Théodule Refuge - Saint-Jacques

(S) Leave the Théodule refuge on the right and take the wide ski slope to the middle station of the cable car serving Testa Grigia.

(1) Turn left (sign) onto the track and then the path to quickly reach the last pass, the Col des Cimes Blanches (North Pass).

(2) Begin a short descent towards the Col Sud to overlook the Grand Lac below. Then begin the very long descent interspersed with long passages in valleys that are practically level. Reach the abandoned chalets of Mase.

(3) Continue, alternating between false flats and steep descents, to reach the Chalets d'Aventine.

(4) Then enter the forest and finish on an excellent path to Blanchard and then Saint-Jacques (E).

Water can be found in the streams, but it is preferable to look for resurgent springs to stock up on this precious liquid.

The first part of the route takes place in the vast ski area of Breuil Cervinia. Here, the particularly anachronistic developments completely disfigure an absolutely wonderful site at the foot of the Matterhorn. But of course, economic interests take precedence over the beauty of the sites.
The descent from the Col Sud des Cimes Blanches, on the other hand, takes place in a cinematic setting and when the weather is fine, as it was on this particular day, it is truly enchanting.