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Hiking: From Bise to Ubine

Sport, Pedestrian sports, Hiking itinerary in Vacheresse
10.7 km
4h
Hard

  • A beautiful hike between alpine pastures and forests. It offers superb views of the mountains and the Cornettes de Bise and Mont de Grange Natura 2000 sites.
    Don't miss the impressive cliffs of Mont Chauffé.

  • The Bise and Ubine hike, nestled in the heart of the Chablais, in the Abondance valley, will offer you an exceptional view of various alpine peaks.

    Starting from the car park of the Bise chalets, you will walk on a downhill forest path then you will reach the Fontaine lake. Following a forest path with a slight difference in altitude, you will then reach the Ubine refuge, where you can take advantage of the tables and an outdoor pool to take a break. The small Ubine chapel was built...
    The Bise and Ubine hike, nestled in the heart of the Chablais, in the Abondance valley, will offer you an exceptional view of various alpine peaks.

    Starting from the car park of the Bise chalets, you will walk on a downhill forest path then you will reach the Fontaine lake. Following a forest path with a slight difference in altitude, you will then reach the Ubine refuge, where you can take advantage of the tables and an outdoor pool to take a break. The small Ubine chapel was built during the French revolution.

    You will cross several mountain pastures during this hike, these are the ones that allow the cows to graze and then the farmers to produce Abondance, the famous cheese characteristic of the territory and the object of a protected designation of origin.

    You will then reach the Col d'Ubine, under the vertiginous ridge of Mont Chauffé and descend to the Chalets de Mens.
    You will then go up by the Pas de la Bosse with a superb view of the Cornettes de Bise, a nice descent on the GR5 trail to reach the Chalets de Bise and its refuge.

    Marking details : Departmental markings called P.D.I.P.R. on beige metal panel and green writing.

    Map references : - Map guide to 65 walks and hikes in the Evian region and Abondance valley
    - Map of walking routes in the Portes du Soleil area in France and Switzerland
    - IGN TOP 25 No. 3528 ET Morzine Chablais Massif Portes du Soleil

    Whatever your hike, remember to take cereal bars, sufficient water, sunglasses, sun cream, a small first aid kit, as well as clothes adapted to your outing according to the season and the weather forecast.
  • Sustainable tourism
    This route crosses the Cornettes de Bise nature reserve. To avoid disturbing wildlife and preserve its habitat, please respect the regulations in force:
    Dogs are allowed and must be kept on a leash. It is forbidden to pick and gather plants, to dump waste of any kind or to use motorized vehicles. Bivouacs are permitted from 7pm to 9am.

    To respect agricultural practices, natural areas and wildlife, please keep your dogs on a leash and pick up after them. Keep and sort your garbage, stay on the paths and close the fences.
  • Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
    1/ From "Chalets de Bise (parking)", take the direction "Ubine (Refuge) by Lac de Fontaine". Continue to follow "Ubine (Refuge)" at the intersections "Les Chatellets", "Lac de Fontaine", "Marais de Léchère" and "Les Maupas".
    2/ At the first signpost "Ubine (Refuge)", continue towards "Ubine (Parking)" and then at the second signpost "Ubine (Refuge)", follow the direction "Chalets de Bise (Refuge) by Pas de la Bosse". At the intersection "Col d'Ubine", take the path on the right, always towards "Chalets de Bise (Refuge) par Pas de la Bosse".
    3/ At the level of "Chalets de Mens", "Chalet de la Combe au Trot", "Combe au Trot (Haut)", "Pas de la Bosse" and "Chalet de Bise", continue in the direction of "Chalets de Bise (Refuge)
    4/ Once you have reached the Chalets de Bise Refuge, go back to your starting point " Chalets de Bise (Parking) ".
  • Departure
    Vacheresse
  • Difference in height
    772 m
  • Access (by car) : From Thonon-les-Bains, take the D22 towards Vacheresse then leave the village via the hamlets of Villard and Revenette, towards Bise.
  • Plain text period
    From 01/06 to 15/10 daily.
    Check with tourist offices in advance to find out the current access conditions.

    Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
  • Environment
    • Lakeside or by stretch of water
    • Mountain view
    • Lake view
    • Mountain location
  • Documentation
    GPX / KML files allow you to export the trail of your hike to your GPS (or other navigation tool)
772 meters of difference in height
  • Maximum altitude : 1864 m
  • Minimum altitude : 1347 m
  • Total positive elevation : 772 m
  • Total negative elevation : -772 m
  • Max positive elevation : 351 m
  • Min positive elevation : -275 m
Services
  • Accessibility
    • Not accessible in a wheelchair
  • Equipment
    • Free car park
    • Parking nearby
    • Car park
  • Services
    • Pets welcome
      • Dogs must be kept on a leash due to the presence of livestock and wildlife. Livestock guard dogs are present in this area, so it is recommended that you adapt your behaviour to minimise disturbance to the livestock and avoid triggering the dogs (barking, approaching, etc.). If the dogs approach, it is important to let them do so and not try to force your way through. When approaching the herd: - Give the herd a wide berth, without putting yourself in danger. - Walk slowly and dismount from your bicycle. - Stay together as a group. Speak clearly, without shouting, to make your presence known. If you encounter the herd: - Stop: the dogs will come to sniff you to identify you. - Do not force your way through. - Do not run away or turn your back on the dogs. - Do not stare them in the eyes. - Do not pet the dogs. - Do not feed the dogs. - You can hold an object (bag, bicycle, jacket) to put some space between you and the dogs. However, do not use this object to push the dogs away. - Avoid sudden movements and do not threaten them. Once the dogs calm down or move away, continue on your way, walking and keeping your distance. Pet dogs and hunting dogs: For your safety and theirs, pet dogs and hunting dogs are strongly discouraged near flocks. In any case, always keep your dog on a lead. In the event of a conflict, - let go of the lead, - do not intervene - do not pick up your dog.