Refine your search for walks in Col des Avalanches (3499m)
Col des Avalanches (3499m) walks
Col des Avalanches
Visorando Member
12.13 mi
+6,027 ft
-6,001 ft
10 hrs
Extremely difficult
Departure from Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans (Isère)
A very alpine hike in the magnificent Vallon de la Pilatte cirque, beneath the Dentelles des Écrins. Half of the route is off-trail and therefore requires good terrain reading skills.
After a steep climb through mountain pastures where marmots, chamois and ibex abound, the rounded rocks and scree precede the glacier leading to the Col des Avalanches, from where you can admire the splendid panoramic views of the Écrins, the Glacier Noir and the Rouies.
Walks near Col des Avalanches (3499m)
Crossing from Ailefroide to Chambran via the Cime du Paillon
4.39 mi
+4,193 ft
-3,497 ft
6 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Pelvoux (Hautes-Alpes)
An alpine hike, largely off-trail, through very wild terrain; not particularly difficult but requiring sure-footedness. You’re more likely to encounter chamois than people! Stunning views of the Pelvoux.
Setting off early means you can complete much of the ascent in the shade.
Refuge du Pigeonnier – Chalet du Gioberney
5.79 mi
+909 ft
-3,468 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar (Hautes-Alpes)
An easy fifth stage, mainly downhill, to recover from the previous days.
The crossing of the Gioberney glacial cirque at its highest point, before descending towards the Aiguille de la Vache (a great spot for a picnic), is fantastic!
Alpe de Villar d'Arêne Mountain Hut - Monêtier-les-Bains
9.66 mi
+1,266 ft
-3,271 ft
5h 35
Difficult
Departure from Villar-d'Arêne (Hautes-Alpes)
Stage9 of this route links the Refuge de l’Alpe de Villar-d’Arêne to Monêtier-les-Bains, taking a short detour to the Lac du Glacier d’Arsine, surrounded by the Pics de Chamoissière, d’Arsine, de Neige Cordier, the Pointe Cézanne and the Montagne des Agneaux. Unfortunately, the Arsine Glacier is suffering from global warming. The section starting from the pass along the Petit Tabuc stream in the valley, known as the Réou d'Arsine, is magnificent and very wild.
From Alpe de Villard-d'Arène to Monêtier-les-Bains
9.74 mi
+1,289 ft
-3,261 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Villar-d'Arêne (Hautes-Alpes)
Stage2 of the Tour du Combeynot: From the Romanche to the Guisane Valley via the Col d'Arsine, this stage takes place at the foot of the Agneaux
Vallouise - Pré de la Chaumette Mountain Hut
9.83 mi
+3,852 ft
-3,228 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Vallouise (Hautes-Alpes)
Stage11 of this route. One of the most beautiful and challenging stages of the route, featuring the Aup Martin pass at 2,700 metres and the Pas de la Cavale, the highest point ofthe GR® 54. This stage demands the utmost vigilance and experience of high-mountain hiking. The views are absolutely stunning and incredibly wild. We took the shuttle bus to avoid the 8 km of tarmac road to the car park at Entre-les-Aigues.
Chalet du Gioberney – Vallonpierre Mountain Hut
6.84 mi
+3,442 ft
-1,358 ft
6h 10
Difficult
Departure from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar (Hautes-Alpes)
The sixth stage is a fairly easy climb up to the Vallonpierre Refuge.
This allows you to arrive at the refuge early and, if you wish, carry on to the Col des Chevrettes, where marmots are guaranteed.
Refuge du Clot (Xavier Blanc) – Refuge du Pigeonnier
5.88 mi
+3,963 ft
-610 ft
6h 10
Difficult
Departure from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar (Hautes-Alpes)
The fourth stage begins gently through the meadows, watched over by marmots, before reaching a major tourist attraction: the stunning Voile de la Mariée waterfall. Once you’ve passed Lac du Lauzon, you’ll find yourself alone again to enjoy the magnificent Lac Bleu. The Pigeonnier mountain refuge, perched on its promontory, is superb with its large bay windows.
From Rif du Sap to Navette via Le Chapeau
7.39 mi
+4,045 ft
-4,301 ft
6h 55
Very difficult
Departure from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar (Hautes-Alpes)
A beautiful and challenging hike in the hills, varied with some unexpected sections. Stunning views. Be careful, there are many tricky and slippery sections. Avoid in wet weather.
The Crossing from Le Casset to the Col du Lautaret
11.16 mi
+3,451 ft
-1,693 ft
8h 10
Difficult
Departure from Le Monêtier-les-Bains (Hautes-Alpes)
A classic route in the upper Briançon region: reach the Col du Lautaret via Lac d’Arsine and the Crevasses Trail from the hamlet of Le Casset, north of Monetier-les-Bains.
Vallouise - Pré de la Chaumette Mountain Hut
13.54 mi
+5,381 ft
-3,255 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Vallouise (Hautes-Alpes)
The Col de l'Aup Martin and the Pas de la Cavale from the Onde Valley, leading into the Champoléon Valley.
The Aup Martin – what a pass!
Note: This route is a stage of the Tour de l'Oisans but it is very challenging, particularly in early summer when there is still snow on the Col de l'Aup Martin. For this reason, a diversion has been put in place starting from Vallouise, passing through Puy Saint-Vincent, the Col de la Pousterle and the Fournel valley. You then join the Pas de la Cavale (GR®54A).