Vogealle – Folly

Map of the Stage Vogealle – Folly:

Stage description Vogealle – Folly

From La Vogealle we go up a few meters in the direction of the Lac de la Vogealle until the junction marked by a sign where a path starts on the left in the direction of Pas de l’Ours. The climb is steep and you have to keep your eyes open.

On the one hand because the path is a little narrow in some places and the rock friable (more details on this passage and pictures below) but also because it is not uncommon to see some ibex at this place .

Once you have crossed the Pas de l’Ours (2115m) you arrive in the magnificent suspended valley of the Vogeallette. The trail continues through scree coming from the southern face of Pointe Rousse des Chambres.

The climb then continues through a last scree which allows to reach the Col des Chambres (2338m).

At the pass there is the possibility to make a return trip to Bellegarde Point to enjoy a magnificent panorama of the surroundings (not counted in the walking times given above). It takes about 30 minutes from the pass to reach the summit by stones following the different cairns present on the way.

Back to the pass we start the descent towards the Lac des Chambres by crossing a large valley which often remains belated snowy because of its lack of exposure to the sun. On this part the markings are less present, but it is still very easy to to find your way down by following the cairns.

Once at the lake there are 2 possible routes depending on the season. When the lake is full (beginning of the season) you have to take the path equipped with cables that runs along the lake on the right side (coming from the Col des Chambres).

At the end of summer, when the water level falls, it is possible to follow a trail that follows the lake on the left (This trail is underwater for most of the season).

The descent then continues on a fairly steep but very practicable path until the Folly refuge.

Previous Stage: Susanfe – Vogealle
Next Stage: Folly – Bostan

Difficulty of the stage: Le pas de l’Ours (T3)

The “Pas de l’Ours is located just after the refuge of the Vogealle towards the lake of the Chambers. This section is relatively short in terms of distance but very steep with a fairly friable rock.

The passage is not equipped.The trail is somewhat narrow, but it is nevertheless very practicable. Recommended for walkers with a safe foot.

Alternative (Does not go passed the “Lac des Chambres”):
All the main difficulties of “Pas de l’Ours” are visible from the path leaving La Vogealle.If you do not wish to take this route, you can reach the refuge du Folly by continuing towards the Vogealle lake and then take the path that goes up on the combe aux Puaires.

At the Combe aux Puaires you’ll arrive at a crossing where you have 2 options:

• Take the path going down in the direction of the Refuge du Folly
• Head north-east and climb towards the “Pas au Taureau” to reach the Refuge de Bostan.

 

More Pictures: