From the Refuge de l'Orgère to the Refuge du Fond d'Aussois via the Grand Roc

Possible start from Modane railway station via this route: Refuge Porte de l'Orgère - Modane
Allow 3 hours for the ascent from Modane and 2 hours for the descent back to Modane.

(S) From the car park at the Refuge Porte de l'Orgère, head down and go left behind the refuge. Take the small path on the left towards the Ruisseau de Povaret and cross it via a small footbridge.

(1) Turn right onto the^GR®5to the Orgère farms.

(2) Leave the^GR®5and turn left onto the nature trail. Follow this path uphill through the forest.

(3) After leaving the forest, at a three-way junction, turn right onto the steep climb up to the Col de la Masse. The climb follows the Ruisseau de la Masse (which may dry up in summer), passes through a plateau at an altitude of 2,783 m, heads towards the Rocher de la Masse and veers right at its foot. Please note: depending on the season, there may be snowfields at the Col de la Masse.

(4) At the Col de la Masse, you have three options:
- to the right, you can begin the ascent (and descent) of the Rateau d'Aussois (not completed but detailed here).
- straight ahead, to avoid climbing any peaks, continue along the route
- to the left, you can begin the ascent (round trip) of the Grand Roc, included in the route and detailed below.
For the ascent of the Grand Roc (allow about 1 hour for the ascent and 30 minutes for the descent).
The route is relatively easy to follow via several small paths situated on a broad, moderately vertiginous ridge. Towards the end, you must veer left and occasionally use your hands on large, stable rocks to steady yourself over the steeper drop.
Warning: avoid any ascents in bad weather; leave your rucksacks at the Col de la Masse and climb light. The summit of the Grand Roc is stable and does not require mountaineering equipment (unless you continue along the ridge to reach the Pointe de l'Échelle).

(5) Descend via the reverse route of the ascent.

(4) Back at the Col de la Masse, resume the route and begin the descent down the other side of the pass.

(6) Follow the path downhill, heading north then gradually east, until you reach a clearly marked junction at an altitude of 2426 m, near some meadows. Please note: there are two routes you can take on the descent; the destination is the same, so there’s no need to worry. On OSM maps, the path is more clearly marked than on IGN maps for this section.

(7) Turn left and immediately (70 m further on) left again, onto another path marked by a cairn.
Then follow the path, which is barely visible, running along the valleys of the Grand Roc and the Pointe de l'Échelle. Descend to the Refuge du Fond d'Aussois (E), today’s stop.

Note: Refuge Porte de l'Orgère is marked as Refuge de l'Orgère on the IGN map
Note: The Refuge du Fond d'Aussois is also listed as Refuge de Fond d'Aussois on the IGN map

Please note: this route crosses the Vanoise National Park.
To preserve the park’s natural heritage, you must observe certain rules.
- Do not bring dogs, even on a lead,
- Do not pick or collect flowers, fruit, insects or minerals,
- Take all your rubbish away with you,
- Do not disturb the peace and quiet of the area or the wildlife with noise, shouting or sound equipment,
- Do not camp or pitch a tent except near certain mountain huts,
- Do not light fires,
- Stay on the paths and avoid cutting across the switchbacks on the descent,
- Do not go paragliding or engage in other aerial sports,
- Do not go mountain biking,
- Do not drive motor vehicles,
- Fish in authorised lakes and watercourses in accordance with the regulations.
More information at www.vanoise-parcnational.fr

Accommodation:
(S) Overnight stays are available at the Refuge Porte de l'Orgère; camping is permitted near the refuge
Bookings and prices at: refuge-orgere.vanoise.com
(E) You can spend the night at the Refuge du Fond d'Aussois; camping is permitted near the refuge
Booking and prices at: Refuge Fond d'Aussois

Water:
(S) - At the Refuge Porte de l'Orgère, you can refill your water bottles at a water tap.
(E) - At the Refuge du Fond d'Aussois, you can refill your water bottles at a water tap.

Route difficulty (technical information):
IBP: 156 as a hike (HKG)
Percentage of ascent: 20.7%
Percentage descent: 20.8%
Results following route survey here