Mont de Grange : Couloir de Pertuis

From the start of Crêt Béni chair lift (992m) you reach the summit of the ski lift of the Scoop (1571m) either by going up the tracks, or by taking the ski lifts. Then continue in the direction of the Pertuis chalets (1649m). Just before you reach the chalets, go up a small scoop towards the S, pass a ridge on the left to reach the broad Pertuis scoop. Go up it in the direction of the Bel-Air ridge. Shortly before arriving at the ridge, fork to the left and go up the boxed in Pertuis corridor. Two thirds up the corridor, you run into a junction giving access to three possible outings: -the one on right (while climbing), narrow and steep (S5) tops out a few metres to the W from the summit cross; -the one in the middle, also very difficult (S5), tops out between the two summits; -the left branch is less direct and slightly less difficult (S4/S5);

Descent by the same route. Under of Pertuis scoop, when it narrows it is more interesting to head for the small scoop mentioned above (small possible 20m ascent) than to descend until the Pertuis chalets.

Note: in the event of bad conditions in the corridor, it is possible to descend the W face until Belair ridge then via the north slope of the ridge reach the Pertuis scoop via the small Pertuis corridor (S4).

If you use the ski lifts, the start is at 1571m, reducing the ascent HD to 860m. At the beginning or end of the season, you can drive to 1400m, slightly above Chable de la Plagne (start of the 4×4 road for the Pertuis chalets).

42°/400m, the last 100 meters almost reaching 50°. The corridor is rather tortuous and narrow towards the top out, with a rather strong exposure. D+/S5 or 5.1/E2 to E3.

The corridor is W to NW but boxed in. The Pertuis scoop is NW. Consequently the route remains rather well snow covered until late in the season.

Access:
From Thonon, head towards Abondance (D22) and continue to La Chapelle d'Abondance. Slightly before arriving in the town, turn to the right at the church to reach the Crêt Béni parking lot. From Switzerland, pass the Pas de Morgins to reach Chatel then Chapelle d'Abondance (towards Abondance).

Ice axe/crampons