Hiking The Ruitor glacier

Day 1 : Colle San Carlo (La Thuile) - Refuge Deffeyes
A minibus transfer takes us upstream from the village of La Thuile, in the Aosta Valley. Our hike begins here, with the trail gradually ascending alongside the Ruitor River. The spectacle and the landscapes are already captivating! We ascend the valley to Lake Serrachi. The panorama is superb, and the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif unfolds in all its width. Our path continues with a very pleasant traverse to the lower Ruitor Lake, revealing the grand glacial cirque of Ruitor before us. The view is magnificent, with the wide cirque perfectly defined by a ridge line, crowned by the Testa del Ruitor, while the Ruitor's glacier tongues descend 3280 feet below into turquoise lakes... Stunning!
Elevation gain: 3,100 feet - Elevation loss: 20 feet - Distance: 4 miles

Day 2 : Col du Tachuit - Col de Montséti - Refuge de l'Archeboc
It's time to get closer to these glaciers and share a bit of their coolness. We head towards the Col du Tachuit (8822 feet). The trail winds through alpine meadows and glacial lakes, weaving its way along ancient moraines where stones, rocks, and boulders create a perfect mineral chaos. We then pass through Sassière before ascending to the Col de Montséti (8268 feet). The final slopes leading to the pass are a true delight and bring us to the endpoint of our day at the Refuge de l'Archeboc! The pleasures of effort merge with the joys of hiking in such sublime locations...
Elevation gain: 2,900 feet - Elevation loss: 4,400 feet - Distance: 9 miles

Day 3 : Refuge Mario Bezzi
We embark on an adventure on this hiking day from the Refuge de l'Archeboc to the summit of Col du Mont at an altitude of 8639 feet. We will then descend into the splendid Valgrisenche valley, passing through astonishingly diverse landscapes. On the eastern slopes of Ruitor, you'll be surrounded by lush alpine flora and typical mountain fauna. The final ascent of the day leads us to the Mario Bezzi Refuge, where we will spend the night.
Elevation gain: 3,500 feet - Elevation loss: 2,800 feet - Distance: 9 miles

Day 4 : Refuge Mario Bezzi - Refuge de l'Épée
A day just as we like them: long and magnificent, offering breathtaking landscapes throughout. We will tackle ascents and descents while enjoying the stunning panoramas that unfold along our route. Our itinerary will take us across suspended trails offering breathtaking views of Ruitor, with several options to explore, whether on classic trails or more challenging off-piste routes. You'll be able to adapt your route based on your preferences and fitness level. We will traverse the Valgrisenche valley on high-altitude paths, with the majestic Mont Blanc massif in the background. The night will be spent at the Refuge de l'Épée, where we can recharge for another day of adventure. An unforgettable experience awaits!
Elevation gain: 2,700 feet - - Elevation loss: 2,300 feet - Distance: 7 miles

Day 5 : Refuge de l'Épée - Valgrisenche
We leave the refuge early in the morning to ascend to the Col de la Fenêtre with our packs as light as possible. We will partially return to the refuge to retrieve our belongings. The Col de la Fenêtre offers a 360° view. Afterward, we will replenish our energy at the refuge before descending through the alpine forest towards Valgrisenche, where our taxi awaits to take us back to the Chamonix valley. The end of an exceptional week in the wild trails of Ruitor.
Elevation gain: 3,100 feet - Elevation loss: 5,400 feet - Distance: 11 miles

This program can be modified at any time by the supervising professional based on weather conditions and/or the technical and physical levels of the participants.