WEEKEND ADVENTURE


Noé set out to discover the beautiful Bauges massif during the weekend of November 11 to 13, taking advantage of the holiday Friday to go for 3 days of camping and reach some peaks over 2000m in altitude. He shares his adventure in pictures. For those who wish to equip themselves before their next adventure, also discover everything for hiking on our site.

WHO ARE YOU?

Noé NIVAULT, purchasing intern at AlpinStore
Activities: hiking, cycling, running, crossfit

"It's simple, sports are essential and represent a set of values inseparable from my nature."


WHAT IS THE TOPO?

The planned itinerary was about 66km with 6000m of positive elevation gain and the same in negative. I had broken the hike into 3 stages with the goal of spending time in nature and climbing 12 of the 14 peaks over 2000m in the Bauges massif. It is a massif where there are protected and regulated areas, so be sure to check before planning a camping trip. It is located between Chambéry, Albertville, and Annecy, thus divided between Savoie (73) and Haute-Savoie (74).


But the reality of the terrain meant that I did not exactly set out on what I had committed to. I ultimately set out to ascend 7 peaks with a topography of about 60km and 5400m of positive elevation gain and the same in negative.


It should be noted that there is a route that passes through the 14 peaks over 2000m in the Bauges:

  • Tré le Molard (2035m)

  • Mont de la Coche (2070m)

  • Pointe d'Arcalod (2210m)

  • Pointe de Chaurionde (2173m)

  • Pointe de la Sambuy (2198m)

  • Mont d'Armenaz (2158m)

  • Mont Pecloz (2197m)

  • Pointe des Arces (2076m)

  • Pointe des Arlicots (2060m)

  • Le Grand Parra (2012m)

  • Dent d'Arclusaz (2041m)

  • Mont Colombier (2045m)

  • Dent de Cons (2062m)

  • Mont Trelod (2181m)


This route, whose peaks are not named here in order, is about 90km with just over 9000m of positive elevation gain and the same in negative, categorized as difficulty T5 and is a one-way route.


I decided to use this route and make one that better suited my availability and desires.




A LITTLE ANECDOTE?


I had never been to the Bauges massif before and I really discovered a beautiful place there, especially in autumn with all these colors and its very different landscapes, from a scree slope like the Pointe d'Arcalod to undergrowth or from the Arpette ridge to the miner's cave, it is a very different and complete massif. During this type of outings, it is very useful to have quality hiking binoculars to better observe the fauna and flora.

You can either challenge yourself or go for a family hike!

Speaking of the Pointe d'Arcalod (2210m), which I attempted to climb, the route is quite difficult to find, there is a color system to follow but I only did it in my head and at the moment I realized I could no longer see these colors, I decided to continue climbing the wall. But reaching about 2130m in altitude, so close to the summit, I found myself facing a wall where I could not see how to proceed and 45 minutes from sunset. I therefore made the decision to descend and end my day.

It will give me a good excuse to go back!



WHAT GEAR DID YOU USE?


I brought the bare minimum with me (with extra charcuterie and whole grain bread of course) otherwise the classic hiking bag with warm items made of merino wool Icebreaker, one 170 that I wore during the day, the other in 200 that I kept dry for the evening and the night, a tent Nordisk Svalbard 1 SL, Monnet socks, waterproof bags from Sea to Summit and a multi-tool Leatherman. To optimize your equipment, do not hesitate to choose your hiking gear suited to your needs.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BRANDS FOR HIKING?


The brands I use for each hike are undoubtedly Icebreaker for technical clothing made of merino wool as it eliminates the need to bring a lot of spare clothes, merino wool allows for good sweat and heat management; my Leatherman knife that I take everywhere; and the waterproof bags Sea to Summit. For those looking to equip themselves, consider quality camping and trekking gear for all your outings.

Afterwards I discovered this tent from the brand Nordisk and it exudes quality and durability, it is also very light for a 4-season tent and very quick to set up. I would like to test products like ThermaRest or even Nemo for sleeping that seem to be very efficient brands for this kind of mountain outings. Also, choosing a suitable backpack remains essential, do not hesitate to consult our advice to choose your hiking backpack or to choose a backpack for hiking. For performance clothing, discover our selection performance hiking clothing. Finally, think about waterproofing treatment for shoes to keep your feet dry.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THIS TYPE OF OUTING?


What I like most is really facing my abilities on the ground, discovering things about the place I am going to like the history, the animals that reside there and meeting people who share the same passions as me. Because hiking and camping in November allows for a natural selection and creates a similar constraint that makes us understand each other without necessarily speaking, and then come the hiking discussion topics that I could enjoy for hours.