ADVENTURE OF ENTHUSIASTS: Hiking at Trou de la Mouche

WEEKEND ADVENTURE

Antonin went to observe the sunrise at the Trou de la Mouche located in the Aravis mountain range on Sunday 01/01/2023. The passage of the Trou de la Mouche is located between the pass at the top of the Combe de Paccaly and the pass of the Combe Grand Crêt, reaching an altitude of 2453m. He shares his adventure with us in pictures. If you are preparing a similar adventure, be sure to check our guide to choose trekking poles suitable for your hikes.

WHO ARE YOU?

WHAT IS THE TOPO?

The planned itinerary was about 9.5km with 930m of positive elevation gain and the same in negative. The Aravis mountain range is part of protected and regulated areas. The Trou de la Mouche is located 30 km from Annecy, near the ski resort of La Clusaz in Haute-Savoie (74). To properly prepare your adventure, don't forget to check that your high-performance hiking backpack is suitable for the duration and demands of the outing.

It should be noted that the trail to reach the Trou de la Mouche via the Combe de Paccaly is an unmarked mountain route starting from Paccaly d'en Haut. For hiking enthusiasts, it may be interesting to buy a hiking compass to ensure your orientation on poorly marked paths.

• Tête de Paccaly (2467m)
• Passage of the Trou de la Mouche (2453m)

A LITTLE ANECDOTE?

I had mapped the itinerary via the Komoot app, it was advised to park at the Confins parking lot, however I had not checked the proximity of the parking lot to the start of my itinerary. I therefore walked 1.5 km with 100m of positive elevation gain before tackling my ascent to the Trou de la Mouche. To avoid any mishaps related to the weather, remember to bring high-performance rain covers to protect your gear during your hikes. Unfortunately, this small mistake delayed me and I missed the sunrise. Nevertheless, the view at the top, even late on the departure schedule, remains magnificent!

WHAT GEAR DID YOU USE?

• Backpack, Raptor 30L from CAMP.
• Down jacket, Microlight Alpine from RAB.
• Waterproof jacket, 3L Deep Shell from ORTOVOX.
• Fleece jacket, Fleece Grid Hoody from ORTOVOX.
• Softshell pants, Berrino Pants from ORTOVOX.
• Thermal tights, Blackcomb from ODLO.
• Thermal t-shirt, Blackcomb from ODLO.
• Snow crampons, Ice Master from CAMP.
• Snowshoes, Symbioz Hyperflex Acces from TSL.

For an optimal mountain experience, it is also important to buy mountaineering equipment according to the terrain. Don't hesitate to also choose your hiking accessories to complete your basic gear.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THIS TYPE OF OUTING?

What I like most is really finding myself face to face with myself when the difficulty of the terrain increases, there is no shortcut, no ski lift that allows you to reach the summit without effort. I also enjoy discovering things about the place I am going to, such as the animals, the landscape with the sunrise, and sometimes meeting people who get up early in the morning and share the same passions. For me, having good hiking equipment changes all the enjoyment of the adventure, and in summer, nothing is better than light outdoor sandals for gentle approaches.