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(S) Starting from the Refuge du Fond d'Aussois, head down to a small bridge to cross the Ruisseau de Saint-Benoit.
At the next junction, turn left north-west, following the yellow markings to the Col d’Aussois. You will reach a more rocky area.
(1) Continue the ascent to the right, following the cairns. Pass the wayside shrine on a ledge and then reach the Col d'Aussois.
Caution: the climb up to the Col d'Aussois is steep and, depending on the season, there may be snowfields.
Part of the path may be slippery in wet weather, due to the presence of smooth rocks and the proximity of streams.
(2) At the Col d'Aussois, you have two options:
- straight ahead, to avoid the summit climb, continue the route to point 4.
- turn left to begin the ascent (and return) to the Pointe de l'Observatoire, as shown on the map and detailed below.
The ascent of the Pointe de l'Observatoire is accessible (allow around 30 minutes for the round trip).
The route is relatively easy to follow via several small paths from the pass.
Towards the end, you need to veer right to reach the peak, where you’ll find a view with a bit of a drop and some wind.
Please note: avoid the climb in bad weather, but no mountaineering equipment is required.
(3) Descend via the reverse route of the ascent.
(2) To resume the route, begin the descent on the other side of the pass.
(4) Follow the path downstream towards the north until you reach the Ruisseau de Rosoire.
Please note: there are two possible routes for the descent; the destination is the same, so there is no need to worry. The route shown is not marked on OSM or IGN maps.
(5) Cross the Ruisseau de Rosoire, turn left to reach the ruins of the Chalet de Rosoire.
Then continue straight on and, at the bottom of the valley, you’ll reach the Ritort farm.
(6) Continue straight on and, after crossing the footbridge over the Doron de Chavière river, turn left twice to join theGR®55(red and white markings).
(7) At the next junction, leave theGR®55and turn right, heading north-west towards the Col Rouge via a winding path.
Please note: the climb up to Col Rouge is steep and, depending on the season, there may be snowfields.
The route follows a long, narrow path along the mountainside, with some slippery sections due to small stones and sandy soil.
(8) At the pass, begin the descent, cross a small stream (which may dry up in summer) and reach, on a plateau, the Ruisseau de Chanrouge.
(9) Continue straight on along the path (heading west) towards the Refuge du Saut.
Then, after a winding descent and past the footbridge, turn left to reach the Refuge du Saut (E), today’s destination.
Visorando Member
Difficult 
Tourism professional
Moderate 
