La Sure

La Sure is a 1,643-metre summit rising above the commune of Autrans-Méaudre en Vercors, right in the heart of the Vercors Regional Nature Park in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Isère department. It's one of the signature viewpoints along the northern ridge of the Vercors massif, drawing hikers in summer and snowshoers in winter alike.

What will you see at the top?

The reward for the climb is a wide, treeless clearing just below the summit, open to the sky as if suspended above the valley. From here you get one of the finest views in the area over the Isère valley and the Grenoble conurbation, more than 1,400 metres below. On a clear day the panorama stretches to the Chartreuse and Belledonne ranges, and even as far as Mont Blanc. La Sure sits on the ridge facing Bec de l'Orient, making it a natural landmark for anyone walking the Vercors crest line.

How do you get to La Sure?

The most popular approach starts from the Autrans alpine ski area (domaine skiable La Sure). The trail climbs the valley northward, skirting the ski lifts, up to the ridge near Pas Mortier — a stretch that becomes impassable in winter due to snow conditions. From there the path continues, sometimes passing the neighbouring summit of La Buffe (1,623 m), before reaching La Sure itself. The forest section typically takes one to two hours, and the final ridge stretch rewards the effort with sweeping views. An alternative route starts from Font-Chaude and runs about 9.4 km, passing through the Draye des Communaux and the area around the Gouffre Berger sinkhole — a stretch known for its geological curiosities and the wild character of the northern Vercors.

Because the terrain is open and exposed along the ridge, it's worth carrying a 1:25,000 map, a compass and an altimeter — especially since fog can reduce visibility to almost nothing in this part of the Vercors.

When is the best time to go?

Summer and early autumn are classic hiking season: the ridge is fully accessible and the views are at their clearest. In winter, La Sure becomes a popular destination for guided snowshoe outings from the Autrans-Méaudre resort, though the Pas Mortier section is often impassable then, so winter routes typically follow alternative ridgelines, for example toward La Molière or Plénouze. In spring and autumn the forest sections can turn muddy, but the ridge itself stays passable in good weather.

Who is this hike suitable for?

This is a moderate outing — no climbing gear is needed, but it does call for reasonable fitness for the longer forest climb and comfort navigating open ridge terrain. Families and less experienced walkers will get the most out of it in summer, with clear visibility and a dry, safe ridge.

Frequently asked questions

How high is La Sure? The summit reaches 1,643 metres and sits on the northern ridge of the Vercors massif.

Where's the best starting point for La Sure? The most common route begins at the Autrans alpine ski area (domaine La Sure) and climbs the valley to the ridge near Pas Mortier. A longer alternative starts at Font-Chaude, covering about 9.4 km.

What can you see from the summit of La Sure? The panorama takes in the Isère valley and the Grenoble conurbation over 1,400 metres below, and on clear days the Chartreuse and Belledonne ranges, plus Mont Blanc.

Can you hike La Sure in winter? Yes, it's a popular snowshoe destination organised from Autrans-Méaudre, though the Pas Mortier stretch is often impassable in winter, so it's worth checking alternative ridge routes.