Sentier raquettes : Traversée de l'Alpette au Lac Besson

Welcome to 2000m. You are at the Alpette, a name referring to the mountain pasture, because in the past all these meadows were populated with herds during the summer. This is still the case, on the Montfrais side where you will also find a marked trail.
The footpath is laid out parallel to the cross-country ski trails, please only walk on the route marked with purple/mauve markers and not the route in red. You will gradually leave the ski lifts to discover a white expanse. Below on your right is the Carrelet lake covered in snow, and partially frozen. On your left, at the very top of the mountain, perched in the Grandes Rousses massif, the arrival of the cable car. Another hike awaits you at the summit!

Although vegetation is rare at these altitudes, it does exist. Conifers such as firs and spruces have a hard time growing because of the snow, the cold and the wind, but some fighters manage to do so. Look for them! They will appear here and there between the layers of snow. Life is also present at these altitudes. Indeed, it is not uncommon to see traces of chamois, hares or even ptarmigan (the snow partridge). The high-altitude lakes are also home to fish. Finally, there is a sleeping fauna, the one you all know as the mascot of the mountains... The marmot is very present at these altitudes and in these expanses, it is hibernating under your feet right now!

All waste must be brought back by hikers. This rule applies along the trail. The forest environment must be preserved, avoid cutting branches or mutilating them.

Tips:
– Make sure snow doesn’t get into your shoes by using gaiters.
•During the snowshoe hike:
– Remember to release the heel of the snowshoe! FYI, we sometimes attach the back of the foot when going downhill when there is a lot of snow.
– Set off with poles, essential for balance.
– Don’t hesitate to tap your snowshoe with your stick from time to time, this will remove some of the accumulated snow and therefore lighten your step.
– Foggy glasses are usually a good indicator of too much body heat or a change in body heat that is too rapid. If this happens, you can reduce your speed, the number of layers of clothing or simply ventilate everything by encouraging fresh air to enter under your windbreaker.

Subject to favorable weather conditions