3-Pass Loop - Stage 2 - Refuge des Aiguilles d'Arves / Chalet du Perron

Step 2: From the Aiguilles d’Arves mountain hut, head to the Chalet du Perron via the spectacular Col de l’Épaisseur. The route alternates between trails, scree, and ridges, offering superb views of the Aiguilles d’Arves and the mountain pastures.

Starting from the Aiguilles d’Arves mountain hut, the trail climbs through the alpine pastures to the Combe du Puy before reaching the Col de l’Épaisseur (2,891 m). After following the ridge, the trail crosses the Passage de l’Épaisseur, an exposed section offering magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The descent continues through boulders, high-altitude trails, and streams to Plan Pradin. The path then follows the ridges of the Tête de Chat and the Basse du Gerbier before gradually descending through the alpine pastures toward the Chalet du Perron. This wild, alpine stage alternates between off-trail sections, rocky terrain, and vast pastoral landscapes, with remarkable views of the Aiguilles d’Arves and the valleys of Saint-Jean-d’Arves.

IGN map 3435ET VALLOIRE - Aiguilles d'Arves / Col du Galibier is on sale in Valloire shops.

Climb above the refuge along a mountain pasture trail to the marker at Sous l’Aiguille de l’Epaisseur. Turn right and cross an area of large boulders to reach the Combe du Puy. Hike up the bottom of the valley, following the cairns, to reach the Col de l’Epaisseur. Follow the ridge to the right until you reach the Passage de l’Epaisseur. Descend through the passage, keeping your distance from the cable on the right. Follow the iron stakes to a flat area among large boulders. Continue the descent following the yellow markings until you reach a grassy section and then the Plan Pradin marker. Then turn left onto a trail that crosses several streams. Below the Tête de Chat, turn right and follow the ridge to the Basse du Gerbier. Turn left to descend along a ridge to the La Crête sign. Continue descending to the Col, then turn right to descend through the alpine pastures to the Chalet du Perron.