Dent D'OcheThe summit of the Dent d’Oche lies at an altitude of 2222m. Located in the heart of the Pays de Gavot, it overlooks Lake Geneva. The itinerary offers a rich, all-terrain hike ranging from simple paths to rocky outcrops. The first part takes hikers along paths between fir trees and through forest before arriving at the Chalets d’Oche. The last part of the ascent is equipped with chains and cables to cross the chimney and the summit.
Dent D'Oche
Dent d'Oche RefugeArriving at the Fétuière parking lot in Bernex, it’s already hot. It’s Thursday, June 24, 2020, 9am and almost 25 degrees. The trail starts at 1217m altitude alongside the Fétuière restaurant. I take the first path through the forest towards the Chalets d’Oche. I enjoy this first ascent in the shade of fir trees and vegetation that already seems complex (it’s only the beginning, I know very well that the rest will be more difficult!).
After a few minutes, I reach a pontoon where water is flowing: a little water on the forearms and calves to refresh myself and continue the rest of the hike.
Across the pastures, cowbells ring out, birds sing and a sign reads “A break is needed at Chalets d’Oche”. No doubt about it, in 500 metres, I would have completed this first stage.
Here I am, nestled between the Dent d’Oche, the Pointe de Pelluaz and the Aiguilles de Darbon.
For cheese lovers, you can buy cheese directly from the chalets.
There’s also a fountain: the perfect opportunity to quench your thirst and fill up your bottle for the rest of the hike. Once again, take advantage of the fact that this is the only water source you’ll come across on your ascent.
Five minutes later, I’m refreshed and quenched, so it’s time to get back on the trail.
After this stop at Chalets d’Oche, I’m back on the “road”. This second stage consists of reaching the first rocky, stony paths before reaching the Dent d’Oche refuge.
I continue on my way to the left. Directional signs are posted to show you the way. Don’t panic, you can’t go wrong!
The paths become steeper and steeper. I gain more altitude and the landscape around me continues to grow, offering an exceptional panorama. I’m only at the beginning of this hike, but I already feel so small in the face of these mountains and landscapes all around me.
Once I’ve negotiated the right-left switchback, I arrive at the famous stage: the rocky ascent with the help of chains before reaching the refuge.
Hikers on the trail to Dent d'Oche
Dent D'Oche hike One last look at the view of the Chalets d’Oche (now so small!) and the resort of Bernex.
Now I’m off to climb the rocks with the help of the chains provided. I look upstream to check my footing on the rocks and to get a better feel for the climb. It’s necessary to grip the chain and the rocks with your hands. You have to take it easy and be careful not to drop any small stones on the next hikers.
I finally arrived at the famous Dent d’Oche refuge. And what a panorama! If the scenery is already so grandiose here, what is it like up there, perched at 2222m?
The Dent d’Oche refuge is located at an altitude of 2114m. The hut’s janitor is Joana Escobet. She’s a welcoming and lovely woman. She brings a sparkling touch to your arrival (especially when you’re already quite exhausted from the climb up to the refuge!).
You can eat at the refuge and spend the night there. The refuge is open until September 13, 2020, the last two weekends of September and those of October.
“If you’re a hiker, a climber, a lover of beautiful scenery or good food, if you want to see ibexes, have your first refuge experience, spend a convivial evening, or simply look down on the valley from the top, the Dent d’Oche is for you!
Further information: https: //www.refugedeladentdoche.com/
I look out over the panorama from the refuge, take a last sip of water, put my rucksack back on and get ready for the final stage: the ascent of the Dent d’Oche.
This part is less steep, but the paths narrow and become more aerial. If you’re afraid of heights or heights, I wouldn’t recommend it. It makes sense to be well equipped with shoes on this section!
The chimney is reached: the first stage of the Dent d’Oche. It takes you up to the cross, where the views of Lake Geneva, Switzerland and the mountains come into perfect focus: a 360° panorama. Now’s the time to take your photos!
The summit, at 2221m, is fairly flat, but surrounded by cliffs. You have to be careful where you step. There’s plenty of room for a picnic break.
There aren’t enough words or phrases to explain what there is to discover up there: the photos speak for themselves! One thing’s for sure: incredible.
Dent D'Oche 
Dent D'Oche hike As for me, I started the descent by going straight on and settled down a little further on the grass to have something to eat. Mind you, food attracts crows, but I was able to take a few nice photos of them right next to me.
After the break, it’s time to descend and start on the particularly rocky paths. The slabs are equipped with cables/chains to hold you down. The void is just below.
Ibexes are present throughout the descent and roam the mountain much more easily than I do. Once again, it’s a beautiful sight to behold.
The trail is quite steep at first, but becomes more accessible at the Col de Planchamp. A detour to the left is possible if you wish to reach Lac de la Case.
I then continue along the path to reach the Chalets d’Oche, then the Fétuière parking lot. I met a few cows on the way back.
The climb was difficult, just as the guidebooks say.
Breathlessness, tired legs, heat, all accompanied by eyes dazzled by so much beauty.
The panorama is absolutely exceptional. Fauna and flora intermingle to offer you the most beautiful of spectacles.
La dent d’Oche, a hike not to be missed!
Dent D'Oche hike Access in dry weather, with a preference for fine days between May and September.
This hike is reserved exclusively for good hikers, as it is dangerous.
As it is not part of the network of trails maintained and promoted by the CCPEVA, it is hikers’ own responsibility to climb it.
