Drop off point at the Col de Croix Fry (1460m) in the Manigod ski area at edge of La Clusaz.

Set off from Le Grand Cret ski lift station and take a left into the pine forests climbing gradually to 1500m. This beginning of the walk takes you onto the fairly level winter cross-country route until you reach the Col de Medassier. The route is lined with myrtle bushes and fungi in the Autumn so keep your eyes open. Just before you reach the Col the path opens out into pastures with stunning views of L'Aiguille and L'Etale. The path then becomes a bit boggy in places, so you may need to pick you way through until you reach the road. The Col de Medassier is a good point for a stop at one of the restaurants or bars for a bit of refreshment or lunch as it is about a third of the way round the walk and an excellent place to enjoy the views of Charvin (2409m) and Val Sullen.The Vielle Ferme is at the far end of the resort but still en-route, and is open more often than many of the others. It comes highly recommended by the french too.

Once at La Vielle Ferme, the route takes a right into what used to be a forest until strong winds devastated this side of the mountain in 1988. Following the rough road you descend slightly to a crossing point in front of a water butt and old chalet. Don’t head downward at this point, or you may find yourself on a longer walk back with a tougher uphill climb than the one you are about to do. Follow the tour de L'Andran signs upwards along the edge of the Manigod Valley past the chalet. The top is a good place to stop and admire the stunning view.

Just a bit further you start descend into forest on a windy laid path with handrails. Watch out for the signs about wolves (there isn't any really) and giant ants (there are some of these though). The track changes again when you reach the Auberge de Montagne 'Vé La Maire à Noré (1408m), which is open sporadically in the peak season, and offers all sorts of regional dishes. Carry on upwards over the pasture into the Bois de Rossettes then across a couple of streams and some loose wet shail, be a bit careful here it's easy to slip! Then it's down again through the trees passing a lovely but remote chalet on your right, followed by another uphill climb of about 25m. You then reach a lovely boggy stretch with wooden walkways. After picking your way through (only if it's been wet recently) you reach the Manigod road which you need to cross the corner of, then continue uphill over some pasture back to the main Manigod Ski area. Only a bit more uphill to go and you are back at the Croix Fry car parks, and back to the start point.

To make this a longer more challenging walk you can set off from the chalet and combine it with the Beauregard track, making a figure of eight, then descending back down to the chalet at the end. This would make the ride 5/6hrs, ascending and descending 400/500m.

Safety: Always take a map with you and if possible a compass. Please make sure you are familiar with the route you will be taking before setting out, and if you are unsure ask your hosts. Make progress checks with your map along the way and look out for signs and paint marks on trees and rocks. Take suitable clothing, tools, food and water and check the weather forecast before departing. Always be aware that conditions can change quite rapidly in the mountains. Have the number of the chalet or your hosts mobile number on you in case you get into difficulty or require assistance.

Some suggested walks are;
Lac du confin via Danay
Lachat du Thônes
Tour de Beauregard
Other walks in brief