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Refuge de Sales via the Dérochoir
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Description
Sporty and technical route for adventure lovers
A round trip for the day, or with an overnight stay at the Sales refuge, this challenging hike takes you through the Passy Nature Reserve and the Sales valley via the technical and aerial Dérochoir pass. Thrills and a change of scenery guaranteed.
Passing through the Dérochoir, you're in the heart of the Fiz limestone cliffs, in the heart of the Passy Nature Reserve. Keep your eyes peeled for a tichodrome. Above you, the lammergeiers, nesting not far away, pass by regularly.
If you don't want to return via the Dérochoir, other routes are possible on the way back (notably via the Col de la Portette and the refuge de Platé). The Dérochoir descent is not recommended in rainy weather.
The Passy Nature Reserve is a protected and regulated area. Wildlife thrives here, so please respect it. Dogs, even on a leash, are forbidden, as are motorized vehicles, fires and overflights, especially by drones. Bivouacs are permitted from 7pm to 9am.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Date and time
- From 15/06/2026 to 27/10/2026
Additional information
Contact
Phone : 04 50 58 80 52
Email : info@passy-mont-blanc.com
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Passymontblanc/
Open period
From 01/06 to 01/11.
Depending on snow conditions and the opening date of the Dérochoir by municipal order.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Environments
Mountain view
Panoramic view
Mountain location
In a nature reserve
Close to a public transportation
Type of land
Rock
Stone
Ground
Topo guides and map references
Map references :
IGN TOPO 25 3530ET - SAMOËNS/HAUT-GIFFRE
Updated by
Office de Tourisme de Passy - 20/11/2025
www.passy-mont-blanc.com
Report a problem
Tricky passages
Cable crossings and ladders of the Dérochoir
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
0) Passy Plaine-Joux
1) Barmus
2) Ayères des Pierrières
3) Passage du Dérochoir
4) Refuge de Sales
Return by the same route
Animals
No
