Hikes in Chamonix – Aiguillette des Posettes

With panoramic views across the Mont Blanc Massif, the Aiguillette des Posettes is one of the most breath-taking hikes in Chamonix. Situated on the border between France and Switzerland, it takes about 15 minutes to drive to the trail head from the centre of Chamonix. You can also get a bus to Le Tour and start the hike from there. In spring it’s easiest to start the hike from Tré le Champ and gain the ridge straight away as it clears of snow most quickly.  If you are hiking early-season, you may need snowshoes on the trail and it’s important to check the avalanche forecast before heading out.

Hikes in chamonix are snowy in spring
Snowy conditions near the top of the Aiguillette des Posettes in May 2018. Photo by Jennifer Stretton.

The hike from Tré le Champ winds steadily up through pine woodland and luckily the majority of the ascent is in the shade. As the altitude increases, Spruce trees make way for Larch trees, which are covered with beautiful red flowers in the spring.

Chamonix hikes larch flowers
The female flowers on a larch tree are also called ‘larch roses’. After pollination, they ripen into small brown cones which later open up to release their winged seeds in the wind. The male flowers are smaller and yellow and are found on the underside of branches. Photo by Jennifer Stretton.

The rich forest ecosystem is an oasis for birds including; Tree creepers, Gold Crests, Wood peckers and Chaffinches. It’s well worth carrying some binoculars with you and taking your time to look for some. As the forest cover thins, your hard work is rewarded with spectacular views of some of the highest peaks in the region including; Mont Blanc, L’Aiguille Verte, Le Dru, Les Droites and Les Cortes.

one of the best hikes in chamonix
The incredible views make the Aiguillete des Posettes one of the best hikes in Chamonix! Aiguille Verte and the Dru on the left and Mont Blanc on the right. Photo by Jennifer Stretton.

A singn will let you know that the trail has entered The Aiguille Rouge National Park; one of the largest National Parks in the region. It’s not unusual to spot Chamois, Ibex and Marmots in the Park and plenty of beautiful alpine flowers!

To find out about wildlife in Chamonix, read our posts on alpine flowers and wildlife on the tour du mont blanc

it's not unusual to see marmot prints on hikes in chamonix
Marmot prints near the summit of the Aiguillette des Posettes. Did you know that marmots have four toes on the front legs and five toes on their back legs?  It’s not unusual to see Marmots on hikes in Chamonix, but they can be hard to spot unless they run across the snow! Photo by Jennifer Stretton.
primula hirsuta on hikes in chamonix
Primula hirsuta adds a splash of colour to the dry rocky ground on the Aiguillete des Possettes. It’s a hardy flower that can grow up to 12,000 feet! Photo by Jennifer Stretton

As the ridge breaks out of the forest, a 360 degree panorama encompasses the whole of the Massif and the Aiguille Rouges. It’s one of the best views of any hikes in Chamonix and it’s lovely to take a pic-nic to spend an hour or two at the summit!

hikes in chamonix in snow
Simone walking across the Aiguilette des Posettes ridge near the summit. Mont Blanc, the Aiguille Verte and the Dru are in the background. Photo by Jennifer Stretton

To descend, the fastest route is to go back the same way. If snow conditions allow, you can turn the walk into a loop by continuing to the Col de Possettes and then walking down into Le Tour ski area. A trail links Le Tour with the parking at Tré le Champ.

Guided hikes in Chamonix

If you would like to experience some of the best hikes in the region with a qualified and knowledgable guide, then you may be interested in one of our guided treks:

  • Tour du mont blanc – This world famous trek takes you from Chamonix in a circuit around the entire Mont Blanc Massif.
  • Haute Route – Trek from Chamonix to Zermatt on this epic adventure!
  • Best of the French Alps – Experience some of the best hikes in Chamonix valley, all from the comfort of two hotels so you don’t need to pack every day!

 

Jennifer Stretton
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