From the Refuge du Saut to the Refuge de l'Orgère via the Col du Soufre

(S) From the refuge, turn left towards the Col du Soufre, heading south.
A sign indicates that the route is unmarked, but the path is visible and marked with cairns.

(1) Continue straight on and cross a rocky scree slope before reaching the moraine of the Gébroulaz Glacier, then begin the final ascent to the Col du Soufre.
Caution: depending on the season, there may be snowfields at the Col du Soufre with some slippery patches due to small stones and sandy soil.

(2) At the pass, continue down the other side towards the Refuge du Péclet-Polset.
Go round Lac Blanc on the left, climb a few metres and reach the Refuge de Péclet-Polset.

(3) Behind the refuge, turn left onto the^GR®55, following the red and white markings to reach the Col de Chavière.
Please note: depending on the season, there may be snowfields at the Col de Chavière and the final ascent of the pass is steep, due to the sharp hairpin bends on the mountainside.

(4) Begin the descent here, taking care as it is quite steep.
Then walk alongside Lac de la Partie before reaching a Y-junction.

(5) Here the^GR® splits into two branches; take the left-hand one, which is also marked in yellow, and continue on to the Ruins of l'Estiva.

(6) Turn left to descend via a series of hairpin bends and reach the D106 road and the Refuge de la Porte de l'Orgère (E), today’s destination and the end of the 5-Circular Loop.

Note: The Porte de l'Orgère mountain hut is marked as Refuge de l'Orgère on the map.

Please note: This route crosses the Vanoise National Park.
To preserve the park’s natural heritage, you must follow a few 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 practise other aerial sports,
- Do not go mountain biking,
- Do not drive motor vehicles,
- Fish in authorised lakes and rivers in accordance with the regulations.
Further information at: www.vanoise-parcnational.fr

Accommodation:
(S) Overnight stays are available at the Refuge du Saut; camping is permitted near the refuge
Booking and prices at: Refuge du Saut
(E) You can spend the night at the Refuge Porte de l'Orgère; camping is permitted near the refuge
Booking and prices at: Refuge de l'Orgere

Water:
(S) At the Refuge du Saut, you can top up your water supplies at a water fountain.
(3) At the Refuge de Péclet-Polset, you can top up your water supplies; there is a water source next to the refuge.
(E) At the Refuge Porte de l'Orgère, you can refill your water at a water fountain.

Route difficulty (technical information):
IBP: 142 (Hiking) (HKG)
Percentage of ascent: 14.25%
Percentage descent: 16.92%
Results following route survey here