Mont Lachat: hike via Le Suet, near Le Petit-Bornand (Glières-Val-de-Borne)

The Mont Lachat our guests ask about rises to 2,023 m above Thônes, on the ridge that continues from Le Suet. It is not in Glières-Val-de-Borne: you drive through the Borne valley and Entremont to Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, where the routes start. Beware of namesakes: OpenStreetMap also lists a Mont Lachat de Châtillon, at 2,050 m, in another part of the Aravis, and there is a Mont Lachat near Chamonix. Check your guide carefully before setting off.

The route via Le Suet

Visorando and Camptocamp both describe the climb from Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, through the hamlet of Forgeassoud, then over Le Suet, a 1,826 m summit, before following the ridge to Mont Lachat. Both sources give an ascent of 1,200 to 1,300 m: this is a big day's walk. Camptocamp grades the loop T3, which means rocky, exposed sections.

Who is it for?

Fit hikers used to long mountain days, with water for the whole day and settled weather. It is not an outing for young children. If you just want a fine view without spending the whole day, Le Suet on its own is a worthwhile goal, with about 825 m of ascent according to the same two sources.

A day on the Aravis side

After the walk, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt has a market on Sunday mornings in July and August, and Thônes, just below, on Saturday mornings all year round. You return to the campsite through the Borne valley.

From the campsite

Mont Lachat is not a hike "from the campsite" but a day trip to the Aravis. Starting on foot from the campsite, choose the hamlet trail or, for experienced walkers, the Sentier des Patriotes up to the Glières plateau.