Circular route via the Col de Gardaz, the Frudière Lakes and the small pass of Taf

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This circular route, which passes over two mountain passes, allows you to explore the Frudière lakes in the Ayas Valley and to admire magnificent views of the Monte Rosa massif throughout the walk. This route is very difficult and is reserved for experienced walkers. Indeed, the ascent to Colletto de Taf from the Col de Frudière follows a narrow, vertiginous path where sure-footedness is essential. This climb also requires you to use your hands in certain sections. The route follows paths nos. 3A, 9B and 1A (EE) in succession.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.34 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 8h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 4,183 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 4,199 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 7,930 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 5,794 ft
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Description of the walk

Park at the end of the road leading to the hamlet of Tschalvrino (3–4 parking spaces available along the road without obstructing traffic).

(S/E) Go through the barrier marking the end of the road and continue for about 500 m along the track that extends from it.

(1) At the fork, turn left and take the track that climbs towards the top station of the Weissmatten chairlift.

(2) At the top of the chairlift, take the path on the right, No. 3A, which climbs gradually towards the Col de Gardaz.

(3) At Pra Bianco, continue along path no. 3A (the fork leading to the Col de Pra Bianco is not very visible). Path no. 3A, on the other hand, is very well maintained and signposted. Note, however, that there is a descent, partly using a rope, just before reaching Lac de Gombetta, which can be tricky in wet weather.

(4) At Lake Gombetta, continue the ascent towards the pass on the left.

(5) At the Col de Gardaz, begin the descent via Trail No. 9B, which is narrow and probably little used as it is poorly marked. Furthermore, this trail is poorly signposted throughout its upper section.

(6) At the fork, leave the path leading to the Col de la Blanche and take a poorly marked path on the left, which begins the descent through an alpine meadow. A few cairns help you follow the path for the first 500 metres, after which the path becomes clearly marked and well signposted again. This fork, which is difficult to spot, is marked in yellow on a small rock.

(7) At the junction, continue the descent to the left, still on path no. 9B.

(8) At the end of the descent, on the left is Path No. 9, which follows the Torrent de Graines upstream towards the lakes and the Col de Frudière. This very popular path is clearly signposted.

(9) At the Col de Frudières, take Trail No. 1A on the left towards the Weissmatten chairlift and begin the very difficult climb to the Collet de Taf.

(10) At the Collet de Taf, begin the descent, still following Trail No. 1A. The return route, which is very well signposted, crosses numerous scree slopes. The trail is perfectly clear and presents no further technical difficulties.

(11) At the junction, carry straight on along path no. 1A.

(12) At the fork, turn right onto a track and begin the descent. Then turn left to rejoin the track you took on the way up.

(2) Turn right and follow the track you took on the way out in the opposite direction back to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 5,810 ft - Tschalvrino
  2. 1 : mi 0.35 - alt. 5,896 ft - Junction
  3. 2 : mi 1.65 - alt. 6,706 ft - Chairlift terminus. Junction of the circular loop
  4. 3 : mi 2.38 - alt. 7,093 ft - Pra Bianco
  5. 4 : mi 3.01 - alt. 7,159 ft - T-junction, Lake Gombetta
  6. 5 : mi 3.23 - alt. 7,470 ft - Gardaz Pass
  7. 6 : mi 3.46 - alt. 7,182 ft - Junction
  8. 7 : mi 3.86 - alt. 6,736 ft - Crossroads
  9. 8 : mi 4.29 - alt. 6,207 ft - End of the descent
  10. 9 : mi 6 - alt. 7,411 ft - Junction, Col de Frudière
  11. 10 : mi 6.37 - alt. 7,917 ft - Small pass of Taf
  12. 11 : mi 6.57 - alt. 7,904 ft - Junction
  13. 12 : mi 8.01 - alt. 6,673 ft - Junction
  14. S/E : mi 10.34 - alt. 5,794 ft - Tschalvrino

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