The barn loop trail : snowshoe Vallorcine
Vallorcine
The barn loop trail : snowshoe Vallorcine
Easy
Difficulty1h20
Duration3,6km
Distance+249m
Positive Elevation-249m
Negative ElevationCourse type
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Nice loop leading to the typical hamlet of Les Granges, with an exceptional view on Aiguille Verte and the massif of Mont-Blanc. Family trail for an easy snowshoe hike.
4 points of interest
Fauna
Hibernating
Many animals hibernate. Hibernating can have two meanings:
- To shelter: animals adapt their behavior during this period, by reducing their activity or taking shelter. For example, insects and birds overwinter.
- To “sleep”: Groundhogs hibernate from the end of September, taking refuge in a burrow and sleeping deeply until April. During this period of hibernation, groundhogs are in a “comatose state”: the heart only beats at 5 beats per minute and the body temperature drops for plus or minus 10 degrees (variable according to the temperature of the ground).
read more- To shelter: animals adapt their behavior during this period, by reducing their activity or taking shelter. For example, insects and birds overwinter.
- To “sleep”: Groundhogs hibernate from the end of September, taking refuge in a burrow and sleeping deeply until April. During this period of hibernation, groundhogs are in a “comatose state”: the heart only beats at 5 beats per minute and the body temperature drops for plus or minus 10 degrees (variable according to the temperature of the ground).
Flora
Larch forests
Larch forests are ecosystems with high biodiversity and one of the resting areas for mountain fauna.
It is the only conifer in Europe loosing its needles . These turn yellow and fall off in autumn. Larch needles play an essential role in soil and ecosystem dynamics: the transformation into humus facilitate the establishment of other plant species. In spring, new flexible and clustered needles regrow.
read moreIt is the only conifer in Europe loosing its needles . These turn yellow and fall off in autumn. Larch needles play an essential role in soil and ecosystem dynamics: the transformation into humus facilitate the establishment of other plant species. In spring, new flexible and clustered needles regrow.
Fauna
The European or Brown Hare
The European Hare, known as "the brown one", lives in forest environments.
The Mountain hare, called "the white coat", meanwhile lives in the upper part of the forest and the mountain pastures. Lagomorphic mammals, like rabbits, are to be distinguished in particular by the length of their ears. The "brown" hare has more slender shaped long ears. The coat of the Mountain Hare changes with the seasons to become visually part of the landscape and hide from predators. The “white coat” is a nocturnal animal; it builds shelters under the snow to sleep during the day. Be careful not to leave the tracks, you could step on it!
read moreThe Mountain hare, called "the white coat", meanwhile lives in the upper part of the forest and the mountain pastures. Lagomorphic mammals, like rabbits, are to be distinguished in particular by the length of their ears. The "brown" hare has more slender shaped long ears. The coat of the Mountain Hare changes with the seasons to become visually part of the landscape and hide from predators. The “white coat” is a nocturnal animal; it builds shelters under the snow to sleep during the day. Be careful not to leave the tracks, you could step on it!
Fauna
Encounter with a wild animal, what to do?
During the harsh winter conditions, animals have no other choice than trying to survive day after day. Our presence on their territory will obviously disturb them, and even frighten them; so let's try to minimize this disturbance:
- Stop and wait quietly untill the animal goes away.
- Do not shout or make sudden movements which would stress the animal even more.
- Do not try to approach it nor follow it.
read more- Stop and wait quietly untill the animal goes away.
- Do not shout or make sudden movements which would stress the animal even more.
- Do not try to approach it nor follow it.
Description
- From the hamlet of Le Couteray, follow the forest track north to La Loriaz.
- Take the marked trail after a hairpin turn.
- At the highest point of the marked trail (1580 meters), turn left towards the barns.
- On the rock (former sheepfolds), go down on the left towards Le Lay – Le Couteray.
Departure : Parking « Buet / Couteray »
Arrival : Parking le Buet / Couteray
Towns crossed : Vallorcine
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
Before leaving :
- Check the weather conditions: adapt your equipment
- Your hike on these marked trails is under your own responsibility
- Walking times are estimations
You are in a fragile environment: respect it
Warning : The conditions of the trails are subject to change, remember to inquire before leaving.
Access to the trail is conditioned by weather conditions.
For more information, contact the l’Office de Haute Montagne de Chamonix : +33 (0)4 50 53 22 08.
https://www.chamoniarde.com/
What to do when you meet a wild animal ?
During the harsh winter conditions, animals have no other choice than trying to survive day after day. Our presence on their territory will obviously disturb them, and even frighten them.
Let's try to minimize this disturbance:
- Stop and wait quietly until the animal goes away. - Do not shout or make sudden movements which would stress the animal even more.
- Do not try to approach it nor follow it.
- Check the weather conditions: adapt your equipment
- Your hike on these marked trails is under your own responsibility
- Walking times are estimations
You are in a fragile environment: respect it
Warning : The conditions of the trails are subject to change, remember to inquire before leaving.
Access to the trail is conditioned by weather conditions.
For more information, contact the l’Office de Haute Montagne de Chamonix : +33 (0)4 50 53 22 08.
https://www.chamoniarde.com/
What to do when you meet a wild animal ?
During the harsh winter conditions, animals have no other choice than trying to survive day after day. Our presence on their territory will obviously disturb them, and even frighten them.
Let's try to minimize this disturbance:
- Stop and wait quietly until the animal goes away. - Do not shout or make sudden movements which would stress the animal even more.
- Do not try to approach it nor follow it.
Information desks
183 Route des Confins, 74660 Vallorcine
https://www.chamonix.com/la-vallee/les-stations-villages/vallorcine
04 50 54 60 71
Find out more
Transport
SNCF train stop Le Buet served by the TER-line Mont Blanc Express, then walk along the road to the hamlet of Le Couteray on your left.
https://www.chamonix.com/gares-et-arrets-de-train/arret-sncf-le-buet
https://www.chamonix.com/gares-et-arrets-de-train/arret-sncf-le-buet
Access and parking
Take road D1506 from Chamonix via Argentière and Col des Montets or via Switzerland via Martigny, Col de la Forclaz and le Châtelard.
Parking :
Parking Le Buet
Accessibility
Emergency number :
114
Report a problem or an error
If you have found an error on this page or if you have noticed any problems during your hike, please report them to us here: