First stage of Circuit Franco-Italian border "Queyras in Val Pellice" punctuated by passages through three interesting passes: Malaure, Bouchet and Vampréveyre.
A
Abriès walk
posted on 14/09/15 by LB_Neil. Last update : 08/12/19
Description
Park in the large car park of the hamlet of Valpréveyre, the last hamlet in the commune of Abriès.
(S). Continue on the trail through the hamlet and at the chapel cross the Boucher river to reach a crossroads of paths a few metres further on.
(1) Start on the left along the river on its left bank. Enter the forest staying a few metres above the river before reaching the confluence both the Boucher and Malaure streams. Cross over to a new crossroads of paths.
(2) Turn right and follow it as it makes tight loops before reaching the peak and the Col de Malaure on the border with Italy at marker 44.
(3) Start descending on the Italian side taking care early in the season as there can be a light firn and the slope is steep so be very careful. Loop around a small rocky ledge; at the exit, stay almost on the contour line around 2,400 m and in a north-easterly direction to reach the last climb of the day. Head along the Nino Sardi bivouac shelter before reaching the Col de Bouchet nearby.
(4) Continue on the path westwards and soon after take the path to the right that also remains level beneath the west face of the Bric Bouchet. Finish crossing through the Col de Valpréveyre.
(5) Begin the tricky descent due north to reach the day's stage: the Refuge at Lago Verde (6) at edge of the eponymous lake.
Waypoints
- S : km 0 - alt. 1,861 m
- 1 : km 3.12 - alt. 2,214 m
- 2 : km 4.53 - alt. 2,531 m - Col de Malaure 2536 m
- 3 : km 6.95 - alt. 2,640 m - Refuge Nino Soardi (2630m)
- 4 : km 7.04 - alt. 2,636 m - Col Bouchet
- 5 : km 8.09 - alt. 2,726 m - Col de Valpréveyre
- E : km 8.56 - alt. 2,583 m - Refuge du Lago Verde
Useful Information
Hiking gear, do not forget your sleeping bag or blanket for the nights in mountain huts.
Be careful on the descent of two portions (the Malaure and Valpréveyre passes).
Source of fresh water in the Nino Soardi shelter.
P.S. I’ve ranked this as difficult because 3 steps on this trip are for experienced hikers only. However, if you are a beginner in this kind of trek, this step which is the most difficult of the three, should be considered Very Difficult.
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.
During the walk or to do/see around
The Abries-Ristolas-Echalp Valley, the last valley of Queyras before the border. Note that the road stops at La Roche Écroulée a few kilometres after Echalp.
