A spectacular ridge walk above Lake Annecy
Overlooking Lake Annecy, the Dents de Lanfon form one of the most iconic silhouettes of the Bornes massif. This long limestone ridge, visible from the shores of the lake, offers a spectacular alpine adventure between sky, rock and breathtaking views.
The traverse of the Dents de Lanfon is a superb ridge route, ideal for discovering accessible alpinism above Lake Annecy. Accompanied by a high mountain guide from the Bureau des Guides d’Annecy, you progress roped together along a varied itinerary combining an approach hike, easy rocky passages, short climbing sections, airy traverses and a secured descent.
This outing is designed for good hikers who want to experience a real mountain adventure without going to high altitude or using crampons and ice axes during the summer season. The atmosphere is nevertheless truly alpine: airy ridges, roped progression, sections that are exposed in places, route-finding and exceptional views over Lake Annecy, the Bauges, the Aravis and the Bornes massif. An alpine adventure above Lake Annecy
An alpine adventure above Lake Annecy
The Dents de Lanfon reach an altitude of 1,824 metres at the Dent Centrale and dominate the Annecy basin like a natural rampart. Their jagged profile, instantly recognisable, draws the eye from Talloires, Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Veyrier-du-Lac and the shores of Lake Annecy.
The traverse allows you to follow this wild ridge line in an atmosphere that is both airy and bucolic. The itinerary alternates between mountain trails, rocky passages, easy scrambling and climbing, and ridge sections where being roped provides safety and comfort.
It is the perfect outing for anyone wishing to discover alpinism, progress on terrain that is more technical than a classic hike, and enjoy a unique panorama over one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps.
Course of the day
The day starts from Alex, at the Place du Maquis de Lanfon, located at around 750 metres above sea level. The approach hike gradually leads to the start of the route, after around 850 metres of ascent. Depending on the pace of the group, the approach on foot takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 1 hour 50 minutes.
The itinerary first crosses forested areas and then alpine pastures, before entering the more mineral atmosphere of the Dents de Lanfon. This approach allows you to gain altitude, warm up and gradually discover the wild character of the massif.
Once at the start of the route, the guide equips you with the necessary technical gear and gives you the safety instructions. Progression then takes place roped together, on a mountain itinerary combining alpine walking, easy climbing sections and ridge traverses.
The traverse of the Dents de Lanfon is graded PD-, with climbing sections up to a maximum grade of 3b. The technical difficulties remain moderate, but the itinerary takes place in mountain terrain, sometimes airy and exposed. Being accompanied by a high mountain guide allows you to progress confidently on these rocky sections.
The technical part of the traverse generally takes between 3 and 4 hours. Along the route, the views open up over Lake Annecy, the summits of the Bornes, the Aravis and the Bauges. The traverse links the characteristic teeth of the massif, offering the atmosphere of a true ridge route.
The descent still requires attention and may include technical sections or abseils depending on the chosen itinerary, the level of the group and the conditions of the day. Allow approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for the descent.
In total, the outing covers around 13 kilometres, with a cumulative positive elevation gain of 1,150 metres. The total time for the route generally varies between 6 and 8 hours, depending on the group’s pace, weather conditions and the state of the terrain.
Technical information for the traverse
- Start: Alex – Place du Maquis de Lanfon
- Starting altitude: 750 m
- Summit: Dent Centrale of the Dents de Lanfon
- Summit altitude: 1,824 m
- Ascent to the start of the route: 850 m
- Total positive elevation gain: 1,150 m
- Total distance covered: 13 km
- Alpine grade: PD-
- Climbing level: maximum 3b
- Approach on foot: 1 h 30 to 1 h 50
- Duration of the traverse: 3 h to 4 h
- Descent: 1 h 30 to 2 h
- Total route time: 6 h to 8 h
- Best period: May to November
- Recommended minimum age: from 16 years old
Why go with a high mountain guide?
Being accompanied by a high mountain guide allows you to experience this traverse in the best possible safety conditions. The guide knows the route, the possible variations, the technical passages and the terrain conditions.
They manage roped progression, choose the best lines, secure exposed sections and adapt the pace to the level of the group. They also help you understand the basic techniques of alpinism: roping up, moving together, ridge progression, managing exposure and reading the terrain. With the Bureau des Guides d’Annecy, you benefit from professional, local and personalised guiding to discover one of the finest alpine itineraries around Lake Annecy. An unforgettable alpine experience near Annecy Combining a sporty hike, easy climbing and a ridge traverse, the Dents de Lanfon traverse is one of the most beautiful alpine adventures to experience around Lake Annecy. It is the ideal outing for taking your mountain experience to the next level, discovering alpinism with a professional and returning with lasting memories: the exposure beneath your feet, the rope as a link of safety, Lake Annecy as a backdrop and the unique feeling of having travelled along a legendary ridge of the Bornes massif.
