Hiking - Le Grand Perron des Encombres from La Saussaz

Le Grand Perron des Encombres offers, for a respectable altitude and modest elevation gain, a remarkable panorama, from the Ecrins to Mont-Blanc.

This beautiful peak, very visible from the Maurienne Valley, offers a 360° spectacle over the Vanoise, Mont-Blanc, and Oisans massifs. In the center of this scene, the giant peaks of Savoie and their bridal procession of glaciers. Keep an eye out: in this astonishing mineral world, it is not uncommon to spot herds of ibex among the scree slopes and on the rocky ridges.

From the parking area, descend into the hollow below the chalets of La Saussaz via the track, then ascend the trail (signposted) which leads to the Petit Col des Encombres (2329m).

The trail climbs amidst gypsum outcrops and sinkholes (dolines) then reaches a first plateau. From a large isolated tufa block, you can either continue southwest, traversing on the easy and well-marked trail, towards the Pointe du Château d’Aubert, or spot the path ascending northwest that bypasses an isolated monolith in the alpine pasture. The two routes rejoin at the northern end of the second plateau.

From this point, the trail heads west then turns north and ascends the ridge which leads to the cross marking the summit.

The return is via the same route.