Global Overview
Route Description
Day 1
Take the lift from Argentière to the Grands Montets (3300 m), from there
descend to the Argentière glacier. After that, a short climb to the
refuge d'Argentière.
- approx. duration: 2 hours
- vertical meters: down 750 m, up 221 m
Day 2
Descend from the hut to the Argentière glacier, followed by the climb to
the first col. The col du Chardonnet (3323 m) climb is long.
Descend from the col skiing or with followed by a small descent over the
Saleina glacier to the foot of the Fenetre de Saleina (3261 m). The
last part of this climb is by foot. Traverse the Plateau du Trient
on ski's followed by a last climb to cabane du Trient.
- approx duration: 5 to 8 hours
- vertical meters: down 220 m, up 800m, down 223 m, up 163 m, down 100 m,
up 75 m
Day 3
Descent from the cabane to the col des Ecandies (2796 m). Ski down the
Vallée d'Arpette to Champex. In Champex buy food and have
lunch. Take the bus to le Chable. Take the cable car from le
Chable to Attelas. From Attles it is an easy traverse to the Mont
Fort hut (2457 m).
- approx. duration: 4 to 6 hours
- vertical meters: up 20 m, down 1900 m
Day 4
Very long day. First climb the col de la Chaux (2957 m), than
descend 200 meters. The next climb will lead to the col de Momin
(3059 m) and will continue to the Rosablance (3336 m). A steep
descent from the top (45 to 50 degrees), followed by a descent to Lac des
Dix, stay as high as possible above the lake. At the lake put on
your skins for the last climb and traverse to Cabane des Dix (2928 m).
- approx. duration: 10 hours
- vertical meters: up 1590 m in 3 times, down 930 m in 2 times
Day 5
Little decent from the Cabane to the Tsena Réfien glacier. Climb
this glacier to the col de la Serpentine (3500 m) and continue with a
steeper ascent of the Pigne d'Arolla (3796 m). From there descent
via the Vuibe glacier to the Cabane des Vignettes (3160 m).
- approx. duration: 5 hours
- vertical meters: up 930 m, down 680m
Day 6
The last day 3 col's have to be conquered. First descent to the Mont
Collon glacier. Then climb the col de l'Eveque (3392 m) and descent
again. The second col to be climbed is the steep col du Mont
Brulé (3213 m). Follow the glacier de Tsa de Tsan to ascent
the col de Valpelline (3568 m). From thereon it is a long but
rewarding descent to Zermatt.
