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Le Fornet -> Col de la Bailletta -> Passage de Picheru

Espace Killy

Tignes and Val d'Isère

Vanoise Massif

A stunning and strenuous round circuit through the Bailletaz Nature Reserve, passing above the glacial Lac de la Sassière.

Hiking Difficult

Distance
17 km
Ascent
1.4 km
Descent
1.4 km
Duration
5-6 hrs
Low Point
1.8 km
High Point
2.8 km
Gradient
20˚
Le Fornet -> Col de la Bailletta -> Passage de Picheru Map

This is a stunning and strenuous round circuit through the Bailletaz Nature Reserve, passing above the glacial Lac de la Sassière.

Description

Start at the Office du Tourisme in Val d’Isère. After leaving street level, the path goes up gradually, continuing upon a balcony above and along the valley and below the soaring, jagged ridgeline of the Corniche. Eventually, the route passes above the hamlet of Le Fornet.

The trail is somewhat steep and stenuous to the Col de la Bailletta. Take time to enjoy the incredible views all around you!

There are two beautiful alpine lakes (Lac de Bailletta and Lac de la Sassière) to enjoy during the route, both of which offer perfect, quiet stops for a bite to eat or refreshment that has been packed, and are ideal to really absorb the true ambience of this stunning area.

From the lakes, you’ll climb steepl toward the Passage de Picheru. Once you’ve summited, the descent from Passage de Picheru to La Daille is pretty difficult and very stressful on the legs.

Although this route is quite physically challenging it is well worth enduring the effort to hike a route through high alpine terrain in a particularly remote, quiet, and relatively undiscovered area.

Difficulty

Difficult

Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between June and September

Features

  • Alpine
  • Wildlife
  • Picturesque
  • Wild flowers
  • Water features

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area