Route Climbed: La Grande Sure Date Climbed: nov 7/8 2005
Starting from Col de la Charmette (Nat. Forest road & Hut, 1270 m.), a faint track (a few yellow stripes, not visible in winter) goes gently SW, until the first rock barrier is met. Steeper section from here - about midway - until an up and down portion finally leads to a large alpine meadow around 1600 m high. If you expect to spend a night in the little Bannettes hut, go on SSW keeping above timberline, and the little shelter is there, afoot a large limestone wall, and dominating the Isère valley around Voiron. It is strange to spend an evening in deep darkness while electrical fireworks and car lights are shining far away under your feet...!
Otherwise, turn NNE towards Hurtières pass, and aim for a level faint path running N to col de la Sure, just under the cliffs at your right hand (the large Hurtières cwm hosts also a comfortable shepherd hut : Cabane d'Hurtières). From La Sure pass, a track climbs W, then after a few alternating curves goes frankly SW keeping well under the skyline. A final large rock covered "doline" will mark the start for the last 10 minutes hike. Large wooden cross on the top. Mind...the west wall is a vertical 200 m drop !!! Modest altitude (1920 m.), but very large pano : Mt Blanc, Gd Combin, Meije, Arves, Central Massif, etc...
Claude Mauguier - Nov 19, 2005 4:07 pm
Route Climbed: La Grande Sure Date Climbed: nov 7/8 2005Starting from Col de la Charmette (Nat. Forest road & Hut, 1270 m.), a faint track (a few yellow stripes, not visible in winter) goes gently SW, until the first rock barrier is met. Steeper section from here - about midway - until an up and down portion finally leads to a large alpine meadow around 1600 m high. If you expect to spend a night in the little Bannettes hut, go on SSW keeping above timberline, and the little shelter is there, afoot a large limestone wall, and dominating the Isère valley around Voiron. It is strange to spend an evening in deep darkness while electrical fireworks and car lights are shining far away under your feet...!
Otherwise, turn NNE towards Hurtières pass, and aim for a level faint path running N to col de la Sure, just under the cliffs at your right hand (the large Hurtières cwm hosts also a comfortable shepherd hut : Cabane d'Hurtières). From La Sure pass, a track climbs W, then after a few alternating curves goes frankly SW keeping well under the skyline. A final large rock covered "doline" will mark the start for the last 10 minutes hike. Large wooden cross on the top. Mind...the west wall is a vertical 200 m drop !!! Modest altitude (1920 m.), but very large pano : Mt Blanc, Gd Combin, Meije, Arves, Central Massif, etc...