Elisa Refuge - Champex

(S) Behind the Elena refuge, take the wide path that heads east into the pastures. Follow a series of short switchbacks up to the somewhat abandoned alpine farms (2,264 m). Higher up, head north and continue to the large Ferret Pass (2,537 m). Crossing into Switzerland.

(1) Descend, keeping to the left to bypass the top of the vast Revers de la Peule valley. On the hillside, continue along the well-defined path that crosses the Chaudière alpine meadows and then a few couloirs.

(2) Continue up a steeper slope to the Chalet de la Peule (2,071 m).

(3) Take a wide track here. Descend via numerous bends, then cross the Drance de Ferret on the wooden bridge.

(4) Tackle a short climb on the left bank of the Drance. You will reach the village of Ferret.

(5) At the entrance to the hamlet of Ferret, descend, cross the Durance and take the path which climbs slightly through pastures and reaches the junction with the Léchère-Dessous (1,680m). Continue, cross a stream via a modern footbridge, then join the Drance and cross it under the Clou chalet.

(6) Take the road to the entrance of the village of La Fouly. Turn left onto the^GR® and follow it to Issert, passing through a valley of little interest. See the possible detour in the section "During the hike" for more information.

(7) Leave the village of Issert by taking the road on the right for 400 m. Turn left into the wooded meadows onto the path that climbs up and crosses the Prénondes torrent. Enter the forest, pass some old slate quarries and arrive at the crossroads of the Affe chalets.

(8) Climb up to the left and turn right. After crossing the hillside, you will arrive at the plateau where Lake Champex is located. Continue along the road to the left and take shortcuts to reach the centre of the Champex Lac resort (E).

There are many lodges available in Champex. It is a tourist village.
Pension En Plein Air
Lise Cachat-Chiodoni
Route du Lac 45
1938 Champex-Lac
Tel: + 41 27 783 23 50
Email: pensionenpleinair@bluewin.ch

(3) At this location, there is the option of staying in an isolated straw-covered yurt (very traditional).
(6) You can take the bus to Issert (otherwise add 2 hours to the hike) as this is a valley with little of interest.
Provisions can be purchased in La Fouly and Champex.
Visit Champex.