7 - The Cassini Cross as seen from the Sarenne Pass

A route that’s moderately challenging in terms of endurance but very technical: a panoramic view of the entire Oisans region from the summit of the Croix de Cassini. The ridge is quite vertiginous, but it’s a perfect introduction to skyrunning!

Terrain difficulty: A steep, vertiginous trail of stone and rock along a ridge (with a few sections requiring the use of hands) on the ascent. The descent is moderately technical at first, then becomes more technical with deeply eroded, gully-like trails followed by rocks that disrupt your stride.
Terrain conditions: Stones and boulders that disrupt your stride on a steep to moderately steep slope.

The view of the five Oisans mountain ranges offers an unmissable experience: Arves, Grandes Rousses, Belledonne, Taillefer, and Ecrins. If you love vertical challenges, you’ll be in heaven. This route is typical of “skyrunning,” a sub-discipline of mountain trail running.

From the Col de Sarenne parking lot, take a trail that climbs directly to the end of the ridge toward the orientation table; simply follow the signs for “La Croix de Cassini.”

The route is then marked in yellow on the rocks along the entire length of the ridge. However, the markings may be difficult to follow because several trails intersect during the ascent.

At the rock face section, we recommend taking the left-hand route, which is more accessible, less steep, and less exposed to the drop-off.

Once you reach the summit, follow signs for “Col de Grande Pellorce”. Once you reach the pass, turn right, following “Le Sela” and “Les dessus du Sela.”

As you approach the road, turn right again, following “Col de Sarenne,” which will lead you back to your starting point.