Like a backbone, this ridge, which allows you to cross from the Pointe de la Beccaz to the Crêt des Mouches, is a real rock race in the middle of the mountain, with many atypical passages summarising this journey between lake and mountain.
The ascent of the Pointe de la Beccaz remains a delicate part where the assurance is difficult for the rope, fortunately lunulas and trees allow to progress until chimneys where the climbing without being difficult remained, rather baroque. The summit is reached by a mixed climb (loose rock) but the view is panoramic at 360° on the Alps, for all that the race hardly begins!
The ridge goes down to a first pit which we abseil, the aerial and full gas atmosphere is felt, then the route continues to the next pit passing by a "mailbox", easy climbing sections, and a few more steps. This section is long and spectacular, with easy climbs, razors and other descents to negotiate.
The second abseiling gives access to a length of climbing in 4c that can be climbed in shoes, then to an apotheosis finish on a tapered "Razor" that it is not rare to cross astride, feet in the grooves on each side of the ridge!
All that remains is to progress on mixed terrain to the summit of the crêt des mouches, this part is still long, and one alternates between bypassing gendarmes, climbing and balancing on abrasive and white limestone.
However, the race is not over and it is advisable to keep a good safety margin, because there is still 1h30 of walking to get back to the bottom of the valley, and yes here there is no cable car like in Chamonix!
Other ridge routes to discover:
Arête Nord de la Tournette dans le massif des Bornes
Arête à Marion dans le Massif des Aravis
Traversée du Roc des Boeufs dans le Massif des Bauges
