The program may be modified depending on conditions on the ground and the fitness level of the participants.
Day 1: Bionaz – Prarayer hut (2005 m)
Starting from the parking lot in the hamlet of Bionaz—or further along, depending on road accessibility—we follow the road to the Place Moulin dam. We hike along the dam to its far end, where the Prarayer hut is located.
Duration: 4 to 5 hours, depending on road access.
Elevation gain/loss : + 300 m / - 900 m
Day 2: Becca Vannetta (3361 m) or Marcel Kurz spike
From the hut, we head up the Comba d’Oren towards the Nacamuli hut, leaving it to our left. We ascend the steep slopes leading to the summit of Becca Vannetta (3361 m). If snow conditions are good enough, we descend via the southeast couloir—a magnificent run through a stunning canyon that brings us back above the hut, which we then easily reach. This superb loop offers a glimpse of the peaks we will visit in the following days, with the Dent d’Hérens in sight at the head of the valley.
For Marcel Kurz spike, we head to the Collon mountain pass, then climb the slopes to the summit. The descent follows the small east ridge, then continues down a couloir similar to the one used for Becca Vannetta.
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Elevation gain/loss : + 1360 m / -1360 m
Day 3: Tsan Dome (3351 m)
We set off into the beautiful Valcornière valley, ascending towards the Chavacour pass, before turning left to climb the slopes leading to the summit of the Tsan Dome. The view over the Valtournenche valley is a feast for the eyes ; the pyramid of the Matterhorn (Cervino) rises in front of us, as do all the high peaks of the Valpelline. The descent follows the same route back to the mountain hut.
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +1360 m / -1360 m
Day 4: Château des Dames (The Ladies' Castle) (3,489 m)
One of the major peaks in the Valpelline valley; it requires good conditions, as the slopes near the summit are quite steep. This time, we head towards the northwest face, following the main valley for about an hour before turning right to ascend steeper slopes, eventually reaching the "Château des Dames" glacier. The final slope to the summit is somewhat steeper, and we may need to finish on foot—wearing crampons with our skis strapped to our backpacks. There is a stunning view of the Valtournenche valley and the Matterhorn (Cervin). A magnificent descent takes us back to the mountain hut.
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +1,480 m / -1,480 m
Day 5: Aosta hut
We head back into the main valley, traveling due north to reach the Aosta hut at 2,781 m. This is a slightly more relaxed day, giving our legs a chance to recover.
Duration: 4 hours
Elevation gain: + 780 m
Day 6: Shoulder of the Dent d’Hérens
A magnificent ascent offering yet another breathtaking view of the Matterhorn. The descent, which crosses the Grandes Murailles glacier, is equally spectacular and promises some excellent skiing. We then return to the mountain hut and our cars.
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Elevation gain/loss: + 1,200 m / - 2,000 m
Note: Early in the season, and if the conditions are favorable, we may offer the option to climb Mont Gelé, located above the village of Bionaz, and one of the major peaks in the Valpelline valley. In this case, we will spend one night at the Alpe Rebelle inn in Bionaz. This program can, of course, be modified, as there are many other hiking options.
