Col de la Cicle - Normal route from Notre Dame de la Gorge

From the parking lot, traverse the Bon Nant then skirt it for 300 meters via the pedestrian path to reach the bridge opposite Notre-Dame de la Gorge chapel (1210 m) and the beginning of the Roman path. Go up this path (often icy, crampons sometimes useful). Cross the Roman bridge. Take a look at the gorge it sits over. You reach the hamlet of Nant Borrant (snack bar open on crowded weekends at the end of the season) and the long flat area of La Rollaz (1530 m). Continue on the good trail to reach the Balme chalets (1706 m, refuge closed in winter and spring). Go up 300 m on the scoop to the West of the chalets in the direction of Col de la Cicle and make a slight turn to the right to pass Pointe Toepfler to reach the foot of the corridor which leads to the pass. Go up this corridor 300 m to the pass.

Ascent variant via Les Prés: At the beginning of La Rollaz plateau head to the right towards the SW (Les Prés, Col de la Fenêtre sign). Follow the trail which climbs in wood until Chalets des Prés (1797 m). Continue to the SW until the Plan de la Fenêtre (approximately 2000 m). Traverse it horizontally towards the south for 1 km to reach the foot of the corridor leading to Col de la Cicle. Climb this corridor to the pass.

Descent: Via the ascent route.

Total time span: it takes 5 hours.

The Chemin des Romains becomes rapidly unskiable (rocks). Flat area at La Rollaz where it is a good idea to build up some momentum when descending.

No particular difficulties. Many people walk on the Chemin des Romains. It can be very icy and require the use of crampons. The access to the pass may be complicated by a cornice.

This route becomes sunny very early. Risks of sluffs under the Roches Franches. Leave early.

Access: Saint-Gervais > Les Contamines > Notre-Dame de la Gorge. Go to Contamines Montjoie on D902, 8 km to the south of Saint-Gervais. Continue the road until it ends (parking lot 300 m before the Notre-Dame de la Gorge chapel). There are buses from Fayet station to Contamines (not very frequent) then station shuttle (in season) from Contamines to Pontet (1 km before the Chapel).

Accommodation: Numerous accommodations and restaurants of all categories in Contamines. Small inn at Notre-Dame de la Gorge, pleasant terrace. Snack bar in Nant Borrant is open on weekends at the end of the season. Refuge de la Balme is closed during the winter season with no possibility of lodging.