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Hiking The Ruitor glacier

Duration: 5 days
Level:

Level 1: You have never practiced.

Level 2: You have some initial experience.

Level 3: You practice occasionally.

Level 4: You practice regularly.

Level 5: You have a sustained practice.

Price from: 680€
For more information, contact Pôle Randonnée :
General information

Discover the Tour du Ruitor, a high-altitude trek through the majestic Alpine massifs, offering breathtaking panoramas of Mont Blanc, Vanoise, and Grand Paradis. Rising to 11,437 feet, Mount Ruitor is a gem in the Italian Alps, where you'll be immersed in a world of glaciers, wild valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. Prepare for unique encounters with alpine wildlife and moments of serenity in the pristine wilderness. A true paradise for trekking and hiking enthusiasts seeking new adventures beyond the Tour du Mont-Blanc (TMB).

You carry your belongings for the week in your backpack to fully enjoy the mountain. Accommodation in hostels or refuges. Overnight stays in dormitories.

Transfers are made using local transportation, and supplies can be obtained either in the villages along the way or at the refuges.
 

Private booking

A private booking is the historical relationship that binds a mountain leader to their clients. It allows you to be alone or in your own group with your mountain leader who will meet your specific needs.It is undoubtedly the ideal formula realise your projects because it guarentees you a maximum amount of comfort. You are free to choose your departure date (subject to the availability in the accommodation). Depending on the weather conditions, the proposed route can be adjusted according to your level and expectations, the professional can suggest alternatives to the itinerary.

Prices 2024 :
1 person : 3855€ per person  |  7 people : 890€ per person
2 people : 2125€ per person  |  8 people : 825€ per person
3 people : 1545€ per person  |  9 people : 780€ per person
4 people : 1260€ per person  |  10 people : 740€ per person
5 people : 1085€ per person  |  11 people : 710€ per person
6 people : 970€ per person    |  12 people : 680€ per person

This price includes:
- the organization and supervision by a state qualified trekking guide
- half-board accommodation, including dinner, breakfast, and overnight stay, in a refuge (dormitory) and a hotel (double room).
- picnic lunches
- transfers throughout the hike

Not included in the price :
- drinks and personal expenditure (souvenirs…)
- repatriation insurance (compulsory). Cancellation Insurance highly reccommended

 

Further information

In this section, find all the information about this activity. For further information, please contact our advisor (contact details above).

Meeting Point : Departure at 8:00am at the Compagnie des Guides, 190 Place de l’Eglise, 74400 Chamonix Mont-Blanc.

Ability Level : 4/5 - The Tour du Ruitor is a strenuous hike. It involves a minimum of 3,280 feet of positive elevation gain and an average of 6 to 8 hours of walking per day. The hike covers varied mountain terrain, which may include technical difficulties (equipped and secured passages, short sections with ladders) or exposed sections. It may also involve off-trail hiking on challenging terrain like scree slopes. Good experience in multi-day mountain hiking is required. Participants should be physically fit and in excellent condition.

Guiding policy : minimum 6 and maximum 12 people per guide. The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix's guiding policy is one of the strictest in the mountain guiding business. It guarantees the most balanced groups as possible as well as high-quality personalised advice.
Important: Registration possible from 16 years of age. Registration is not permitted  to anyone under the age of 18 without a legal guardian.

Accommodation :
- During the stay: 4 nights in refuge (in dormitories). You will carry your personal belongings in your backpack.
- Before & after the trip : benefit from preferential prices from our partner hotels in Chamonix. If you wish to receive information just ask the Randonnée department. 

Documentation :
- Participants must have sports insurance with repatriation cover. We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover. You can take out insurance offering both of these types of cover when you sign up.
- Participants must also take valid ID with them.

Preparing for the trip : There is an information meeting with your mountain leader the day before departure at 6pm at the Compagnie des Guides Office.
 

Equipment

We recommend that you take special care in choosing your equipment because it contributes greatly to the success of your trip. As alpine conditions can be highly variable with sudden changes, it can get very cold in altitude, it is preferable to have numerous layers rather than one thick piece of clothing. It is not uncommon to have snow in the middle of summer, do not skimp on warm clothes even if the weather seems favourable. Contrarily, the sun can be scorching hot. Without weighing too much, you should always have sufficient equipment in your backpack to deal with the capricious and severe weather.

Equipment
- A backpack with a capacity of at least 40 litres (better too big than too small). Make sure you have enough space for the picnic. A small tip in case it rains : even if you have a backpack cover, always protect your belongings in a plastic bag (a big rubbish bag) inside your backpack. Your backpack should not weigh more than 9kg when you have everything inside.
- A pair of top-quality hiking boots with Vibram soles. For new shoes, we strongly suggest that you wear them beforehand to mold them to the shape of your foot. If you are prone to blisters :  talcum powder applied to dry feet and in your shoes before you start your days hiking.

Clothing
For added comfort regarding underwear, (t-shirts, boxers, socks), avoid cotton which is heavy, cold and dries very slowly. Opt for synthetic technical fabrics or wool, which is making a comeback. They are warmer and dry quickly.
For the day :
- 1 short-sleeved t-shirt
- 1 long-sleeved t-shirt (technical fabric)
- 1 polar fleece 
- 1 light down jacket (or a second fleece)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 pair of hiking trousers
- 1 pair of hiking socks (technical fabric)
- 1 Goretex jacket (waterproof windbreaker)
- 1 poncho (large rain cover that fits over your pack) or 1 pack cover
- 1 pair of waterproof trousers (although light Gore-tex trousers are expensive, other types of light waterproof trousers will do)
- Sun hat or baseball cap
- 1 warm hat
- 1 pair of gloves
For the entire trip :
- At least 2 changes of clothes - t-shirt, underwear & socks (technical fabric)
- 1 pair of long underwear (technical fabric)
- 1 pair of ultra-light shoes (i.e. flip flops, slippers)
- optional : short gators (start of the season)

Accessories
For the day :
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream and lip salve
- 1 water bottle (minimum 1 litre but 1.5 litres is better)
- 1 knife
- 1 fork (type "spork")
- 1 pair of telescopic poles
For the entire trip :
- 1 sleeping bag liner
- Flashlight or headlight
- Personal pharmacy : elastoplast, (stretchable strapping tape), band-aids "second skin" kit, compresses, medicines for common ailments : diarrhea, constipation, sore throat, headaches, pain relief, allergies and any prescribed medication. The mountain leader always carries a first aid kit with them. Remember that packing light is essential.
- Toiletries, hand towel, earplugs
- Identification (passport or ID card)
- Money for your personal expenses
- A bit of soap for laundry

Our Rental Partners : You can rent your equipment with our rental shops partners and benefit from special price Sanglard Sports, Ravanel & Co & Concept Pro Shop
Our Equipment Partners : Millet, Dynastar, Julbo, Grivel & Monnet

 

Itinerary

Itinerary

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.
 

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CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 80 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity

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