Description

This is a crucial day linking Bourg St Pierre with the Valsorey Hut, with steep south facing slopes to access then Valsorey Hut and early start is advised.

Escape from the main road in the village before heading through some meadows to take the north side of the valley.

Numerous small foot bridges here temp you into making numerous crossings, but its usually better to stay on the north side.

At the Chalet d'Amont the summer track climbs up the hill side into steeper ground which is usually avoided in the winter.

Instead continue in the stream bed and follow a narrow gorge on the left, the ground soon easing to reach Point 2614. The final approach to the hut is universally steep regardless of the line taken, and is a known avalanche blackspot.

A common line swings slightly north of the blunt ridge descending from the hut climbing steeply where kick turns will be required (beware of the steeper ground above).

It is also possible to continue on foot climbing the blunt rib directly, effectively following the summer approach to the hut.

The third option is to ascend the slopes to the south of the blunt rib- this may be less avalanche prone as the slopes immediately above are slightly less steep.