1:30 p.m.

Rossignol freeriding ambassador Etienne Pommat,and his dog Bongo are excited to begin their hike around Lac Achard in september! As a landscape architect in the off-season and a shaper at the Chamrousse snow park in winter, Etienne Pommat knows the mountains like the back of his hand. Bongo does too. With backpack done up, and shoes laced the pair are off to a good start. The first hill isn’t exactly easy, but there’s the appeal of the panoramic view, the tree-lined ridge on the horizon, and an adrenaline rush to spur them on.

2:00 p.m.

Having reached the viewpoint, Etienne gets his breath back. Bongo continues to run to and fro. Although it might be a familiar sight, it’s impossible to tire of such gorgeous landscapes.

2:30 p.m.

Etienne follows sign no.15 towards Lac Achard. The terrain is getting steeper. Just one last burst of exertion and they’ve reached their destination. The lake stretches out before them, it is a majestic sight. Bongo plunges headfirst into the lake because the temptation was just too much for him. The pair take a well-earned break by the lake, and soak in the sunshine.

5:40 p.m.

After enjoying the refreshing coolness of the lake, they need a place to camp. Why not here? Etienne unfolds the tent as the evening dew begins to form. Before dinner, Etienne found the perfect spot to watch the sunset. The view is breathtaking. Here, up above the clouds, you can’t even see the valley anymore. The evening sky fills with a myriad of graduated shades, first gold, then orange, then pink.

7:15 p.m.

It is now dusk, with night close behind. Bongo settles down at Etienne’s feet with a paw on his lap, just like at home.

9:45 p.m.

They have earned their night’s rest. They don’t need to speak the same language to understand each other and that it’s time to turn out the lights.