Pointe de Lapaz
→ 18km
↑ ~1400m
Δ 2313M
♦ Medium
Θ CCW
Just south of Chamonix is Les Gaillands, a small lake and what may be the world's busiest climbing crag. We start at the parking lot, which is reachable by bus, train or in 15 minutes on foot from Chamonix.
Immediately settle in for a 1300 meter climb to the Pointe de Lapaz. If you come up short on water, food or energy, stop at the Refuge de Bellachat before the final 200 meter ascent.
The proper Pointe de Lapaz trail stays just off and west of the ridge but it is possible, and recommended for the sure footed, to stay on the ridge crest. A number of faint paths make their way to the actual ridge from the main trail. Traverse south on the ridge where it turns into golf course quality grass and abundant napping spots with unrivaled views of Mont Blanc.
After a good long sit, your quads have some downhilling to do. The trail back to Les Gaillands is almost 100% running.
Detailed GPX Track
Download the GPX File and import the route into your phone's mapping app and/or your watch for the full turn-by turn.
Your purchase supports the team at ALPSinsight to keep these runs coming.
TIPS
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This is a long climb and a long descent. Consider the Refuge de Bellachat as an aid station.
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On the descent, pay attention to the GPX track, there are a lot of turns that lead in the wrong direction.
Guided and self-guided trips. Come run with us.
Leaving the Refuge de Bellachat for Pointe de Lapaz
Climbing to Pointe de Lapaz
On the Pointe de Lapaz
Comments 2
Bought this GPX for a short weekend in Chamonix, worked brilliantly. Didn’t disappoint, views were amazing from the refuge and although the descent was 100% runnable, my quads didn’t thank me for it. Did consider one of your shorter runs for the sunday, but ran up to Blaitière dessous alpage instead, which had a lovely view back across the valley and a fabulous single track descent.
Author
Excellent! Exactly what we want to hear. 🙏 There are lots more where that came from. 😁