Aiguille de Varan

A circular hike to the Aiguille de Varan (2544m) a stunning summit that you have seen countless of times when taking the highway to Chamonix. On our way down we will be traversing a section of the Désert de Platé, the largest lapiaz in Europe.

We start the hike in Praz Coutant (1270m) taking the trail to the Col de Barmerousse and continuing across grassy slopes to the base of the final rock tower of the Aiguille de Varan (2544m). To reach the true summit, we have to climb up two short chimneys that require the use of our hands. Those not comfortable with this can take an easier variant and stop just below the summit. After we reconvene we will retrace our steps to Col de Barmerousse and descend by traversing the Désert de Platé to the Refuge de Platé. After a spectacular descent we will reach the parking again.

This is a long and physically demanding hike without major technical difficulties (T3) apart from the final optional summit chimneys (T5).

Equipment

• Usual hiking equipment and picnic.
• There could be a few small remaining patches of now.

Costs

• Passengers pay each 20 CHF for transport (drivers pay toll)
• Ski Club tax: 5 CHF (15 CHF non-members)

Signup

• Hike leader: Frank Winklmeier (scig@winklmeier.name)
• Sign-up via email by Friday, 19 Jun 2026 with the following information:
  • Full name
  • Mobile phone number
  • Are you a ski club member of the current 2026/27 season? (renew your membership as of June 1st)
  • If this is your first hike with me, what comparable hikes have you done?
  • Do you need or can you offer a ride in your car and for how many additional people?

Transport

• Meeting point: 8:15 Gare Routiere, Geneva (taxi parking next to the little church, lake side, Map)
• Instructions for drivers: A40 (Autoroute Blanche) to Passy. Take exit 21 and follow the signs to Plaine Joux until you reach Praz Coutant.