The 3-Pass Loop - A 5-Day Hiking Tour

Hiking
Expert
120h
55km
Loop
+4040m
-4040m
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Description

A 5-day backpacking trek between Maurienne and Oisans, in the heart of the Aiguilles d’Arves. Cross mountain passes, alpine meadows, wilderness, and ridges with exceptional views of La Meije and the Écrins. Overnight stays in 3 mountain huts and 1 alpine chalet.

Stage 1: Valloire Bonne Nuit – Aiguilles d'Arves Mountain Hut
Stage 2: Aiguilles d'Arves Mountain Hut – Chalet du Perron
Stage 3: Chalet du Perron - Pic du Mas de la Grave Mountain Hut
Stage 4: Pic du Mas de la Grave Mountain Hut - Goléon Mountain Hut
Stage 5: Goléon Mountain Hut - Valloire Bonne Nuit

Difficult sections

Caution – Technical Section at Col de l’Épaisseur
The Col de l’Épaisseur section is the most challenging part of the Tour des Aiguilles d’Arves. Only experienced hikers, accustomed to navigating varied terrain and mountainous conditions, should attempt this route, provided weather and snow conditions are favorable.
To reach Plan Pradin from the Col de l’Épaisseur on the Albiez-Montrond side, the route follows a very steep scree slope on unstable terrain. This section requires sure-footedness, good physical condition, and experience navigating difficult terrain.
Rockfalls may occur in this area. For this reason, the passage is not recommended for large groups to minimize the risk of triggering rockfalls that could endanger hikers below.
Before setting out, be sure to check the trail conditions. Snowfields may persist into summer, making the crossing tricky or even dangerous.
If you are not accustomed to this type of terrain, it is strongly recommended that you hire a mountain guide or a professional guide.

Marking

Yellow paint, iron stakes for high-altitude mountain pastures, yellow markers along the Tour du Pays des Aiguilles d'Arves.

Map references

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

Amenities

Stages

Guided steps

Stage 1: Departure from Les Verneys, arrival at Refuge des Aiguilles d'Arves: 7.7 Km, 763 m D+, 84 m D-. Lodging at Refuge des Aiguilles d'Arves.
Step by step :
From Les Verneys, take the road to the left of the bakery, then turn left into the Chemin de Pessail. Pass the last houses and take the path at the end of the parking lot. Follow the path until you reach a track, turn right and follow it up 2 hairpins. Then turn left to cross the hairpin bends on a narrow path to the hamlet of Vallon. Continue straight ahead on the balcony path to Commandrault. From here, turn slightly right, cross a stream then a footbridge and climb the last slope via the Mauvais Pas to reach the refuge.

Stage 2 (optional): Refuge des Aiguilles d'Arves - Col de l'Epaisseur - Refuge des Aiguilles d'Arves: 8.4 Km, 683 m D+/D- 683 m. Lodging at the Refuge des Aiguilles d'Arves.
Step by step:
Climb above the refuge on an alpine path to the Sous l'aiguille de l'Epaisseur post. Turn right, cross an area of large boulders and join the combe du Puy. Follow the cairns up the bottom of the combe to the Col de l'Epaisseur. Return to the refuge by the same route.

Stage 3: Departure from Refuge des Aiguilles d'Arves, Les Choseaux - Verneys: 6.8 km / D+ 0 m / D- 680 m
Step by step:
Descend from the refuge to Commandrault, then turn right on an alpine path that descends to the Les Aiguilles post just above the Aiguilles chalets. Turn left to descend first into the alpine pasture and then into the forest to La Rivine via La Roche Bernard. At La Rivine, turn right to cross the Valoirette and the main road. Take the track opposite along the right bank of the Valoirette as far as a footbridge. Cross the footbridge to return to the start parking lot.

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Along the way

Address
Place du Four, Hameau des Verneys, 73450, Valloire
Opening
From 15/06 to 15/09 daily. Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

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Address
Place du Four, Hameau des Verneys, 73450, Valloire
Opening
From 15/06 to 15/09 daily. Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.