The Ruitor tour (Vanoise)

Duration : 6 days

France, Northern Alps, Italy, Alps

Level : good physical fitness required, some off-trail passages

from 725 € / p. from 5 to 12 persons

Description

The Tête du Ruitor culminates at 3486 meters above sea level. This Italian summit runs along the ridge line separating the Aosta valley and the Haute Tarentaise.

Between the National Parks of Vanoise and Gran Paradiso, we will meet the inhabitants of these high valleys who remain very attached to their traditions. We will discover the life of alpine pastures, larch forests, beautiful lakes, sometimes bordering the high mountains. Italian side Valgrisenche will reveal the charms of an authentic valley that perpetuates wood carving and lace making.

Program

D1: Hike to Archeboc refuge.
Meet at 2pm at the Savonne car park above Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise (1750m). We will reach the pastures of the valley of Mercuel until the refuge of Archeboc (2030m) in a 2 hours walk.

D2: La Motte - Le Monal (1875m).
Crossing day in balcony facing the beautiful peaks of Mont Pourri and Dôme de la Sache which pour huge and sparkling glaciers. We will discover the territory of Sainte-Foy by crossing typical hamlets with houses with lauze roofs, circular pillars and larch carpentry. We will spend the night in the famous and harmonious hamlet of Monal.
5 to 6 hours of walking, positive elevation: 600m, negative elevation: 500m.

D3: Le Monal - Mario Bezzi Hut (2284m).
We will start by going up the Vallon du Clou where many Tarine cows are in alpine pastures. Passage over Italy by the Rocher Blanc pass and downhill on the mountain pastures of Vaudet which host the superb Mario Bezzi hut where we will spend the night.
5 to 6 hours of walking, E+: 1000m, E-: 550m.

D4: Mario Bezzi Hut (2284m) - Refuge de l’Épée (2370m).
A beautiful stage in balcony in the pastures under the summit of the Grande Rousse. We will spend the night at the chalet de l’Épée facing the Ruitor and above the lake of Surier which floods the pastures of the upper valley of Valgrisenche.
5 hours of walking, E+: 600m, E-: 500m.

D5: Refuge de l’Épée - Planaval (1554m).
From the pastures of Praz-Londzet and Verconey, we will join the path of the Pope which leads to Boregne. Downhill to the Revers then short passage on the road to the hamlet of Planaval. An alternative will be possible by the capital of Valgrisenche if you wish to taste more the atmosphere of the valley (woodcarvings, manufacture of the lace).
6 hours of walking, E+: 300m, E-: 1150m.

D6: Planaval - Alberto Deffeyes Hut (2494m).
Transfer to La Salle. Paso Alto pass at 2860m. We will then descend to the Alberto Deffeyes hut, beautifully situated at the foot of the Ruitor Glacier.
6 hours of walking, E+: 1200m, E-: 400m.

D7: Alberto Deffeyes Hut - La Savonne (1750m).
Passage of the Ruitor lake weir before entering the Bellacomba valley which has some beautiful lakes. Return to France by the Louie Blanche pass (2583m) and the valley of the same name to La Savonne.
6 hours of walking, E+: 300m, E-: 1050m.
Separation from La Savonne car park around 4pm.

The price includes

Supervison by the mountain leader.
Half-board accommodation during the whole circuit.
Lunchtime picnics.
Transfer of luggage (limited to 20kg) from each accommodation to the next one except at Alberto Deffeyes hut.

The price does not include

Drinks.
Visits and activities not planned in the program.
Cancellation and repatriation insurance.
Showers in huts when not included in ½ board.
Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".

Accommodation

In huts and inns.

Next departures :

No scheduled departure, but you can contact me to book your dates.