Refuge des Fonts de Cervières – Andrea Tornior Bivouac

(S) From the refuge, follow the^GR®58eastwards towards the Col du Petit Malrif above Lac du Malrif.

(1) At the pass, turn left (north/north-east) onto the ridge (follow the trail) towards Les Eaux Pendantes.

(2) Please note: the Pic du Malrif can be very tricky in strong winds or wet weather.
The rest of the ridge presents no real difficulty as far as the Grand Glaiza.

(3) The Grand Glaiza, at nearly 3,300 metres, is a stunning viewpoint that is not too difficult to reach.
Retrace your steps back to the Col du Malrif.

(4) At the pass, follow the^GR®58Dalternative route which leads to the Col de Rasis.

(5) After crossing a scree slope, you reach the Col des Thures.

(6) From the Col de Thures, it’s possible to continue along the ridge to the foot of the Bric Froid, or even attempt the ascent… but that’ll add another 500m of ascent and descent!
Alternatively, head down to the left into the beautiful Italian valley of Thuras, to the Andrea Tornior Bivouac (E), which is clearly visible from the pass.

In the event of adverse weather conditions (fog, rain, etc.), it’s best not to venture onto the Grand Glaiza. The section over the Pic du Malrif can be problematic with poor visibility and wet ground (slippery schist).
In this case, it’s better to follow the^GR®58to Abriès or the Roux d’Abries.

The Andrea Tornior bivouac (E) is clearly visible from the Col des Thures and is practically right by the path. It shouldn’t be too difficult to find in bad weather.
A lovely hut with just the bare essentials. Please note, there is no water and the surrounding area consists of pastureland.
I collected water from the stream that rises in the valley below the Col de Rasis… Had no problems, without using water purification tablets or boiling the water.

Plan B:
In the event of bad weather, if you feel, for example, that the ridge walk to the Pic du Malrif is risky, or if the conditions are set to remain poor for some time, it’s best to head down to Abriès and try to hitch a lift to the hamlet of Le Roux d’Abries to spend the night at the Lodge Le Cassu.
You’ll be ready to set off as soon as possible to climb to the Col des Thures and reach the Andrea Tornior bivouac. And you’ll have plenty of time to make the most of it by heading via the summit of Bric Froid… it’s well worth the detour!
That’s the option I chose, given the conditions.
I’m familiar with the route described here, though. It’s well worth a visit!

Roux d’Abriès hamlet, Lodge Le Cassu