Lake of the Red Gouilles

Although located in the heart of the ski lifts, this short walk from the Samoëns 1600 resort is very pleasant. In July and August the area is covered with blueberries.

Duration: 1h15
Difference in height: 174 meters
Difficulty: very easy
Departure: car park of Samoëns 1600 (which can be reached from Samoëns by following the direction Samoëns 1600)
Carto reference: topo-guide Vallée du Haut Giffre

At the end of the car park, take the wide path which, turning to the left, passes under the Chariande chairlifts and takes you peacefully, through blueberry and rhododendron trees, to the Gouilles Rouges lake.
This artificial lake used to supply the resort with drinking water. It now serves as a water reserve for the artificial snowmaking of the slopes.
From the lake, follow the path on the left which, in a few metres, takes you to a small promontory with a view of the cirque of Vaconnant.
In winter, this cirque is the scene of numerous avalanches which take the corridors in front of you.
The left-most corridor, from the ridge to the Pointe de Trapechet, is called the "couloir des morts" (corridor of the dead). The evocation of this name gives you a chill and reminds you that in winter caution is required.

Itinerary for guidance only.