• In snowshoes up to Bonatti Refuge

In snowshoes up to Bonatti Refuge

Resorts: Courmayeur

Classic excursion in winning settings. The climb from Val Ferret and following ascent to the refuge provide breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the Grandes Jorasses.

Technical Information

Route

From Planpincieux, head towards the start of the Val Ferret cross-country ski track. Take the path next to the slopes and enter the valley. Initially walk along the edge of the Grandes Jorasses camp site for ten minutes until you reach a small chapel: from here, the route flattens out a bit entering the valley with a great view of Tête de Ferret. Slightly ascending, you’ll first pass Pont, Tronchey and Praz Sec d’en Bas. After the last houses, the path hugs the Doire de Ferret and finally reaches Lavachey.
From Lavachey, continue along the cross-country ski tracks heading North-East until you reach a pair of bends: after these, enter the fir woods to the fork for the refuge. Take the summer path, turning to the right, and follow the signposts to climb through the unmarked woods. The steady climb upwards leads to a second signpost hidden in the snow: turn left and climb the series of bends in the woods that lead to the snow-covered pastures under the refuge. Climb this last steep segment out of the woods: the refuge appears with a superb view of Mont Blanc. Climb the last few meters to finally reach the Bonatti Refuge (2026 mt).

Notice - Legislative Decree 28 February 2021, n. 40 - article 26 paragraph 2:
"Those who practice ski-mountaineering or off-piste skiing or hiking activities, even using snowshoes, in snow-covered locations where, due to snow and weather conditions, there are risks of avalanches, must equip themselves with special electronic signalling and search systems, shovel and snow probe to guarantee a suitable rescue intervention".

Duration going there

2h30

Duration coming back

1h30

Recommended times

January - April

Difficulties

E - Excursionist

Difference in level

439 mt.

See also

Mountain refuges
Exterior summer

Walter Bonatti

Courmayeur

The Walter Bonatti Mountain Hut (2,025 m) is a real gem nestled at the foot of the imposing Grandes Jorasses, facing the spectacular Fréboudze Glacier. The mountain hut is situated on the Alta Via n.1 trail and the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) route.Born out …

Note - this information is not directly connected to the Cammino Balteo path but it is part of the Aosta Valley tourist offer.