Col du Chardonnet

With the help of two lifts, the route climbs from Argentière toward the Aiguille de Bochard. A discounted mountaineering ticket is available for this one-way ascent to just under 2,800 meters. From the top station, the tour begins by heading toward the Col des Rachasses. A short climb of about 300 meters in elevation leads across to the Glacier des Rognons, above the imposing Argentière Glacier. With the planned reopening of the summit lift to the Aiguille des Grands Montets in the winter of 2026/27, this approach will be significantly shorter in the future.

From the Col, you first continue eastward toward the Glacier des Rognons and then ski down the vast glacier fields along the Moraine des Rognons for about 600 meters in elevation to the Argentière Glacier. The day’s destination, the Col du Chardonnet, is already clearly visible ahead. As soon as you reach the flatter glacier surface and the momentum slows, put on your skins and begin the second, significantly longer ascent.

The ascent below the Aiguille du Chardonnet to the Col starts off quite steep. In the expansive ascent basin, you should generally keep to the left. The first 150 meters of elevation gain, in particular, have become more challenging due to ongoing glacial retreat; a secure kick-turn technique is essential here. Depending on conditions, crampons may also be advisable. Further along, the terrain flattens out more and more, and the ascent becomes increasingly pleasant. The route now winds upward in long switchbacks to the Col du Chardonnet, though the trail can be taken more directly toward the end.

Even at the pass itself, the retreat of the glacier is clearly visible. The final few meters now usually have to be covered on foot. Once at the top, you can already sense the legendary Haute Route in the air: from here, the famous traverse continues eastward toward Zermatt.

The descent initially follows the ascent route for the most part. In the lower section, it’s best to keep to the skiers’ left; however, route selection is generally straightforward. The route then heads back across the Argentière Glacier. Since this section, coming from the Col du Chardonnet, has a relatively high number of crevasses, it’s advisable to choose your route with foresight. At about 2,300 meters, you’ll leave the glacier to the left. After a short uphill section, the route continues over gently sloping terrain to a trail that leads back to the Bochard cable car. From there, you’ll finally take the valley run back to Argentière.