Snowshoeing the Bois du Villar via Lauzin and Clot des Prés

Park at the Centre Montagne parking lot, at the start of the cross-country ski trails. In winter, the Ayes road is snow-covered. From the parking lot, retrace your steps onto the Route des Ayes and put on your snowshoes. The wide Ayes trail rises to reach the forest. Follow this track to the "Ayes/Melezin" fork. Take the left-hand track towards Les Ayes. Please note: the right-hand track leads to Mélézin via the summer road, and is much longer (8 km one way). A little further on - approx. 200 m - take the snow-covered path on the right, marked with a yellow "Le Mélézin" sign. This relatively well-marked route is easily distinguished in the snow between the larch trees and climbs steeply upwards in the heart of the Bois du Villard. Soon, on the right, a small path leads to the Clairière du Lauzin (a short detour is possible to see the Clairière and then return to the main itinerary). After passing the Lauzin, take the right-hand track, which meanders until it crosses the Rif Poulin torrent, before leading to a wide track. Quickly turn right to go downhill and cross the torrent du Rif Poulin again. Continue along this route before descending to the mountain center parking lot. In winter, the Ayes road is snow-covered and closed to traffic. Progress on snow-covered terrain is far more demanding than in summer. It requires special equipment and knowledge of mountain risks. An ungroomed route sometimes requires you to "make tracks", and requires good physical condition and good preparation for the outing. - Consult the weather forecast - Avalanche risk assessment bulletin - Consult guide recommendations - Make sure you have the right equipment, including avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes. - Choose an itinerary suited to your physical condition - Never set off alone.