continue along this path until you reach the next road crossing.
  5/ 2 hrs 15 mins - After crossing the road, take the wide track on the right and follow it to the cross-country ski trail junction. Go straight ahead to join the Piste du Trettet.
  6/ 2 hrs 25 mins - At this crossroads, continue toward Sardières up the groomed track back to the plateau, then on to the Passerelle skieurs.
  7/ 2 hrs 40 mins - After crossing the footbridge, turn left and follow the groomed pedestrian trail back to the Sardières Nordic Chalet.
  8/ 3 hrs - Sardières Nordic Chalet.