This route, not very often done, climbs the austere slopes that close the end of the Montsapey valley. Being on a ridge, it gives the walker fine views over the Maurienne and Tarentaise sides. The route is not short (1200m, 3h30), with a few steep passages towards the top. Do not mistake this summit for another Mont Bellachat in the Saint François region. Yellow/green blazing, very widely spaced.

Start

The hamlet of Tieulevé or the Rouelles cow barn (easy trail with a picnic area (1280m), 4 kilometres after driving through the village of Montsapey (end of the road, nice restaurant).

Route

From the parking under Les Rouelles, take the dirt trail that leads to the barn and leave it at its last bend (turn right, signpost). A good path traverses east. Further on, leave to your right the path that goes to Pas de la Mule (other possible but more alpine access to Mont Bellachat). A long ascending traverse through the dense growth reaches Névé de la combe (late snow). Once under the névé, turn sharply left and head for a signpost visible on a grassy hump. The path then goes up another coomb, first through dense vegetation (wild boar), then on grass until you reach Mont Bellachat's western ridge (signpost on the ridge).

Once at the signpost (2150m), follow the ridge to your right (several paths, more or less near the ridge). The route stays on the south slopes to the top (2484m, enormous metal stucture visible from afar). Some passages may be steep, especially near the ridge.

Other routes and descents

The summit can also be accessed via Pas de la Mule, but the ridge to Mont Bellachat may discourage the less adventurous walker (a few passages can be avoided on the Tarentaise side, very long). You can also go up via Col de Basmont, turn right (signpost) and ascend the very steep ridge that follows, up to the 2150m signpost (the path is difficult to follow and not really pleasant. Descending this way after ascending via another route is not advisable and may prove dangerous if you lose the path).

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