Description

Physically this is a tough climb but although a bit of grunt is required, the hike is beautiful.

The views are stunning throughout and the ambience is that of even bigger mountain ranges than the Alps. Park up at a concrete bridge at the southern end of Ferpècle, a tiny village at the head of the Evolène valley.

Hike south into the trees, which quickly give way to bushes and then open grass.

Zig zag steeply eastwards out of the last of the bushes and then make a long, rising traverse south-east towards the glacial moraine of the Glacier des Manzettes. Shortly after reaching the moraine you'll reach a lovely blue glacial lake, which is a great spot to sit and relax.

If it's a hot day, dipping your feet in the water is refreshing, but no matter hot they might be before they go in, you're unlikely to leave them in there long! Carry on south-east between the Glacier des Manzettes and Glacier de Ferpècle up scree covered paths and short sections of slabby rock to a rock ridge at c.3100 metres.

Scramble easily up the ridge and then go east across a snow slope to the rocky buttress which is home to the hut. Sit on the hut terrace with your shoes off and enjoy the view safe in the knowledge that you've earned your calories and have a fabulous mountaineering day coming up tomorrow.