The Puy Vachier Lake from the mid-station of the Téléphérique de La Grave

The cable car takes you up to the Ruillans Pass. At 3211m above sea level, at the Girose Glacier not far from La Meije ! You will be able to contemplate a grandiose panorama and see different peaks from the Vercors range to the Mont Blanc massif.2150 m difference from the botton to the top of the resort ! A majestic panorama awaits - to be discovered with family and friends. At the top you will find a restaurant with a terrace where you can sunbathe in a deckchair admiring the breathtaking view. Relax and enjoy ! With the Girose glacier at your feet, let your eyes travel from the Belledonne massif to the Thabor, passing to the Aravis and the Mont Blanc massif on the way. A stupendous 360° ! The gaping crevasses of the glacier may be approached roped up and in the company of a mountain guide ( see " Walks on the Girose Glacier", organized by the Mountain Guides Office). There are hiking and mountain biking trails at your disposal, most of them start at the mid station (2400 m). In the winter, the cable car gives you access to a unique off-piste ski area. /!\ High-Altitude area: it is highly recommended not to bring children under 2 years old. /!\

Evariste Chancel refuge (2508 m) has 39 beds and is located on a terrace overlooking the valley of the Romanche river and La Grave village, where you will enjoy a magnificent viewpoint over the valley of the Haute Romanche.During summer the refuge is accessible from the cable car station along Lake Puy Vachier (1h). For the more energetic, there is also a trail from La Grave (3h) Easy trails. *To do in summer, starting from the refuge: Mountaineering: The Râteau , the Pic de la Grave Hiking: Col des Ruillans, Brêche Pacave Fishing in Lake Puy Vachier In winter, the refuge is accessible only on skis (skiing, snowboarding, telemark ...). The snow is not groomed, trails are not marked, and that's precisely what attracts true mountain lovers. During winter, the last ascent with the Cable car of les Glaciers de La Meije is offered if you buy a ski pass for the next day! *In winter : Freeride / Backcountry Skiing / Mountaineering

Puy Vachier Lake is at the bottom of a valley surrounded by rocky bar in a rather mineral world, close to the second intermediate of the cable car station; about 1 hour walk. There is a lovely larch forest in lowlands of the Lake.Starting from the middle station of the Télépherique des glaciers de la Meije, which has its valley station in La Grave. Ample parking is available adjacent to the bottom station. From the middle station of the Télépherique, descend to a path junction just under the cableway. Turn left and follow the clear path. You are on the northern slopes of La Meije and terrain is quite barren and very rough. To your right are spectacular views across the Romanche Valley to Mont Thabor and in the distance Mont Blanc. At first the path descends before undulating across the mountainside. At the times the route of path is not too obvious but the usual flashes of red and white paint make navigation an easy task. Reaching a path junction, bear left and start to climb up to the Lac du Puy Vachier. This lake is wonderfully located with bare rock providing a dramatic backdrop. From the lake you can see the next objective, the Refuge Evariste Chancel, which is perched about 30 minutes walking time above the lake. Refreshments are available in season although it might be worth continuing past the refuge to the Belvedere before taking a break. The onward path is signed from the refuge and there are a couple of sections where care is needed with a significant drop off the path to your right. Signs suggest that caution is necessary! Eventually the climbing path leads to a small viewpoint surrounded by a low stone wall. This offers one of the greatest views in the area with a bird’s eye view of the Romanche Valley far below. Having taken in the view, return by the same path back to the Gare de Pyrou d’Amont. You may wish to continue to the top station of the Télépherique, where you can have a closer encounter with the rock, snow and ice of La Meije. However after having completed this walk you will have enjoyed some excellent views of La Meije, especially from the Gare de Pyrou d’Amont.