Les Houches - Refuge de Tête Rousse

The Refuge de Tête Rousse is a stopover refuge for Mont Blanc. This hike gives you a taste of what to expect before climbing Mont Blanc and spending a night in a refuge at over 3,000 metres. The hike takes two days: the ascent on the first day and the descent on the second.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.71 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,124 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,124 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,167 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,083 m

Description of the walk

Departure from the Belle Vue cable car. Then we take the famous Mont Blanc tramway to the Mont Lachat station. We arrive at 2,077 metres. This is the terminus as the tramway does not currently go to the Nid d'Aigle.

(S/E) After admiring the landscape, we begin the hike along the railway line on a slightly higher path towards the Col des Rognes. Follow the markings (paint on the stones).
After a short climb, turn left and continue on the path or large rocks to the Dérochoir. The climb is still very steep.

(1) To get past the Dérochoir, you have to climb several ladders (beware of vertigo).
You will then arrive at a basin from where you can see the new Refuge du Goûter perched high above. Head for the signs indicating the Mont Blanc route and simply follow the hikers setting off to climb Mont Blanc. From this point onwards, crampons are compulsory. Continue over the rocks and climb up a very steep slope. Some sections are equipped to make the climb easier. Follow the markings carefully.

(2) When you reach the Tête Rousse glacier, find a way to cross it and head for the Refuge de Tête Rousse.

(3) Descend via the same route to reach the Col du Mont Lachat (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 2,083 m - Col du Mont Lachat (2077 m)
  2. 1 : km 1.44 - alt. 2,384 m - Le Dérochoir
  3. 2 : km 2.94 - alt. 3,111 m - Glacier de Tête Rousse
  4. 3 : km 3.35 - alt. 3,167 m - Refuge de Tête Rousse
  5. S/E : km 6.71 - alt. 2,083 m - Col du Mont Lachat

Notes

High mountain equipment is mandatory.
Be sure to follow the instructions for crossing the glacier as there is a risk of collapse. The refuge offers a guaranteed mountain atmosphere. After a night in the refuge, admire the sunrise.

Worth a visit

Ascent of Mont Blanc.

Reviews and comments

3.7 / 5
Based on 1 review

Reliability of the description
3 / 5
Ease of following the route
3 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
alegre-thierry
alegre-thierry

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 09, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

The route through the scree is closed due to rockfalls.
Hike completed: departure (and return): Crozat car park
Outward route: Col de VOZA, Bellevue, Les Vrets, Le Nid d'Aigle, Baraque des Rognes, Refuge de Tête Rousse
Return via the Eagle's Nest, Les Vrets, but directly to Le Planet and the car park.
Distance: approximately 20 km (round trip) Elevation gain: 1,700 metres.

You can save 750 metres of elevation gain on the outward or return journey (and a lot of distance) by taking the TMB from the Col de Voza to the Eagle's Nest.

A pleasant hike in good weather, with ibex (or chamois) near the Rognes hut (and not shy), but the glacier is now a shadow of its former self (last done in 1990). No ice axe or crampons needed in July and August

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lsrustine
lsrustine

unable to participate in the hike

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lespine
lespine

thanks for the information. Have a great hike this summer. See you soon, maybe

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Nicole Guil
Nicole Guil

I didn't use any special equipment for this hike. The signs do say that crampons are required, but to get to Tête Rousse, they aren't necessary in July and August
best regards

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lespine
lespine

what equipment do I need for this high mountain hike? Thank you in advance

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