From the parking lot, traverse the Bon Nant then skirt it for 300 meters via the pedestrian path to reach the bridge opposite Notre Dame de la Gorge chapel (1210m) and the beginning of the Roman path. Go up this path (often icy, crampons sometimes useful). Cross the Roman bridge. Take a look at the gorge it sits over. You reach the hamlet of Nant Borrant (snack bar open on crowded weekends at the end of the season) and the long flat area of La Rollaz (1530m). Continue on the good trail to reach the Balme chalets (1706m, refuge closed in winter and spring). Go up 300m on the scoop to the West of the chalets in the direction of Col de la Cicle  and make a slight turn to the right to pass Pointe Toepfler to reach the foot of the corridor which leads to the pass. Go up this corridor 300m to the pass.

Ascent variant via Les Prés: At the beginning of La Rollaz plateau head to the right towards the SW (Les Prés, Col de la Fenêtre sign). Follow the trail which climbs in wood until Chalets des Prés (1797m). Continue to the SW until the Plan de la Fenêtre (approximately 2000m). Traverse it horizontally towards the south for 1km to reach the foot of the corridor leading to Col de la Cicle. Climb this corridor to the pass.

Descent: Via the ascent route.

Total time span: it takes 5 hours.