L'Esprit Ludique

Approach ### 1h10

(See also grand-bargy-par-le-couloir-des-ranges for the approach to the Couloir des Ranges.) From the Morsullaz cableway parking, follow the Lac Bénit path or skiing slopes to the top of the cableway (40min).

From the top of the cableway, take a path rising right for 50m and then following the forested line along Grand Bargy which brings you to the lower part of the Couloir des Ranges. 30mn. From the sign “Couloir des Ranges” written in large red letters on the wall, climb diagonally left to the beginning of the couloir. The start of the route is located at the bottom part of the ridge on the left side of the couloirs.

Route

The route consistently stays on the right side of the ridge. From the top of P3, it is possible to avoid the difficulties climbing on the crest, but that’s not the point !

L#0 | 3 | 60m | Covers the beginning of the ridge until the trees end. Can be passed moving together. Rock unstable in places. L# | 4 | 25m | Rise on the right side of the ridge (2 spits) and then follow the rising ramp with a crack along the wall. Belay on a spit and a peg (some cordelettes) on a platform before a crack-chimney. L# | 5+ | 25m | Rise in the crack-chimney on the right, and then traverse for 15m. 1 peg before and 1 spit after the crack, and 1 peg in the traverse. Belay on two spits. L# | 5 | 25m | Traverse for a few meters, then climb a crack-chimney to the ridge. Climb along the ridge keeping to the right side. Belay on two pegs and a rock tunnel. L# | 5+ | 25m | Traverse to the right (peg) and then go up the wall in the direction of two pine trees. Belay on the large platform above the trees (peg). L# | 5+ | 50m | Climb the wall on the right of the ridge, then traverse to the right and climb the wall for 10m (2 pegs). End of the difficulties. Continue grade 3 for another 25m. Belay on rocks near a dry pine tree.

Descent

Note: It may be possible to continue along the ridge (grade 3) until it joins the top of the couloir. Abseil (35 m) from the dry pine (rappel ring + cordelettes in place), traverse for 10m to the other side of the small ridge separating the two sides of the Couloir des Ranges, then abseil (15m) to the path going down the couloir. Scramble down this path for 200m, to the beginning of the route.