Except the Vichères rando parc, these routes are neither marked nor secure. Anyone using ski touring routes is solely responsible for their own actions. Pays du St-Bernard declines all responsibility in the event of an accident and gives no guarantee as to the topicality, accuracy or completeness of the information provided.
Be accompanied by a certified mountain guide. Find their contact details on here.
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From the Cabane de Valsorey over the Col du Plateau du Couloir (key section) and on over the Col du Sonadon down to the Cabane de Chanrion. The summit of the Grande Tête de By with its imposing view is the perfect place to start.
Another early start! First with skis (crampons!). Then soon switch to crampons and ice axe and climb up to the 3650 m high col. This is probably the most challenging part of the entire tour. “Then you’re standing in the sun” and can switch to skis. You may also make a short ascent to the Bivacco Musso. The short, briefly steep descent into the basin is followed by a short ascent to the Col du Sonadon. Then the long descent over the Glacier du Mont Durand. A short traverse and then another descent to Chanrion. A short ascent to the hut is a bit of a chore at the end, but is quickly completed.
Itinerary
Best period to go there
Prestations
Author\s note
Be sure to make a short ascent to the Bivacco and the Grand Tête de By.
The early morning ascent is demanding, usually cold and should not be underestimated. It can also be icy. In this case, you may need to secure yourself or you can safely handle crampons and ice axes.
Directions
Ascend directly behind the hut, then steeper and steeper with crampons and ice axe (possibly even secure with a rope!) up to the col. From here, mostly in the sun, you can still ascend to the Bivacco Musso. Then a short and sometimes steep descent to climb up to the Col du Sonadon. Optionally, you can continue across to the Grand Tête de By, the last few metres of which are easily reached on foot. Then over wide slopes down the Glacier du Mont Durand. Be careful, there are some large glacier falls! Continue downhill until you reach a traverse, which you have to take without gaining any significant height until you can see down to the Chanrion. Then descend again and skin up again in the valley basin and climb the last few metres to the modern, spacious Cabane Chanrion. Here you finally have decent toilets and the unexpected luxury of a shower. (5 CHF)