Trekking: the Ruitor tour (Vanoise)
Duration : 7 days
France, Northern Alps, Italy, Alps
Level : good physical fitness required, some off-trail passages
from 930 € / p. from 5 to 12 persons
Infos & Booking
Description
I suggest you hike around the Tête du Ruitor. This Italian peak culminates at 3486 meters above sea level and runs along the ridge separating the Aosta valley from the upper 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.
I also offer other stays during the summer, like a trek around Mont Aiguille and in the Diois and some hikes around Sainte-Croix monastery in the Vercors. You can also follow me to more distant destinations, such as the great Pamir crossing in Tajikistan or family treks in Morocco.
Program
D1: Hike to Archeboc hut.
Meet at 2pm at the Savonne parking lot above Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise (1750m). We reach the pastures of the valley of Mercuel until the refuge of Archeboc (2030m) in a 2 hours walk.
D2: Archeboc hut - 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 discover the territory of Sainte-Foy by crossing typical hamlets with houses with lauze roofs, circular pillars and larch carpentry. We spend the night in the famous and harmonious hamlet of Monal.
5 to 6 hours of walking, positive altitude difference: 600 meters, negative altitude difference: 500 meters.
D3: Le Monal - Mario Bezzi hut (2284m).
We 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 spend the night.
5 to 6 hours of walking, D+: 1000m, D-: 550m.
D4: Mario Bezzi hut - Épée hut (2370m).
A beautiful stage in balcony in the pastures under the summit of the Grande Rousse. We 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, D+: 600m, D-: 500m.
D5: Épée hut - Planaval (1554m).
From the pastures of Praz-Londzet and Verconey, we reach 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 is 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, D+: 300m, D-: 1150m.
D6: Planaval - Alberto Deffeyes hut (2494m).
Transfer to La Salle. Paso Alto pass at 2860 meters. We then descend to the Alberto Deffeyes hut, beautifully situated at the foot of the Ruitor Glacier.
6 hours of walking, D+: 1200m, D-: 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, D+: 300m, D-: 1050m.
Separation at La Savonne parking lot 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
- Transport to and from La Savonne, about one hour and a half drive from Albertville.
- 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.