Refine your search for walks in Aiguille de l'Épaisseur (3230 m)
Aiguille de l'Épaisseur (3230 m) walks
Aiguille de l’Épaisseur
Visorando Member
8.62 mi
+5,062 ft
-5,062 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Valloire (Savoie)
Although it looks like a large hill from its south-eastern slope, the ascent of the Aiguille de l’Épaisseur is very physically demanding in its final section, from the refuge, with 970 m of elevation gain over 3 km, representing an average gradient of over 35 per cent. However, it probably offers the finest view of the Aiguilles d’Arves you can get, not to mention a magnificent 360° panorama.
This hike is not very popular, which is hardly surprising given the final ascent. It is reserved for seasoned hikers who are not too prone to vertigo.
Walks near Aiguille de l'Épaisseur (3230 m)
La Grave - Alpe de Villar-d'Arêne mountain hut
6.87 mi
+2,618 ft
-669 ft
5h 25
Difficult
Departure from La Grave (Hautes-Alpes)
After a rest day in La Grave, set off on this8th stage, which presents no technical difficulties and involves no significant elevation gain. A route that circles La Meije, initially following the Romanche torrent. You will pass close to Villar d'Arène. Thesecond section, starting from Pont d'Arsine, is slightly more challenging and much wilder, taking in the Pas d'Anna Falque and the Plan d'Alpe before reaching the Refuge de l'Alpe de Villar-d'Arêne, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
From Grange Bernard to the Refuge de Terre Rouge
Association / Club / Walk leader
5.14 mi
+1,896 ft
-33 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Valmeinier (Savoie)
First stage of the Petit tour du Mont Thabor hike
Lac des Cerces - Lacs de la Madeleine via Pointe des Cerces
7.84 mi
+3,963 ft
-3,261 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Valloire (Savoie)
Day 2 in the Clarée Valley: ascent of Pointe des Cerces (unmarked mountain route), passage to Lac and Source de la Clarée and climb to the second bivouac at Lacs de la Madeleine (off-trail on the final section).
As with the other parts of this circular, this route is intended for experienced hikers who are accustomed to high mountains.
From the Col du Lautaret to the Alpe de Villard d'Arène
3.91 mi
+433 ft
-302 ft
2h 10
Moderate
Departure from Villar-d'Arêne (Hautes-Alpes)
Stage1 of the Tour du Combeynot: From the Col du Lautaret to the Alpe de Villar-d'Arêne refuge via the schistose crevasse trail overlooking the Romanche valley. Unique view of the Écrins and Meije peaks.
Valmeinier 1800 – Refuge du Thabor
9.69 mi
+5,079 ft
-2,690 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Valmeinier (Savoie)
The route begins on theGRP® Tour du Mont Thabor trail, starting from the Petite Station in Valmeinier 1800. You’ll pass the Col des Marches, Lake Bissorte, the Refuge des Marches, Lake des Batailléres, the pass of the same name, Lake Long and Lake Rond before arriving at the Refuge du Thabor.
From the Terre Rouge Refuge to the Mont Thabor Refuge
8.39 mi
+3,740 ft
-2,651 ft
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from Valmeinier (Savoie)
Second stage of the short Mont Thabor circuit hike
Refuge de Terre Rouge - Le Prec
8.76 mi
+2,165 ft
-3,848 ft
5h 55
Difficult
Departure from Valmeinier (Savoie)
This is the last stage of this three-day route, with one last beautiful climb. A final alpine pass, a few lakes, and the return via the Fenêtre du Prec to round off this lovely Tour du Thabor.
Refuge des Drayeres – Valmeinier 1,800
10.62 mi
+2,500 ft
-3,848 ft
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
The final stage of this route runs from the Refuge des Drayeres in the Clarée Valley to the resort of Valmeinier. You will pass the Deuil des Rochilles before emerging onto three magnificent high-altitude lakes: Lac de la Clarée, Lac Rond and Lac du Grand Ban. Next comes the ascent of the Col des Plagnettes, followed by the descent with the rocky ridge of the Grande Paré to your left and the Aiguille Noire to your right, then the ascent of the Pas des Griffes, before descending back to Valmeinier, the end point of this 5-day route.
Refuge des Drayères – Pont de l’Alpe
9.08 mi
+2,014 ft
-3,563 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
3rd and final stage. Starting from the Refuge des Drayères, head up to the source of the Clarée and return to Pont de l’Alpe via the Col de la Ponsonnière. A tour of the Massif des Cerces taking in numerous lakes, each more beautiful than the last: in turn, the Clarée, Rond, Grand Ban, Cerces, Ponsonnière and, finally, the Grand Lac.
Refuge des Mouterres - La Grave
9.47 mi
+1,440 ft
-3,957 ft
5h 35
Difficult
Departure from Mizoën (Isère)
Stage7 of this route. One of the most beautiful stages of this tour of the Écrins National Park. After making the most of the welcome at the Refuge des Mouterres and a campsite with an extraordinary view, you will discover the unspoilt nature of the Emparis Plateau, a Natura 2000 site with abundant mountain flora.
You will leave theGR® 54C for a detour across the Emparis Plateau and its three lakes, Cristallin, Noir and Lérié, before descending to La Grave.
Message from the moderators: You are in a sensitive natural area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information).