recommended route
Arnuva to La Fouly via Grand Col Ferret
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On the ascent to Grand Col FerretPhoto: Sarah Stone, Macs Adventure
Your day begins with a bus (25 minutes) from the centre of Courmayeur to Arnuva, in the heart of the beautiful Val Ferret, in the Grandes Jorasses. Back on your own two feet you ascend Grand Col Ferret (2,537 m), you are in Switzerland! Descent to Ferret (1740 m) where you catch the local bus to the Swiss lakeside village of Champex.
The day begins with a short local bus to Arnuva where the climb of Grand Col Ferret begins. The top of the col brings up Switzerland. Descending through picture book scenes of chalets, grazing cattle and fabulous alpine views you soon reach La Fouly, an idyllic alpine village of wooden chalets overflowing with flowers. From La Fouly you catch the bus to the lakeside village of Champex. Although today includes three bus connections, the fantastic Swiss public transport system makes light work of this and runs very smoothly.
Author’s recommendation
We recommend the high route from La Peule (described in the guidebook as the alternative). It offers lovely views and avoids the small portion on the road that the regular, signposted route follows. However, please note that the start of the path is not always obvious and it may seem like you are heading "off track" at the beginning (especially if the field is a little muddy and cattle have graze there).
The signposted route will take you down to Ferret where you can catch a bus to La Fouly should you wish to shorten the walk slightly.
Track types
Safety information
There are several river crossings. There are always stepping-stones available but these may be slippery, and especially when wet. Take extra caution on these crossings.
Some of the paths along the way have rocky steps; be careful as these may be slippery, especially when wet.
There are some exposed edges; be sure to read instructions carefully, stick to the main path, and don’t wander close to the edge. Use handrails where provided.
In early spring/summer there may still be patches of snow. Walk around where it is possible, and otherwise place your feet carefully and use walking poles if you have them.
This route is above 2,500 metres so bear in mind you may feel a shortness of breath and additional muscle fatigue associated with the altitude.
Tips and hints
Transport:
There are three bus sections on this stage and although it may look a bit complicated at first there is nothing to worry about and the connections are easy.
1. Start by taking the Arriva bus from Courmayeur to Arnuva (Arp Nouvaz). Walk over the Grand Col Ferret to La Fouly (or Ferret if you prefer). Catch the Post Bus to Osieres where you change for the bus to Champex.
2. Make sure you carry some Swiss Francs to pay for the bus journey from la Fouly to Champex.
3. The way marking on the ground now seems to take a higher route to Ferret as opposed to that marked on the map. All routes do eventually reach La Fouly.
Arriva bus 924: LINEA VERDE VAL FERRET
Operating daily from Courmayeur to Val Ferret via Bivio Rifugio Bonatti from the beginning of July until the beginning of September. Timetables are usually only available at the beginning of the summer season and can be found here: https://arriva.it/app/uploads/sites/3/2022/06/Val-Ferret-Courmayeur-Giugno2022.pdf
From La Fouly; take the the Swiss Post Bus via Orsières to Champex.
Timetables available at the bus stop in La Fouly or on-line below.
Timetables La Fouly – Orsières/Orsieres to Champex here: http://www.sbb.ch/fahrplan.html ->Search Orsières to Champex (Lac)
For bad weather transport options, please see our guide (in the "Docs" section of your Macs app, and in "My Documents" in your Macs account online)
Points of Interest
Grand Col Ferret
The Grand Col Ferret (2,537 metres) separates Italy and Switzerland and also forms the boundary between the Mont Blanc massif and the Pennine Alps. If you are walking the traditional Tour du Mont Blanc without embarking on any of the high route variants then this pass is the highest elevation you will reach.
Refuge La Peule
As well as welcoming walkers with refreshments, this isolated refuge is still a working dairy farm (you may even hear the jangling cowbells to prove it!), which allows a fantastic opportunity to experience local farm life and even taste some of the local produce!
Food and Drink
Between Arnuva and La Fouly there are few opportunities to buy food or drink so be sure to bring enough provisions with you.
You will pass Chalet Val Ferret, Rifugio Elena and Rifugio La Peule and La Fouly has a modest supermarket and a variety of cafes and restaurants.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Starting from the Arnuva Bus Stop, head uphill to reach the start of the trail, in 200m, at the fork in bear left onto a footpath to begin the climb, follow the signs to Rifugio Elena and the Grand Col Ferret. The path climbs steeply in places, takes you past a group of ruins, crosses a stream on a footbridge and then an even steeper slope to reach Rifugio Elena.
From Rifugio Elena the path crosses a gravel road and begins climbing up the grassy slopes. Be sure to look behind regularly to enjoy the views that unravel along the eastern side of the Mont Blanc Massif. At 4.8km you will reach the top of the Grand Col Ferret; Welcome to Switzerland! The path continues down into the valley on the other side. After 200 metres, bear right as the path forks to continue heading downhill.
After reaching La Peule, ignore the TMB and La Fouly signs which direct you to pass in front of the refuge, and instead turn sharply left following the sign to Ferret. Pass through a small fence, across sloping rutted tracks, and then through a second gap in the fence, to follow a footpath through pastureland with views to the snow-capped Mt Blanc Massif looming ahead. This route requires no additional effort but remains higher and with better views for longer, however many people will miss this option and follow the signpost.
At 17km, after a descent through pine forest, the path forks with the right option signposted to La Fouly and Ferret. Ignore this however, and bear left to continue heading downhill and towards the river. After 300m, bear left to cross the wooden bridge, and then bear right to follow the footpath which heads slightly uphill, following the yellow signpost. After 200m, you will emerge onto a gravel road; turn left, following the sign to La Fouly.
At 18.2km, bear right to leave the gravel road and head downhill through a sloping meadowtowards the river. Once at the river, bear right across the bridge, and then bear left to followthe main paved road into La Fouly.
Note
Coordinates
Equipment
Such is the way of Alpine hiking that you need to be prepared for all seasons and weathers; sturdy hiking boots, warm clothes and a waterproof/wind-break layer are all required, as is plenty of sun-cream and a healthy respect for the sun.
Walking poles will be a big advantage on some of these ascents and descents.
Ensure your phone is fully charged; if you doubt the battery will last throughout the hike, it might be beneficial to bring a power bank.
This walk is isolated with few opportunities to buy food or water so be sure to bring enough with you.
Statistics
- 8 Waypoints
- 8 Waypoints
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