Col du Passon

With the help of the lift, the route ascends from Argentière toward the Aiguille de Bochard. A discounted mountaineering ticket can be used 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 over to the Glacier des Rognons above the imposing Argentière Glacier.

This is where the first extended descent begins, covering about 600 meters in elevation. After crossing the Argentière Glacier, the actual ascent to the Col du Passon begins, climbing about 700 meters in elevation to 3,028 meters. The first steep section, in particular, is becoming more challenging year by year due to the ongoing retreat of the glacier. A secure kick-turn technique is essential here; depending on the season and snow conditions, crampons may also be necessary.

Further along, the terrain becomes significantly gentler. You ascend in long switchbacks to the base of the couloir leading up to the Col du Passon. For the final 150 meters of elevation gain, you strap your skis to your backpack and continue the ascent on foot.

Once at the Col, an impressive view opens up before the tour’s true reward begins: a descent of approximately 1,500 meters in elevation down to the Le Tour ski area. The route selection is generally quite straightforward, but in high-alpine terrain, it should always be approached with due caution and consideration of current conditions. From the pass, you first keep to the left, passing the Bec Rouge Supérieur toward the Bec Rouge Inférieur, and then continue in a north-northwesterly direction toward Le Tour. Over the final 200 meters of elevation, navigation becomes a bit more challenging: through rugged and increasingly forested terrain, you’ll need to find the best route down until the tour finally ends at the base of the T-bar lifts in Le Tour.