Six days amid rock and ice
Trailhead: St. Rhémy-en-Bosses(1619m regular bus connection from Aosta)
Highest point: Col des Otanes (2880m)
Total travelling time:35,5-38,5 h
Overall height gain/loss: + 4113m - 4113m
Cabane F.X. Bagnoud à Panossière – La Tseumette – Mauvoisin – Les Fontanes – Lac de Tsofeiret – Cab. de Chanrion
Travel time: 6,5-7 h
On the fourth day you reach the highest point of the route, at almost 2900 metres. Leaving the hut, follow the lateral moraine and climb up the Col des Otanes at 2846m. You will never forget the view of the Grand Combin. Follow the steep winding path all the way to the beautiful Alpe Tseumette. Just before Mauvoisin, take the road to Lake de Mauvoisin (1961m), go past the dam and walk steadily uphill to the foot of the icy La Ruinette (3875m), on the way to the Cabane de Chanrion (2462m).
Accommodation:
Cab. de Chanrion (2,462m): Tel. +41-(0)27-7781209,
www.vs-wallis.ch/wallis/huetten/chanrion.html, open from the beginning of July to the end of September, SAC-CAS.
Alternative route:
Climbing the Grand Combin This route is only for experienced climbers and solely in optimal weather conditions. Less experienced climbers must be accompanied by alpine guides. For this climb full alpine gear (crampons, ice axes, rope and harness) is needed. The trailhead for this route is Cabane de Panossière. The track crosses the Glacier de Corbassière on the left flank, follow it as you bypass an area of crevasses, between 2800m -2900 m and finally, turning first right and then left, you reach Plateau du Déjuner. At this point the glacier has an inclination of approximately 40-50 degrees. Crossing the north-western crest you eventually reach the main summit, the Grand Combin de Grafeneire (4314m). After climbing the western crag, at grade III, you reach Col du Meitin (3611m). Finally, descend to the Valsorey hut (3037m).
Accommodation:
Tel. +41-(0)27-7871122) and relax after a strenuous day. The following morning, descend directly to Bourg St. Pierre passing by the Chalet d’Amont.