Location and surroundings
Geographically positioned in France, specifically in the region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the district of Upper Savoy, and the municipality of Annecy, Pointe de Dran is an 1,830-metre peak in the Bornes Massif. This range forms part of the wider hierarchy encompassing the Savoy Prealps, Northwestern Alps, Western Alps, Alps, and the Central European Highlands. Ranked 51st out of 108 named peaks in its massif by elevation, the mountain is surrounded by a rugged alpine landscape characteristic of the region, featuring nearby ridges, passes, and valleys.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate vicinity of Pointe de Dran includes several nearby peaks and mountain passes:
- Pointe de la Queblette (peak): 1,915 m, 1.2 km NE
- Col de la Buffaz (mountain pass): 1,500 m, 1.4 km E
- L'Arpette de Thuy (peak): 1,675 m, 1.5 km SW
- Pointe de la Balme (peak): 1,858 m, 1.7 km NE
- Pointe de l'Ovine (peak): 1,832 m, 2.0 km NE
- Mont Lachat (peak): 2,023 m, 2.1 km E
- Tête Noire (peak): 1,839 m, 2.2 km W
- Tête Ronde (peak): 1,864 m, 2.5 km W
The nearest higher peak to Pointe de Dran is Pointe de la Queblette, standing at 1,915 metres just 1.2 kilometres to the northeast.
The view from the summit
From the upper elevations and the summit of Pointe de Dran, wide views encompass numerous prominent regional peaks. The highest summits located within a 25-kilometre radius include Pointe Percée at 2,750 metres, positioned 18.2 kilometres to the east; La Grande Torchère at 2,616 metres, located 14.0 kilometres to the east; Charvet at 2,539 metres, 16.8 kilometres to the east; Tête Pelouse at 2,537 metres, 14.6 kilometres to the east; Rocher de l'Étale at 2,484 metres, 13.1 kilometres to the southeast; and Pointe d'Areu at 2,478 metres, lying 20.7 kilometres to the east.
The range
Pointe de Dran belongs to the Bornes Massif, which is part of the Savoy Prealps, Northwestern Alps, Western Alps, Alps, and the Central European Highlands. The highest peak of the Bornes Massif is Pic De Jalouvre (Pointe Blanche), reaching 2,438 metres at a distance of 13 kilometres northeast of Pointe de Dran. The massif contains 108 named peaks, within which Pointe de Dran holds the 51st rank by elevation.
Access and starting points
The surrounding area features several nearby settlements, including Les Villards-sur-Thônes, a village 4.1 kilometres southeast of the top; La Balme-de-Thuy, a village 5.0 kilometres southwest; Thônes, a village 5.3 kilometres south; and Entremont, a village 6.0 kilometres northeast. OpenStreetMap maps two car parks within 2 kilometres of the summit, with the nearest located 1.5 kilometres south. Huts and shelters in the vicinity include the Abri de la Chaille shelter at 1.2 kilometres northwest, the Gîte Notre Dame des Neiges alpine hut at 1.3 kilometres north, and another alpine hut 1.4 kilometres northwest. Water sources nearby include a spring 1.5 kilometres south and a drinking water source 1.9 kilometres south.
Climate and weather
Estimates from NASA POWER climate data (2001–2020 monthly means, adjusted to the summit elevation) indicate that the mean temperature at the summit of Pointe de Dran reaches its warmest in July at about 12 °C and its coldest in January at about -4 °C. Months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit include April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 1,100 mm annually, with May being the wettest month at about 110 mm and February the driest at about 75 mm. Mountain weather in the region can change rapidly, bringing typical hazards such as sudden storms, fog, and strong winds.
Best time to visit
The optimal months to visit Pointe de Dran generally align with the period when temperatures at the summit remain above freezing, spanning from April through October. During these months, conditions are more favourable for walking and climbing compared to the winter season when sub-zero temperatures and snow prevail. Precipitation varies throughout the year, with drier periods generally offering more stable conditions for outdoor activities in the Bornes Massif.
Nature and wildlife
The terrain around Pointe de Dran features typical alpine and subalpine landscapes of the Savoy Prealps. Vegetation zones transition from lower forests and meadows to rugged rock formations and alpine grasses near the summit. Local wildlife includes species adapted to high-elevation environments in France, such as chamois, alpine marmots, and various birds of prey that inhabit the crags and valleys of the Bornes Massif.
Guides and organised ascents
For visitors seeking professional assistance, certified mountain guides are available in the region. The national mountain guide association in France is the Syndicat National des Guides de Montagne (SNGM), which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member organisation. The national alpine club is the Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne (FFCAM). Established guiding companies such as the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix operate within the mountains of France as examples of where visitors usually turn for professional ascents and instruction. A guided ascent typically depends on factors such as duration, group size, hut bookings, and technical equipment requirements.
Safety and preparation
Climbing Pointe de Dran requires appropriate preparation, proper footwear, navigation tools, and adequate clothing to handle sudden weather changes. In case of an emergency in the mountains, the emergency number is 112, which is routed to the competent rescue service, usually the gendarmerie PGHM or CRS Montagne in France. Hikers should check weather forecasts and be prepared for strenuous ascents.
Interesting facts
Pointe de Dran stands at an elevation of 1,830 metres in the Bornes Massif, ranking as the 51st highest among the 108 named peaks in the range. Its nearest higher neighbour is Pointe de la Queblette at 1,915 metres, located 1.2 kilometres to the northeast. The high point of the entire range is Pic De Jalouvre (Pointe Blanche) at 2,438 metres, situated 13 kilometres away.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Pointe de Dran? Pointe de Dran has an elevation of 1,830 metres.Where is Pointe de Dran located? It is located in France, in the region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the district of Upper Savoy, and the municipality of Annecy.
Which mountain range does Pointe de Dran belong to? It belongs to the Bornes Massif, part of the Savoy Prealps, Northwestern Alps, Western Alps, Alps, and Central European Highlands.
What are some of the nearest peaks to Pointe de Dran? The nearest peaks include Pointe de la Queblette (1,915 m, 1.2 km NE), L'Arpette de Thuy (1,675 m, 1.5 km SW), Pointe de la Balme (1,858 m, 1.7 km NE), and Pointe de l'Ovine (1,832 m, 2.0 km NE).
Are there huts on Pointe de Dran? OpenStreetMap maps three nearby facilities: the Abri de la Chaille shelter 1.2 km northwest, the Gîte Notre Dame des Neiges alpine hut 1.3 km north, and another alpine hut 1.4 km northwest.
Is there water on the way to Pointe de Dran? A spring is located 1.5 km south of the summit, and a drinking water source is 1.9 km south.
How long does it take to walk up Pointe de Dran? Rough walking time estimates using Naismith's rule include about 1.5 to 2 hours from the car park 1.5 km south (covering about 1.9 km on foot and 840 m up), and about 2.5 to 3.5 hours from the village of Les Villards-sur-Thônes 4.1 km southeast (covering about 5.3 km on foot and 1,060 m up).
How is the mobile phone coverage on Pointe de Dran? While 31 communication masts are mapped within 10 km (the nearest 2.0 km northwest), coverage can vary and may fail in deep valleys or behind ridges; however, 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.