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Pionnier-Ambel
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Description
Long forest roads, very northern atmosphere on the plateau of Ambel and incredible landscapes in edge of cliffs
From the parking (1085 m) created by the closing of the road, follow the snowy road D199 towards the Col de la Bataille. The trail sits quietly in the forest of Lente. After 30 minutes of progression, leave on the right the forest road of the Pionnier (1185 m). Do not take the central path that runs to the Col de la Rama (0,7 km), in short, go straight ahead. At the next junction leave the D199 road and take the track on the left, at Carrefour de la Carrière (1310 m) (barrier).
Continue towards Tubanet refuge (3.9 km). The south-facing orientation and the yellow and green markings allow easy tracking. Leave on the right the forest track of Malatra which joins the D199. Join a sign with regulations on the Ambel Plateau. The shelter of Tubanet is then distant of 1.6 km. Return to the forest of Ambel. Reach the pastures of Tubanet which are located on the plateau of Ambel (1337 m). The refuge of Tubanet is located at 0.2 km below. (1330 m - 2 hours).
From the refuge 3 (1330 m), return to the pastures of Tubanet and descend into the Combe de l'Aubasse. Join the trails of the GR 93, go up the valley and enter the forest. After beautiful descents, join the Vernâtre (1198 m) located under the farm of Ambel. Pull right (full north) in the wide valley until the combe of Louvaterre (1165m). Continue to the Gardiol (refuge - memorial). From the refuge, take the D199 to reach the car park. From the refuge of Tubanet, it takes about 3 hours to reach the starting point of the hike. The route on the departmental road passes the skier to the clearing of Malatra (1280 m).
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Additional information
Public transport
Il n’y a pas de transport en commun qui desserve le point de départ de la randonnée.
Advice
There is no difficulty in tracking the forest tracks. On the plateau of Ambel and in the combes, the fog arrives quickly and to locate becomes difficult.In bad weather, it is best to follow the markup in place.The winter access to the plateau of Ambel is prohibited by the departmental road 199 (Col de la Bataille - Fontaine de Pis) and by the Roc de Touleau road (Col de la Bataille - Pas du Gouillat - GR93) Avalanches, falls of stones and slides - Departmental decree n ° 3 of 11/02/1999.More information on Nordic WalkingNordic walking is a respectful and responsible practice. Before you jump into the field, train yourself.
Advised parking
Barrier of the road of the col de la Bataille
Access
From Grenoble, take the A49 towards Saint Marcellin (direction Valence). Join Saint Nazaire in Royans, Saint Jean de Royans and Bouvante. Continue towards Col du Pionnier. Go past the inn of the same name. Park one kilometer at the intersection of the Col de la Bataille road (closed in winter).
Arrival
Crossing of the Pionniers road -Col de la Portette
Ambiance
Crossing this area of the southern Vercors, you enter the recognized limit between the Northern Alps and the Southern Alps. During this excursion you will probably come closer to this invisible line ... You will first sink into deep forests of pectinated fir and beech.The beauty of the vegetation will make forget the monotonous forest trail. Then, the immensities of the mountain pasture of Ambel will reward your efforts. The skier will appreciate the possibilities of gliding on this wild plateau. The punctuation of the refuges on the ground will allow peaceful halts ...
Departure
Crossing of the Pionniers road -Col de la Portette
