A route around the Combins massif

This seven-stage trek around Les Combins differs in a few ways from the classic tour. It allows you to hike in complete tranquillity in a sumptuous and diverse setting between the mid- and high-mountain ranges, where you will climb to over 3,000 metres. You will encounter dozens of marmots, ibex and herds of Herens cows. A few remnants of glaciers add to the alpine atmosphere of this trek, whose highest point is the Col du Mont Gelé at 3,144 metres.

Important note.
Plan for two bus journeys on this route.

Day 2: to reach Liddes on the^second day from the Grand-Saint-Bernard Pass, see the timetable here
Day 7: for the return journey from Ollemont to Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses, see the bus timetable here

Photos

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

1. S
   

   Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses - Grand Saint-Bernard Hospice

   4.87 km 758 m 11 m

   An easy warm-up walk in preparation for a 3/4 tour of Les Combins. From the car park located after Saint-Rhémy, in a hairpin bend at an altitude of 1,730 m, coming from Saint-Rhémy-en Bosses, on Route 27 of the Col du Grand Saint-Bernard. The route follows the Via Alpina Red R117.

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2. 2
   

   Liddes - Cabane de Mille

   5.48 km 1,197 m 10 m

   For this second stage, take the bus from the Grand Saint-Bernard Pass Hospice to the village of Liddes. Depart from Liddes and walk through large forest areas and flower-filled mountain pastures to reach the Cabane du Col de Mille.

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3. 3
   

   Cabane de Mille - Cabane Brunet

   7.28 km 209 m 582 m

   This stage was shortened due to bad weather. The plan was to go via Mont Rogneux. This is a short stage that allows you to avoid Mont Rogneux when it is in thick fog. However, if the weather improves in the afternoon, it is possible to climb from the Cabane Brunet to the Goli des Otanes. You will then walk alongside pastures where Herens cows graze.

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4. 4
   

   Brunet Hut - Panossière Hut

   6.70 km 858 m 326 m

   The route passes through the Col des Avouillons before descending to the rest of the Corbassière glacier, which is crossed via a spectacular 200 m long footbridge over a 70 m drop. The high mountains reveal themselves after the pass in a grandiose setting.

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5. 5
   

   Panossière Hut - Chanrion Hut

   15.64 km 1,195 m 1,372 m

   This is a fairly long stage but set against a magnificent backdrop. The Mauvoisin dam is impressive, as are all the waterfalls along the right bank of the lake. The route passes through the easy and beautiful Tsofeiret Pass.

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6. 6
   

   Cabane de Chanrion - Crête Sèche refuge

   8.44 km 676 m 746 m

   This description differs from the classic Combins tour. This route is not recommended in bad weather. It offers an alternative off the beaten track via the Refuge de Crête Seiche. The atmosphere is alpine, requiring a good level of experience on stony paths and snowfields. The distance may seem short and the elevation gain low, but it is a difficult stage.

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7. E
   

   Crête Sèche Refuge - Ollomont

   12.48 km 827 m 1,855 m

   This last stage takes place in an alpine setting. It justifies the choice of this alternative to the classic Tour des Combins. Unfortunately, the consequences of climate change are evident. The glaciers mentioned on the map no longer exist. Only rock piles remain. From the Col du Mont Gelé, the highest point of this trek, you must pay close attention to the path marked by cairns to follow on the descent. The position of these cairns is sometimes erratic. The end of this stage ends with a long and very steep descent, which can be avoided by staying on the pastoral road.

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