Top 6 Mountain Passes around Réserve Naturelle de Sixt-Passy

The region offers several passes with breathtaking views. Col d'Anterne, at 2,257 meters, provides magnificent panoramic views of the Aiguilles Rouges and the Mont Blanc Massif, often including the tranquil Lac d'Anterne. The Dérochoir Pass and Col de la Portette offer 360° views of the Mont Blanc range, the Fiz, and the unique Désert de Platé.

While many passes in the Réserve Naturelle de Sixt-Passy are challenging, the Col de la Golèse is known for being wide open and more easily accessible. It serves as a starting point for various hikes and offers accommodation and catering at its refuge. For easy hikes in the general area, you can explore options like the Horseshoe Circus loop from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, which is about 5.3 km. Find more easy hikes in the region on the Easy hikes around Réserve Naturelle de Sixt-Passy guide.

The area around Col d'Anterne is known for its diverse wildlife, including marmots and ibex. The Réserve Naturelle de Sixt-Passy as a whole is rich in wildlife, making many trails suitable for observing local fauna.

The Passage du Dérochoir and Col de la Portette are part of challenging hiking routes within the Désert de Platé sector. The Dérochoir Pass is particularly known for its immense rocky scree, requiring some climbing over slabs with chains, ropes, and stairs. These sections are often compared to a via ferrata and are recommended for experienced hikers due to their technical and strenuous nature.

The Col de Cou / Col de Coux, located on the border between Switzerland and France, has historical significance as a popular route for smugglers and a passage for those fleeing during World War II.

You can expect to see diverse landscapes, from alpine meadows and tranquil glacial lakes like Lac d'Anterne to rocky karst plateaus such as the Désert de Platé. Waterfalls like La Pleureuse and La Sauffraz are also notable features on approaches to passes like Col d'Anterne.

The Réserve Naturelle de Sixt-Passy is ideal for hiking and running. You can find numerous trails, from easy walks to difficult multi-day routes. For example, there are challenging running trails like the Refuge de la Vogealle loop (18.5 km) or various hiking routes such as the Lake Anterne – Col d'Anterne loop (18.6 km). Explore more options on the Hiking around Réserve Naturelle de Sixt-Passy guide or the Running Trails around Réserve Naturelle de Sixt-Passy guide.

The best time to visit is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when trails are clear of snow and ice. Some high-altitude passes, like Mont Buet, can retain snow until at least July, making them inaccessible without specialized mountain equipment earlier in the season. Autumn is particularly renowned for birdwatching at passes like Col de Cou / Col de Coux during migration.

Yes, several passes offer facilities. The Col d'Anterne area has the Refuge d'Anterne, providing a place to rest and eat. Similarly, the Col de la Golèse has a mountain hut offering accommodation and catering. These refuges can be essential for longer hikes or overnight stays.

Visitors frequently highlight the stunning panoramic views, especially of the Mont Blanc Massif and the Fiz mountain range. The opportunity for a complete change of scenery in an exceptional natural environment, along with the chance to spot diverse wildlife like marmots and ibex, is also highly appreciated. The challenging and adventurous nature of some trails, such as the Dérochoir Pass, also draws experienced hikers.

Yes, the Col de Cou / Col de Coux lies on the border between Switzerland and France, connecting Champéry in Switzerland to Morzine in France. The Col de la Golèse also serves as a gateway to neighboring Switzerland via the Col de Coux, making it a potential route for cross-border journeys.