Croix des Prélayes - Croix des Prélayes

Accessible route, with a northerly aspect

Route

From the Col de la Forclaz take the track which leads up to the chalets du Pro du Sex, (passing to the right and then above a green communications aerial.) Continue up the forest track until it opens out near a cross, just below the chalets des Prélayes (2017m). Go up rightwards onto the W ridge of the Croix des Prélayes, (2365m, cross on the summit.) The slope steepens noticeably just before reaching the ridge. The ridge is not very broad near the top, often better to walk, (crampons?), especially in icy conditions. It is possible to continue along the NW ridge to the Tête des Prélayes (2417m)

Descent

Go into one of the bowls on the NW face just below the summit. The start is steep and often between rocks, then nice slopes down to the chalets de Prélayes, then follow the ascent route.

Often windslab on the two sides of the W ridge, as well as on the NW face