Hiking - Trek Nature Grand Paradis Vanoise - Classic Route Stage B
Classic itinerary of the Trek Nature Grand Paradis Vanoise. Crossing two national parks (Grand Paradis & Vanoise), this Franco-Italian route is challenging in certain sections.
An itinerary with significant elevation gain and loss, requiring a high level of mountain expertise.
From Chivasso/Savoia Hut to Pian della Ballotta Hut
From the bend that leaves the Chivasso/Savoia hut, located above the Chivasso hut, a trail leads us towards Col Agnel. Cross a tributary that flows into Lake Agnel. Reach a World War II blockhouse from which a rather steep, winding descent begins. While following the contour line, this variant rejoins the main trail towards Col de la Lose. After this long traverse that skirts the lake, reach a rocky spur that can be climbed in two ways. Either by using fixed ropes, or by losing a few meters of altitude to climb back up a little further on. After which, a brief traverse equipped with cables leads to the Pian della Ballotta hut.
From Pian della Ballotta Hut to Col de la Lose
Exit the rocky area surrounding the hut and take the route that passes above its roof. It is equipped with fixed ropes and iron steps sealed into the rock. Continue on a rather steep grassy slope that runs alongside the waterfall fed by the waters of Plan de la Ballotta. To access the plateau, finish with a final steep section equipped with steps and handrails. This complex part is surely the most exposed and requires heightened attention from the hiker. After the bridge that crosses the stream and the alluvial plain, access a scree slope that ascends southwards. A boulder marks the right turn towards Col de la Lose. The trail ends at the foot of a section of handrails and ladders, sometimes vertical, sometimes horizontal. This passage lasts at least half an hour.
From Col de la Lose to Prariond Hut
Descend a steep section and go around the lake on the right. Continue the descent to large cairns where a trail branches right towards Col de la Galise. In the last switchbacks, a beautiful gorge overlooks the Prariond hut, located 100 m below (2324 m).
An itinerary with significant elevation gain and loss, requiring a high level of mountain expertise.
From Chivasso/Savoia Hut to Pian della Ballotta Hut
From the bend that leaves the Chivasso/Savoia hut, located above the Chivasso hut, a trail leads us towards Col Agnel. Cross a tributary that flows into Lake Agnel. Reach a World War II blockhouse from which a rather steep, winding descent begins. While following the contour line, this variant rejoins the main trail towards Col de la Lose. After this long traverse that skirts the lake, reach a rocky spur that can be climbed in two ways. Either by using fixed ropes, or by losing a few meters of altitude to climb back up a little further on. After which, a brief traverse equipped with cables leads to the Pian della Ballotta hut.
From Pian della Ballotta Hut to Col de la Lose
Exit the rocky area surrounding the hut and take the route that passes above its roof. It is equipped with fixed ropes and iron steps sealed into the rock. Continue on a rather steep grassy slope that runs alongside the waterfall fed by the waters of Plan de la Ballotta. To access the plateau, finish with a final steep section equipped with steps and handrails. This complex part is surely the most exposed and requires heightened attention from the hiker. After the bridge that crosses the stream and the alluvial plain, access a scree slope that ascends southwards. A boulder marks the right turn towards Col de la Lose. The trail ends at the foot of a section of handrails and ladders, sometimes vertical, sometimes horizontal. This passage lasts at least half an hour.
From Col de la Lose to Prariond Hut
Descend a steep section and go around the lake on the right. Continue the descent to large cairns where a trail branches right towards Col de la Galise. In the last switchbacks, a beautiful gorge overlooks the Prariond hut, located 100 m below (2324 m).