This route is possible on foot or with snowshoes. All walkers will enjoy taking the open lakeside path, since it is groomed and easier to walk along.
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
Start from the end of the lake after the parking lot entrance (trail sign), climb through the forest to the hamlet of Les Albertans, cross the hamlet on the right bank forest track, continue up to the Ardent waterfall, then continue straight on, keeping to the right of the river, to reach the departure station for the Ardent gondola lift.
Itinerary details
Description
Snowshoe walkers are advised to start at the end of the lake furthest from Montriond, since this sector is reserved for the activity. Start from the car park at the lake entrance. Follow the open path at the lake’s edge (on the opposite side to the forest).
At the far end of the lake :
– walkers should take the groomed path which goes off to the left and up to the hamlet of Albertans.
– snowshoe walkers should take the path through the woods (to the left just after the hotel) which follows the river as far as the hamlet of Albertans.
From Albertans hamlet, there are two parallel routes leading to Ardent waterfall: the first is not groomed and ideal for snowshoe walkers; the second is groomed for walkers.
In Ardent, you may want to continue up to the Parchets nature reserve to admire the many chamois deer which are often there. To come home, simply retrace your steps.
At the far end of the lake :
– walkers should take the groomed path which goes off to the left and up to the hamlet of Albertans.
– snowshoe walkers should take the path through the woods (to the left just after the hotel) which follows the river as far as the hamlet of Albertans.
From Albertans hamlet, there are two parallel routes leading to Ardent waterfall: the first is not groomed and ideal for snowshoe walkers; the second is groomed for walkers.
In Ardent, you may want to continue up to the Parchets nature reserve to admire the many chamois deer which are often there. To come home, simply retrace your steps.
