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Compagnie des Refuges Clarée Thabor
Col du Grand Cros, Gardioles, Col du Vallon, Lac Lavoir, Col de la Petite Tempête — photo 1
  • Col du Grand Cros, Gardioles, Col du Vallon, Lac Lavoir, Col de la Petite Tempête — photo 2
1 dayWinter

Col du Grand Cros, Gardioles, Col du Vallon, Lac Lavoir, Col de la Petite Tempête

Circuit from Refuge Ricou

A large circuit, over three passes and back to the refuge. The last pass is fairly long and alpine. From the refuge, climb to Lac Laramon and Lac du Serpent, then continue on fairly easy slopes to Col du Grand Cros (2,848 m, with a possible and recommended round trip to the top of Les Gardioles). Take off your skins and ski down towards Vallon, losing as little height as possible and veer towards the large flatter area below Col du Vallon (2,645 m). Then head down the lovely north-facing combe, towards Thabor, and bear left across the lower flat to reach Lac Lavoir (2,281 m). Put your skins back on to begin the long climb to the unnamed pass on the map, north of Rocher de la Petite Tempête (2,947 m). The route passes by Lac de la Petite Tempête. The upper part is quite steep. Drop down to Ricou. This route can be made in either direction.

Duration
1 day
Elevation gain
+1,500 m
Level
Difficult
Season
in winter
Highest point
2,947 m
ClaréeStart : Ricou refugeGetting to Ricou refuge

Route map and profile

No track available

No GPS track is available for this route.

Refuges along the way

  • Refuge de Ricou

The route, day by day

1 day of walking

  1. D1
    Day 1

    Circuit from Refuge Ricou

    From the refuge, climb to Lac Laramon and Lac du Serpent, then continue on fairly easy slopes to Col du Grand Cros (2,848 m, with a possible and recommended round trip to the top of Les Gardioles). Take off your skins and ski down towards Vallon, losing as little height as possible and veer towards the large flatter area below Col du Vallon (2,645 m). Then head down the lovely north-facing combe, towards Thabor, and bear left across the lower flat to reach Lac Lavoir (2,281 m). Put your skins back on to begin the long climb to the unnamed pass on the map, north of Rocher de la Petite Tempête (2,947 m). The route passes by Lac de la Petite Tempête. The upper part is quite steep. Drop down to Ricou. This route can be made in either direction.

    Refuge de RicouBookable online

    See the refuge page

Other routes in the same category

See the whole category