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Lake of the Red Gouilles
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Description
Although located in the heart of the ski lifts, this short walk from the Samoëns 1600 resort is very pleasant. In July and August the area is covered with blueberries.
Start: Samoëns 1600 parking lot (which can be reached from Samoëns by following the signs for Samoëns 1600).
Map reference: Vallée du Haut Giffre guidebook
At the end of the parking lot, take the wide path to the left, which passes under the Chariande chairlifts and leads peacefully through myrtillers and rhododendrons to the Lac des Gouilles Rouges.
This man-made lake used to supply the resort with drinking water. It now serves as a water reserve for artificial snow-making on the slopes.
From the lake, follow the path to the left which, in a few metres, takes you to a small promontory overlooking the Cirque de Vaconnant.
In winter, this cirque is the scene of numerous avalanches that use the couloirs opposite you.
The leftmost couloir, from the ridge to the pointe de Trapechet, is known as the "couloir des morts". The very mention of this name sends a chill down your spine, and reminds you that caution is the watchword in winter.
Itinerary for information only.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Date and time
- From 01/06/2026 to 15/10/2026
Additional information
Updated by
Office de Tourisme de Samoëns - 15/12/2025
www.samoens.com
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Environments
Mountain view
Lake view
Mountain location
Location complements
Departure from the Saix parking lot in Samoëns 1600.
Open period
From 01/06 to 15/10 daily.
Information at the Tourist Office.
Subject to favorable weather.
Topo guides and map references
Topo guides references :
Topo ‘50 randonnées en vallée du haut giffre’ Patrice Gain, on sale in the valley's shops.
Map references :
IGN TOP 25 - 3530 ET Samoëns map - on sale at the tourist office and in shops. Montagnes du Giffre hiking map - CCMG - on sale at the tourist office.
Contact
Phone :
04 50 34 40 28
04 50 34 46 02
Email : infos@samoens.com
Website : http://www.valleeduhautgiffre.fr
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
1/ From the Samoëns 1600 parking lot (which can be reached from Samoëns by following the signs for Samoëns 1600)
2/ At the end of the parking lot, take the wide path which, heading left, passes under the Chariande chairlifts.
3/ Arrive at Lac des Gouilles Rouges.
4/ Take the opposite route back to Samoëns 1600.
Animals
Yes. Dogs on leash.
Data author
