Lake of the Red Gouilles

Although located in the heart of the ski lifts, this short walk from the Samoëns 1600 resort is very pleasant. In July and August the area is covered with blueberries.

Start: Samoëns 1600 parking lot (which can be reached from Samoëns by following the signs for Samoëns 1600).
Map reference: Vallée du Haut Giffre guidebook

At the end of the parking lot, take the wide path to the left, which passes under the Chariande chairlifts and leads peacefully through myrtillers and rhododendrons to the Lac des Gouilles Rouges.
This man-made lake used to supply the resort with drinking water. It now serves as a water reserve for artificial snow-making on the slopes.
From the lake, follow the path to the left which, in a few metres, takes you to a small promontory overlooking the Cirque de Vaconnant.
In winter, this cirque is the scene of numerous avalanches that use the couloirs opposite you.
The leftmost couloir, from the ridge to the pointe de Trapechet, is known as the "couloir des morts". The very mention of this name sends a chill down your spine, and reminds you that caution is the watchword in winter.

Itinerary for information only.

Wooden posts and yellow signs, indicating the names of the localities and the remaining journey time.

IGN TOP 25 - 3530 ET Samoëns map - on sale at the tourist office and in shops. Montagnes du Giffre hiking map - CCMG - on sale at the tourist office.

1/ From the Samoëns 1600 parking lot (which can be reached from Samoëns by following the signs for Samoëns 1600)
2/ At the end of the parking lot, take the wide path which, heading left, passes under the Chariande chairlifts.
3/ Arrive at Lac des Gouilles Rouges.
4/ Take the opposite route back to Samoëns 1600.