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This is the summer normal route used by hikers to access the summit. Due to its alpine difficulties, it is a very serious adventure which must no be underestimated!
Late in Spring, the "Col des Faïsses" may be accessed by car. Earlier in the season there is to much snow on the road and skis have to be used. There are two possibilities:
From the flat, go up the "Combe du Petit Obiou". Around 2150m avoid a rock barrier by taking on the right and crossing slopes at 45° and 50°. Once arrived under the cliffs, cross (45° slope) to reach the steep slope leading to the "Petit Obiou" pass (50° on 100m). In fact, this route roughly follows the summer path.
From the pass, the next part is much more alpine. The summit may be accessed by the "Cravatte" or the "Chatières" routes.
"Chatières" routeFrom the pass, take the NW slopes under the head of Obiou (45° sections) and cross the middle rock barrier by a short climb. Continue up to the foot of the "Chatières" opening (cave tunnel in the rock) around 2710m. Leave the skis here and climb the tunnel on about 80m up to the summit (easy in Summer, but more problematic in Winter).
"Cravatte" route
Follow the wide snow ridge in S direction up to the foot of a rock bastion (slab rock stairs with summer path markups). Climb it up to a horizontal snow line. Then cross on left and pass under a big overhanging rock to arrive above a couloir with a jammed block. Follow up the the corridor (snow slope) which leads directly to the summit.