A little known area, the Haute Maurienne is transformed in winter into a tourers paradise. The huts are quiet but full of character and the Guardians friendly.
The crossing of the ‘three cols’ from the Carro to Evettes huts rivals Chamonix’s tour of the same name. Easily accesed from Val d’Isere or Bonneval.
Season: March – April
Sample itinerary
Day 1. We start from the small resort of Bonneval-sur-Arc and skin past the small hamlet of L’Ecot. Today involves over 900m of steep-ish but straightforward ascent to the Carro Hut. A fantastic remote hut.
Day 2. Today we ascend Levanna Occidentale PD+ 3593m and return to the hut. There is a transceiver park outside and it is always worth giving it a go to keep those skills sharp.
Day 3. This is one of the best ski touring days in the Alps but needs good conditions. It essentially crosses 3 cols: Col des Pariotes (you can also access the Evettes Hut from here), Col de Trieves (the crux of the route) and Col du Grand Mean to the Evettes Hut.
Day 4. Today is another great ski touring day with an ascent and traverse of L’Albaron 3637m. The scenery here is ‘big’ with glacial skiing and seracs. The summit itself is climbed without skis but a great descent awaits to the Refuge d’Averole.
Day 5. From the refuge there are a number of peaks available but the Ouille de L’Arberon is a great objective before skiing out down the Torrent d’Averole to le Villaron.
