7 - The Cassini Cross as seen from the Sarenne Pass

Pedestrian sports
Trail route

Place des Orgières
38142 Auris-en-Oisans

Difficulty: Modéré
Lenght: 6.1Km
Elevation: 510m
Duration: 1H40

7 - La Croix de Cassini depuis le col de Sarenne_Auris-en-Oisans

Before your visit

The periods during which trails are accessible vary from year to year depending on snow cover and weather conditions. In addition, trail conditions can change rapidly after a weather event and are not checked daily. If you encounter a section of the trail that is in poor condition or dangerous, turn back and report it to the tourist office upon your return.

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.

Route details

1h40

Boucle

6.1km

510m elevation gain

Difficulty

For beginners / novice,
Level bue - Medium,
For athletes

Ground type

Rock,
Stone,
Ground,
Grit,
Not suitable for strollers

Tricky parts

The ridge traverse is dizzying, with steep drops on either side, and its difficulty can vary significantly depending on weather conditions. It is a "skyrunning" route in the mountains, at an average altitude of over 2,000 meters.

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.

Pets welcome,
Motorhomes allowed,
Drinking water

Ping pong table,
Restaurant,
Free car park,
Car park,
Public WC,
Charging stations for electric vehicles,
Bar,
Play area,
Picnic area

Opening

From 15/06 to 30/09 daily.
The periods during which the trails are accessible vary from year to year depending on snow cover and weather conditions. In addition, trail conditions can change rapidly after a weather event and are not checked daily. If you encounter a section of the trail that is in poor condition or dangerous, turn back and report it to the tourist office upon your return.

Subject to favorable weather.