Refine your search for walks in Col du Carro (3149m)
Col du Carro (3149m) walks
Colle del Carro
Visorando Member
10.06 mi
+3,652 ft
-3,665 ft
7h 50
Difficult
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
The Refuge du Carro is already a lovely destination, but when you reach this first goal at the end of the morning and after seeing the panorama, there are various possibilities for a little extra treat. Why not the Col du Carro or Colle del Carro, as you can read on site?
The hundreds of cairns that dot the terrain are sure to catch your eye, as will the view of the Italian side.
From Bonneval to the Carro refuge
8.16 mi
+4,446 ft
-1,273 ft
7h 40
Difficult
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
This first stage, starting from one of the most beautiful villages in France, is a gentle warm-up that culminates (for the more adventurous) at the Col du Carro (3,149 m), the border between France and Italy and a magnificent viewpoint in fine weather, offering views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Tour of the Alpes Grées
55.38 mi
+20,118 ft
-18,793 ft
7 days
Difficult
Departure from Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise (Savoie)
The Franco-Italian Alpes Grées mountain range lies in Savoie on the French side, and spans two valleys in Italy: the Aosta Valley and the Piedmont Valley.
Much of the Grées Alps is covered by two national parks: the Vanoise and the Gran Paradiso.
A truly alpine route where you’ll remain above 2,300 metres, with magnificent views of the glaciers, not to mention the sections through the Fontine and Beaufort mountain pastures.
Chivasso – Carro
6.52 mi
+3,130 ft
-2,582 ft
5h 45
Difficult
Departure from Valsavarenche (Aosta Valley)
Cross the mountain pastures along a descending path, from where there is a magnificent view of Lake Agniel and Lake Serru (2,240 m). A path leads to Lago Delle Rocc Grandi and the high-altitude path over the Col du Carro (3,122 m). The pass marks the French-Italian border and the entrance to the Vanoise National Park. A steep descent leads to the Refuge du Carro (2,759 m) for a well-deserved rest.
Please note: Just before Lac du Caro, the glacier tongue has swept away the landmarks (markings, cairns), makingnavigation and progress very difficult(see notice dated 7 September 2026).
Walks near Col du Carro (3149m)
From the Refuge du Carro to the Refuge du Fond des Fours
11.19 mi
+2,782 ft
-3,530 ft
7h 35
Difficult
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
A stunning start, almost entirely on level ground along the balcony path, offering a constant panorama of the peaks and mountain ranges (Pointes de la Levanna, 3,619m), the Glacier des Sources de l’Arc, the Glacier du Grand Méan, the Cirque des Évettes, Pointe de l’Albaron (3,637m) and the Glacier du Vallonnet.At the end of the day, the Pointe des Fours (3,072 m) offers a 360° view and, in clear weather, you can see Mont Blanc.
Carro Mountain Hut – L’Écot via Lac du Pys
5.85 mi
+568 ft
-2,956 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
Unmarked alternative route to descend from the Refuge du Carro via Lac du Pys.
Carro – Fond des Fours
10.53 mi
+2,474 ft
-3,212 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
The magnificent balcony path takes you to the Col des Fours, under the curious gaze of chamois and marmots, as far as the Pont de la Neige (2,518 m), where you’ll find signs of civilisation as you cross the famous Col de l’Iseran road. As soon as you’ve crossed it, you’ll leave it behind as you head for the Col des Fours (2,976 m). Descend through the valley of the same name to reach the Col du Fond-des-Fours (2,537 m).
Rifugio Savoia - Eaux-Rousses
11.66 mi
+1,437 ft
-4,272 ft
6h 35
Difficult
Departure from Valsavarenche (Aosta Valley)
A balcony trail. Stage4 of the circular route in the Gran Paradiso National Park. Return to the Valsavarenche valley.
Carro Refuge - Lacs Blanc and Noir
14.25 mi
+1,890 ft
-4,075 ft
8h 10
Difficult
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
A balcony route with beautiful views of the glaciers, passing by the small Lac du Pys and then the Refuge du Carro. Don't miss the Lacs Noir and Blanc, where you can recharge your batteries before descending to the traditional hamlet of L'Écot and then Bonneval-sur-Arc.
Bénévolo – Chivasso
6.47 mi
+3,005 ft
-1,975 ft
5h 35
Difficult
Departure from Rhêmes-Notre-Dame (Aosta Valley)
The ascent takes you through very wild, virtually off-trail terrain up to the Nivoletta Alpine Pass (3,152 m), followed by a descent via the gullies overlooking the magnificent Leitz and Rosset Lakes in the Valsavarenche. You then make your way towards the Chivasso Refuge through splendid flower-filled mountain pastures, renowned for their delicious fontina cheese.
From the Fond des Fours Refuge to the Col de la Vanoise Refuge
14.55 mi
+3,097 ft
-3,156 ft
9h 25
Difficult
Departure from Val-d'Isère (Savoie)
A long stage for this third day with very varied landscapes and terrain.It’s a shame that the road section after the Refuge de la Femma can’t be avoided, as it’s rather uninteresting. You’ll have to wait until the Refuge d’Entre Deux Eaux to finally get back on a trail.The difficulty is mainly due to the distance, as the elevation gains aren’t too steep and the trails are in good condition.
Fond des Fours – La Leisse
10.52 mi
+3,061 ft
-3,215 ft
7h 30
Difficult
Departure from Val-d'Isère (Savoie)
A little-used path leading to the Col de la Rocheure (2,911 m) runs alongside a myriad of small high-altitude lakes, before descending to the Refuge de la Femma. The ascent to the Col de Pierre-Blanche (2,842 m) is steady and not very well marked, even veering off the beaten track. The view is magnificent over the rocky Leisse valley, nestled between the giant peaks of the Grande Motte and the Grande Casse. Descend through these deserted landscapes towards the eagle’s nest that is the Refuge de la Leisse (2,487 m).
The Balcons des Barmettes trail
Tourist office3.05 mi
+899 ft
-436 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Val-d'Isère (Savoie)
Balcony trail from La Daille to Le Fornet with several possible entry points. The Balcony Trail is a must-do walk in Val d’Isère. It requires a bit of physical effort, but you’ll soon be rewarded with breathtaking views of the village, Solaise and Bellevarde.
Refuge de la Marmotte - Eaux Rousses
Association / Club / Walk leader8.35 mi
+2,831 ft
-4,406 ft
6h 20
Difficult
Departure from Rhêmes-Notre-Dame (Aosta Valley)
A short day as the next day takes you into the Gran Paradiso National Park, where camping is prohibited; I had to cut the stage short, otherwise it would have had to be extended unreasonably. The Hostellerie du Gran Paradis is the only place to stay overnight. The food is great, but be warned: at weekends there are often Italians, French people, etc. out mountain biking.