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Longer/easier start with an acclimatization day via Refuge Albert 1er (2707 m)

Can be done in one day with a good altitude acclimatization or split to two days with an overnight on the Refuge Argentière (2771 m) to acclimatize. 


The hardest part is the descent from the Col du Chardonnet (3323 m) – there might be a rope for a safe steep descent, but you need your own for the case it would be burired under snow or damaged. 


Classic start: Cabane du Trient (3170 m) via Col du Chardonnet (3323 m)

Some go right to the Cabane du Trient (3170 m), but taking one more day on the Refute Albert 1er (2707 m) might be handy to get a good altitude acclimatization. 

Even better to take one more acclimatization day-trip from Chamonix before it. 


What's nearby:

Besides being the longest variation, snow conditions might prevent you from passing it fully on skis via La Fouly, which is just 1600 m. Watch for the snow level.


The route continues from Bourg St. Bernard (1920 m) either from the purist variation via Grand St-Bernard hospice or a classic variant of commuting from Champex by taxi. In the classic variant, you can save another 300 m of climbing by starting in Bourg-St-Pierre (1630 m) by sacrificing an ascent to Col de Montorge and being a chicken. 


Credits: one photo of Vélan hut is from their web


Hardest, purist route via Col de la Grande Lui (3416 m)

Views of Mont Blanc from shadows of Grand Combin: Vélan/Valsorey – Chanrion – Dix

Around Arolla to Zermatt via Vignettes/Bertol

Safety

Roughly half of all skiers do not complete the tour due to weather. Plan escape routes and allow a spare day or two to wait at a hut for better conditions. More days on the tour increase the risk of encountering bad weather.


The best conditions are from early March to May, when huts are also guarded.

In late May, snow begins to melt at lower altitudes, and the risk of wet snow avalanches increases in the afternoons.


Start early each day to minimize risks and review accummulating risk constantly.


Proper acclimatization is necessary before starting the route, at least a day, depending on your sensitivity to altitude sickness.


Knowledge of techniques and methodology for traversing avalanche and glacier terrain with crevasses is necessary.


You'll need to carry a full set of avalanche and glacier equipment, including crampons, ski crampons, ice axe, harness, rope (30 m is OK), pieps and probe.


Commute

Bus or taxi is needed a 2nd day to move to Bourg-Saint-Pierre of the classir route. A longer purist alternative avoids the commute by passing via Col de la Grande Lui.


Maps

Swiss topo map with ski tours (Android, iOS free, including offline). Thanks Swiss Administration!


Huts


Map of Area

General info

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