La Mortice par le lac des 9 couleurs

Heading for Col de Vars, climb up to Ste Catherine and continue on a track (approx. 30min) to park at the Les Couniets parking lot. The mountain begins right here under your tires! The hike starts on the bare south-facing slope to reach the Les Couniets ridge. On the other side, it's refreshing to cross the generous greenery of the Vallon de Laugier. It's a pleasure to be flat all the way to the Col de Serenne. Just above, the Lac des neuf couleurs nestles. The glowing rocks, the ice-blue lake, the green of the grasses, the yellow and orange petals of the flowers... it's aptly named! Follow the cairns through the rock shaped by the ancient glacier. At 3169 m, the Mortice summit offers panoramic views of the Queyras, Mont-Viso, the Écrins and the Ubaye with its Aiguilles de Chambeyron. Return by the same route.

In spring and autumn, conditions are changeable, and even snow-free trails can be icy. As a result, the reflex in the mountains is to "go out well equipped". In my bag, I slip or hang crampons and poles.

In winter, the right reflexes are: snowshoes, poles, gloves, hat, sun cream and... a survival blanket! Experience is essential, and knowing when to give up is sometimes preferable to taking risks. And if you're new to the mountains, don't hesitate to call in a professional! Before going out, I check the Météo France Montagnes and BERA bulletins (risks and avalanches).