L'histoire d'une station de ski

From Ribes, the life-size playground, cross the Guil River to reach the other side and enter the larch forest via the trail on the left. At a hairpin curve further up, turn right. A little further on, a yellow-marked trail branches off to the left; follow it cheerfully as it climbs toward the hamlet of Peynin. The chalets are still inhabited in the summer and, together with the chapel, form a beautiful setting that’s worth a break. Spring water flows from the fountain—a great opportunity to fill your water bottles. The route follows either the trail or the path, veering to the right. Destination: the summit of the mountain pasture! View of what was once the Aiguilles alpine ski area. The descent follows the trail on the right, taking you around the summer chalets before rejoining the ascent path. In spring and fall, conditions are changeable; even without snow, the trail can be icy. Therefore, when in the mountains, the rule of thumb is to “go out well-equipped.” In my backpack, I slip in or clip on: crampons and trekking poles. In winter, the essentials are: snowshoes, poles, gloves, a hat, sunscreen, and… a survival blanket! Experience is essential, and knowing when to turn back is sometimes better than taking risks. And for those new to the mountains, we recommend hiring a professional! Before heading out, I check the Météo France Montagnes weather reports and the BERA (avalanche and risk alerts).