La Fouly to St Bernard Hospice

The purists approach to linking La Fouly with the Valsorey Hut

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance: 11 km
Ascent: 1.3 km
Descent: 382 m
Duration: 5-6 hrs

Low Point: 1.6 km
High Point: 2.7 km
Gradient: 31˚

Follow the road from La Fouly up the Val Ferret to reach Plan de la Chaux. Here the terrain steepens and care is required to negotiate the west facing slopes, before crossing a stream/torrent to reach the Lacs de Fenêtre. Head to the west of the first lake, either passing between the following two, to climb either towards the Fenêtre de Ferret at 2698m or the slightly higher but easy col up the valley to it's east at spot height 2724m. For the latter col you leave both upper lakes to your right. Ski either of the pleasant bowls on the other side to reach the road near Baou. Follow the road eastwards passing through a para-avalanche tunnel to reach the St Bernard Hospice (monastery) at the Col du Grand St Bernard.

Mont Vélan as seen from Valsoray hut Photo: Grindel1

Crowds walking up Combe des Morts towards Hospice du Grand-Saint-Bernard Photo: Richard Allaway

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

Medium Exposure (E2)

As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.

Remoteness

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

Features

Equipment required

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