Planaval - Rifugio chalet de l'Epée

A Trek through Valgrisenche with a view over the large village dam.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Trek across the Gran Paradiso

Technical sheet

n°4098559

A Arvier walk posted on 01/03/12 by Tamtraductions. Last update : 29/10/16

Activity: Walking
Distance: 11.55 km
Calculated time: 6h 00
Difficulty: Moderate
Return to departure point: No
Vertical gain: + 932 m
Vertical drop: - 127 m
Highest point: 2,389 m
Lowest point: 1,501 m

Area: Alps
District: Arvier
Start: N 45.673007° / E 7.079321°
End: N 45.588924° / E 7.060007°
IGN map(s): Ref. 3532ET, 3532ETR
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Description

Head south today, first on a road then on a trail on the right bank of the torrent (S).

Walk along the bank for roughly 2 km before reaching Valgrisenche village. Head towards the football field (1) at the bottom of the village and take a left (sign) route n°2.

Rapidly head up a trail shifting between road and path, finally sticking to the path leading to mountain sheepfolds (Benevy (2) and Prariond).

Remain under Seia Mountain, go through Alpage de Plaz Londzet (3).

Keep going in fairly constant south west direction on a trail reaching l'Alpage de la Fée (5) and its shelter.

Waypoints

S : km 0 - alt. 1,563 m
1 : km 5.83 - alt. 1,679 m
2 : km 8.68 - alt. 2,111 m
3 : km 9.37 - alt. 2,173 m
E : km 11.55 - alt. 2,368 m

Useful Information

Refuge de l'Epée: this shelter is used by numerous tourists during the summer season in particular.

Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

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During the walk or to do/see around

Opposite the shelter you can catch a glimpse of the stunning Pointe du Ruitor and its access shelter.
In front you, to the west, la Grande Sassiére marking the border and revealing nearby Val d'Isère.

Other walks in the area

Deffeyes Shelter - Planaval

Departure from La Thuile (Aosta Valley)

A long and difficult stage due to the ascension of 2 passes.

Trek across the Gran Paradiso

Departure from La Thuile (Aosta Valley)

It may not be true paradise but it certainly is heavenly. An exceptional group trek carried out in July 2011 which allows you to explore the Val D'aoste valleys ending with a balcony trail to Gran Paradiso summit.

La Joux - Deffeyes Shelter

Departure from La Thuile (Aosta Valley)

A trek across the Gran Paradiso passing through the 5 surrounding valleys.

Refuge de l'Epée - Bruil

Departure from Valgrisenche (Aosta Valley)

Fourth stage between Valgisenche and Val de Rheme.

Saint-Grat Lake and Refuge Adami

Departure from Valgrisenche (Aosta Valley)

Nestled at the foot of Tête du Ruitor and its glaciers, within a beautiful setting, Saint-Grat Lake is the highlight of any hike in its own right. Through the final twists and turns before the lake, the slope is smooth and the route straightforward. The next climb much steeper, leading to Refuge Adami gives you a stunning view point.

Lac du Vuert

Departure from Valgrisenche (Aosta Valley)

A two part hike. First up the Doire de Valgrisenche, a steady slope offering a leafy, green landscape. From the refuge, the landscape becomes essentially mineral and the slope steeper all the way to Vuert's small perched lake. Stunning high mountain surroundings.