In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationFrench Alps / Italy
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AgeFrom 15 - 70 years
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CO₂-Emissions28.36 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
The highlights
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Route not frequently used
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One of the wildest valleys in the Alps
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The hospitality and charm of Italian mountain retreats
Photos
Barbara - verified review - july 2025
volard - verified review - august 2024
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 7h
- Average daily elevation gain: 1140 m
- Average daily descent: 1080 m
Management
French
Jean Luc and his team
Qualified guides and lovers of the great outdoors, Jean Luc and his team design immersive itineraries in the Alps and beyond. Attentive, skilled teachers, and mindful of each individual's pace, they guide you on a profound exploration of the mountains: hiking, nature, culture, and connecting with the environment. Powerful human experiences, designed to blend exertion, serenity, and wonder.
Program
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Bourg Saint Maurice - Col du Monséti - Refuge
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 19km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We set off towards the Plateau de la Sassière. We cross this magnificent, flowery alpine pasture, home to marmots, before climbing to the Col du Monséti. We eat and enjoy the weather at Lac Noir before descending to the Refuge de l'Archeboc. It's an easy day, perfect for warming up while enjoying the mountains.
The program is provided as a guideline and may be modified depending on weather conditions or the group's physical condition. The guide may suggest alternatives, such as a mountain pass or the ascent of another peak in the area.
Day 1 -
Mountain Refuge - Col du Mont - Mountain Refuge
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 1050 m
- Negative elevation 1100 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We quickly ascend to the Col du Mont, located between the summits of Ruitor (3486m) and Archeboc (3272m). From there, we cross into the Italian side of the Alps, into the stunning Valgrisenche valley: one of the wildest valleys in the Alps, with pristine natural landscapes. We'll have lunch below the pass, and if everyone is feeling up to it, we can extend the hike to Lake San Grato. We finish the day with a short climb through a magnificent larch forest to reach the Refuge de l'Epée. At the refuge, we'll enjoy Italian and Valdostan cuisine.
The program is provided as a guideline and may be modified depending on weather conditions or the group's physical condition. The guide may suggest alternatives, such as a mountain pass or the ascent of another peak in the area.
Day 2 -
Refuge - Col de Bassac - Refuge
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 1250 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today we begin the day on a superb balcony trail at the foot of the Grandes Aiguilles Rousses (3607m). Passing through the Col Refreita, the path will lead us to the stunning Lac San Martin, then off-trail we'll reach the Col de Bassac where the view of Gran Paradiso (4061m) and the Grande Sassière (3747m) is breathtaking. Finally, we'll arrive at the Mario Bezzi refuge where we'll spend the night. This will be our base camp for two nights.
The program is provided as a guideline and may be modified depending on weather conditions or the group's physical condition. The guide may suggest alternatives, such as a mountain pass or the ascent of another peak in the area.
Day 3 -
Refuge - Col de Bassac Déré - Grande Traversière - Refuge
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 1250 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we're taking advantage of our lighter packs to explore the Col de Bassac Déré and the magnificent glaciers of the Grande Sassière, a 3750m peak on the Franco-Italian border. We ascend via a beautiful trail that runs alongside the glaciers. After a few hours of hiking, our effort will be rewarded with a stunning view of the Gran Paradiso (4061m). From the pass, we can continue along a small path or trail on a rocky ridge to reach the summit of the Grande Traversière at over 3300m.
Descent to the Bezzi Refuge, where we spend our last night.
The program is provided as a guideline and may be modified depending on weather conditions or the group's physical condition. The guide may suggest alternatives, such as a mountain pass or the ascent of another peak in the area.
Day 4 -
Refuge - Col Vaudet - Bourg Saint Maurice
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Positive elevation gain 1150 m
- Negative elevation 1500 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We set off from the Bezzi refuge towards the Col Vaudet, to reach the border and enter the French side. We'll cross couloirs where there may still be snow at the beginning of the season: after this wonderful week in the mountains, you'll be comfortable! Once in France, we continue off-trail to reach Lac Noir, Lac Blanc, Lacs Verdets, and Lac du Clou: this final beautiful section of the trek will leave you with stunning images etched in your memory!
Transfer by bus from Sainte Fois to Bourg Saint Maurice at the end of the day.
The program is provided as a guideline and may be modified depending on weather conditions or the group's physical condition. The guide may suggest alternatives, such as a mountain pass or the ascent of another peak in the area.
Day 5
Note
This program may be modified at the guide's discretion if mountain conditions, weather or the physical condition of the participants require it.
Accommodation
Nights spent in mountain huts, rooms or dormitories depending on availability.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a state-certified mountain guide from our team
- Nights in mountain huts with half-board as described in the program
- Picnics, from Day 2 to Day 5
- Mandatory transfers to the program
The price does not include
- Trip cancellation/interruption/loss of luggage insurance and emergency assistance
- Day 1 Picnic
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Additional nights not included in the program
- Tips
- Anything not listed under “ Price includes ”
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents.
For example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Equipment to bring
The backpack
If possible, choose a lightweight bag with good carrying comfort; the bag should not exceed 1.5 kilos.
Your backpack should have 10 to 15 litres of space for the picnics you will carry for lunch.
Essential:
- sleeping bag liner for the refuge (small sleeping sheet)
- a waterproof bag to keep spare clothes dry
- a plastic or waterproof bag for dirty clothes
- sunscreen SPF 30 to 50
- a pair of category 3 sunglasses
- a lightweight headlamp
- small pleasures like dried fruit, chocolate
- Cash and your valid ID card/passport
Toiletries:
- a lightweight, quick-drying towel, hiking type
- a body soap
- a toothbrush with a small tube of toothpaste or a partially used tube
- a small shampoo (small size - specialist stores sell small bottles that you can keep for your hiking life).
- a pair of earplugs for better sleep at night in a mountain refuge.
Meal supplies:
- a lightweight Opinel-type knife
- a fork and a spoon
- a nice specialty to share with the rest of the team, liquid or solid
Clothing to bring
Head-to-toe trekking gear:
- a cap or hat for the sun
- a hat for the cold
- A buff or neck warmer is optional but very welcome in bad weather.
- a Gore-Tex type jacket or equivalent for inclement weather
- a pair of gloves, preferably waterproof
- A light down jacket or fleece to withstand sub-zero temperatures
- Two sweaters: one light and one warmer; if it's cold, we'll wear all the layers.
- three technical t-shirts, 2 to 4 pairs of socks, you can wash them in the streams near the refuges (a solid soap for washing)
- trousers
- tights
- shorts
- a rain cover for the bag
- a waterproof bag to keep spare clothes dry
- spare clothes for the shelter
- A pair of hiking boots with Vibram soles or good quality trail running shoes should be available from July 20th onwards; if possible, try them on before the trek.