Frequently asked questions about the Dents de Lanfon traverse
Traverse of the Dents de Lanfon with a high mountain guide
Overlooking Lake Annecy, the Dents de Lanfon form one of the most iconic silhouettes of the Bornes massif. This long limestone ridge, visible from the shores of the lake, offers a spectacular alpine adventure between sky, rock and breathtaking views.
The traverse of the Dents de Lanfon is a superb ridge route, ideal for discovering accessible alpinism above Lake Annecy. Accompanied by a high mountain guide from the Bureau des Guides d’Annecy, you progress roped together along a varied itinerary combining an approach hike, easy rocky passages, short climbing sections, airy traverses and a secured descent.
This outing is designed for good hikers who want to experience a real mountain adventure without going to high altitude or using crampons and ice axes during the summer season. The atmosphere is nevertheless truly alpine: airy ridges, roped progression, sections that are exposed in places, route-finding and exceptional views over Lake Annecy, the Bauges, the Aravis and the Bornes massif. An alpine adventure above Lake Annecy
The Dents de Lanfon reach an altitude of 1,824 metres at the Dent Centrale and dominate the Annecy basin like a natural rampart. Their jagged profile, instantly recognisable, draws the eye from Talloires, Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Veyrier-du-Lac and the shores of Lake Annecy.
The traverse allows you to follow this wild ridge line in an atmosphere that is both airy and bucolic. The itinerary alternates between mountain trails, rocky passages, easy scrambling and climbing, and ridge sections where being roped provides safety and comfort.
It is the perfect outing for anyone wishing to discover alpinism, progress on terrain that is more technical than a classic hike, and enjoy a unique panorama over one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps. Course of the day The day starts from Alex, at the Place du Maquis de Lanfon, located at around 750 metres above sea level. The approach hike gradually leads to the start of the route, after around 850 metres of ascent. Depending on the pace of the group, the approach on foot takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 1 hour 50 minutes.
The itinerary first crosses forested areas and then alpine pastures, before entering the more mineral atmosphere of the Dents de Lanfon. This approach allows you to gain altitude, warm up and gradually discover the wild character of the massif.
Once at the start of the route, the guide equips you with the necessary technical gear and gives you the safety instructions. Progression then takes place roped together, on a mountain itinerary combining alpine walking, easy climbing sections and ridge traverses.
The traverse of the Dents de Lanfon is graded PD-, with climbing sections up to a maximum grade of 3b. The technical difficulties remain moderate, but the itinerary takes place in mountain terrain, sometimes airy and exposed. Being accompanied by a high mountain guide allows you to progress confidently on these rocky sections.
The technical part of the traverse generally takes between 3 and 4 hours. Along the route, the views open up over Lake Annecy, the summits of the Bornes, the Aravis and the Bauges. The traverse links the characteristic teeth of the massif, offering the atmosphere of a true ridge route.
The descent still requires attention and may include technical sections or abseils depending on the chosen itinerary, the level of the group and the conditions of the day. Allow approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for the descent.
In total, the outing covers around 13 kilometres, with a cumulative positive elevation gain of 1,150 metres. The total time for the route generally varies between 6 and 8 hours, depending on the group’s pace, weather conditions and the state of the terrain. Technical information for the traverse
- Start: Alex – Place du Maquis de Lanfon
- Starting altitude: 750 m
- Summit: Dent Centrale of the Dents de Lanfon
- Summit altitude: 1,824 m
- Ascent to the start of the route: 850 m
- Total positive elevation gain: 1,150 m
- Total distance covered: 13 km
- Alpine grade: PD-
- Climbing level: maximum 3b
- Approach on foot: 1 h 30 to 1 h 50
- Duration of the traverse: 3 h to 4 h
- Descent: 1 h 30 to 2 h
- Total route time: 6 h to 8 h
- Best period: May to November
- Recommended minimum age: from 16 years old
Why go with a high mountain guide? Being accompanied by a high mountain guide allows you to experience this traverse in the best possible safety conditions. The guide knows the route, the possible variations, the technical passages and the terrain conditions.
