Mont Saléve - An outdoor playground just south of Geneva

Part 2 of our September 2026 van trip discoveries 
Even though it is technically in France Mont Saléve is sort of the „Hausberg“ of Geneva and forms a fairly uniformly high (1000-1300m) ridge running from north to south. Its eastern slopes are not very steep but the western side drops off dramatically into sheer cliffs. Roads run both along the back of the ridge and climb up from both sides at several places - quite convenient to get around. 

We spent our first night here still in the thick post-rain fog at almost the highest point of the mountain. With everything still wet (and cold) we went on a small hike along the exposed trail running almost through the highest cliffs of the west side of Saléve and explored a few caves in the area (both the Grotte d'Orjobet and Le Trou de la Tine). As a happy surprise we even encountered some ibexes! 

The next day we moved our circus down the mountain and to the base of the Massif du Coin climbing area. Shortly after arriving the place got super busy (turns out this week day was a holiday in Geneva and everybody who knows what a rope is was here) so we decided to go climbing later in the day. 

However I made good use of the time by riding the Col de la Croisette. This brute climbs 700m in less than 8km and stays above 11% gradient for the final 4.5km. Some of us call this fun and it is always special to ride on roads that are still graffitied from the Tour or other famous races. 

With that effort out of the way we tackled our climb of the day: The five pitch Arête des Etiollets. Billed as 5c but more of a 6a according to the locals I talked to (I do agree). A super classic both in terms of age (this line was climbed in the late 19th century already), the climbing (varied and getting from the Roche Fendue tower onto the main wall is quite exciting) and stunning setting. 
However this line is also a good example for the old saying: „The tour is over after you are back at the start“: The whole descent is a mix of route finding, scrambling loose rocks, rappelling and dodging rock fall. 

Our second night here was interrupted by a helicopter rescue a few hours after nightfall height on the mountain. My guess is that somebody did not carry their headlamp. 

Adventurers: Julia, Brigitte and Bengt