Walks around Morzine - Col de l'Encrenaz

2pm on the road to L'Encrenaz. The road goes in tight hairpin turns. I'm surrounded – once again – by mountains and snow. I almost reach the clouds so the horizon is quite white. When I arrive at the top of the col I don't have any choice but to park.

Here I can feel and see that the Alps live differently during summer and winter. The road is traffic-free because of the snow. I follow a track shaped by a ski-doo but the signs around are clearly made for bikes.

As I keep walking I discover chalets hidden in the snow. Untouched. Maybe it's because it's only mid-December and the real high season is not on yet. But they are difficult to reach. I couldn't imagine bringing a suitcase up here, never mind living there…

The ski-doo path goes to Chalet d'Alpages, closed to be prepared for the winter season. I sink in the snow up to the top of the hill and take the view of Pointe d'Uble, Roc d'Enfer, and many other peaks in a single glance.

That's where I leave you. It's possible to go further but there the snow is already knee-high so walking is tiring. Let the sky turns pink in front of your eyes. But be careful not to stare too long: days are shorts and nights can be deeply black.

Breathe the wild air.

Enjoy.

#Practical Corner

The easiest way to get there is to drive but in the winter it's also possible to ski from Morzine to the pass. Double check if the lifts are open though...

There are different tracks starting from the pass. You can either go straight or you can go right. There you will have nice view and tracks going upper.

If you like to walk in the snow, let me tell you a secret: it's not the only track around Morzine... Curious? Have a look here ;)