They manage roped progression, choose the best lines, secure exposed sections and adapt the pace to the level of the group. They also help you understand the basic techniques of alpinism: roping up, moving together, ridge progression, managing exposure and reading the terrain. With the Bureau des Guides d’Annecy, you benefit from professional, local and personalised guiding to discover one of the finest alpine itineraries around Lake Annecy. An unforgettable alpine experience near Annecy Combining a sporty hike, easy climbing and a ridge traverse, the Dents de Lanfon traverse is one of the most beautiful alpine adventures to experience around Lake Annecy. It is the ideal outing for taking your mountain experience to the next level, discovering alpinism with a professional and returning with lasting memories: the exposure beneath your feet, the rope as a link of safety, Lake Annecy as a backdrop and the unique feeling of having travelled along a legendary ridge of the Bornes massif.
Frequently asked questions about the Dents de Lanfon traverse
Is the Dents de Lanfon traverse a hike?
No, the Dents de Lanfon traverse is not a simple hike. It is an alpine ridge route with exposed sections, easy climbing and roped progression. It requires good physical fitness, sure-footedness and a certain ease with exposure.
Where does the Dents de Lanfon traverse start?
The start is from Alex, at the Place du Maquis de Lanfon, located at around 750 metres above sea level. From there, an approach hike leads to the start of the route.
What is the altitude of the summit?
The summit reached during the traverse is the Dent Centrale of the Dents de Lanfon, which rises to 1,824 metres above sea level.
What level is required to climb the Dents de Lanfon?
You need to be a good hiker, used to mountain outings. The traverse involves around 1,150 metres of cumulative positive elevation gain and a total distance of approximately 13 kilometres. The technical difficulties are moderate, but the route remains airy and committing.
What is the elevation gain of the outing?
The ascent to the start of the route represents around 850 metres of elevation gain. In total, the day involves approximately 1,150 metres of cumulative positive elevation gain.
What distance is covered during the outing?
The total distance covered is around 13 kilometres. It is therefore a full day in the mountains, including an approach, a ridge traverse and a descent.
How long does the Dents de Lanfon traverse take?
The total route time generally varies between 6 and 8 hours. Allow approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes for the approach on foot, 3 to 4 hours for the technical part of the traverse, then 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for the descent.
Do you need to know how to climb?
You do not need to be an experienced climber. The climbing passages are easy, with a maximum level of around 3b. However, they take place in mountain terrain, sometimes exposed. The guide secures these sections with the rope and accompanies you throughout the progression.
What is the grade of the traverse?
The Dents de Lanfon traverse is graded PD-, which corresponds to a “peu difficile” / moderately easy alpine route. The climbing sections do not exceed grade 3b, but the itinerary requires attention, endurance and good ease in mountain terrain.
Is it suitable for a first alpinism experience?
Yes, this traverse is a very good introduction to accessible alpinism, provided you are sporty, a good hiker and comfortable with exposure. It is an ideal outing to discover roped progression, ridges and the basic techniques of alpine terrain.
Is there exposure on the route?
Yes, some sections are airy. This is part of what makes the Dents de Lanfon traverse so special. It is therefore important not to suffer from vertigo. The guide secures exposed sections and adapts the progression to the level of the group.
From what age can you do the traverse?
The traverse is accessible from the age of 16, subject to good physical condition, genuine motivation and sufficient ease in mountain terrain.
What is the best period for this traverse?
The favourable period generally extends from May to November, depending on the weather conditions, snow cover and the state of the terrain. The guide always confirms whether the outing is feasible according to the current conditions.
Is the technical equipment provided?
Yes, the technical equipment required for progression is provided by the guide. You simply need to bring your personal equipment: suitable footwear, mountain clothing, backpack, water, sunglasses and snacks.
What shoes should I wear?
Mountain shoes or hiking boots with a good sole and good grip are recommended. Lightweight trainers or city shoes are not suitable for this type of itinerary.
Can you do the Dents de Lanfon traverse without a guide?
The route includes exposed passages, easy climbing sections and progression in mountain terrain. For those who do not master alpine techniques, being accompanied by a high mountain guide is strongly recommended.
How many people can take part?
To ensure high-quality guiding and safe progression, the group size is limited. On this traverse, guiding is generally organised with a maximum of two participants per high mountain guide.
What can you see from the Dents de Lanfon?
The traverse offers exceptional views over Lake Annecy, the Annecy basin, the Bauges, the Aravis, the Bornes massif and the surrounding summits. It is one of the finest panoramas in the Annecy region.
Why choose the Bureau des Guides d’Annecy?
The Bureau des Guides d’Annecy brings together local professionals who know the itineraries around Lake Annecy perfectly. Being guided by a high mountain guide allows you to fully enjoy the adventure, safely, with a route adapted to the conditions and to your level.
