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Boucle des Chalets du Vallon : Les Verneys - Col de l'Épaisseur - Hiking 2 or 3 days - Hiking trails
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Description
The Vallon loop offers a multi-day itinerary up to the Col de l'Épaisseur, via the Aiguilles d'Arves refuge.
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Stage 1: Departure from Les Verneys, arrival at Refuge des Aiguilles d'Arves: 7.6 Km, 747 m D+, 66 m D-. Lodging at the Refuge des Aiguilles d'Arves.
Step by step:
From the Verneys parking lot, cross the departmental road 902 and head towards Les Choseaux - Verneys and continue towards Les Arolles. Follow the path to the Chalets du Vallon, then on to Commandraut.
From Commandraut, continue uphill to the Aiguilles d'Arves refuge.
Stage 2 (optional): Refuge des Aiguilles d'Arves - Col de l'Epaisseur - Refuge des Aiguilles d'Arves: 8.2 Km, 722 m D+/D- 722 m. Lodging at the Refuge des Aiguilles d'Arves.
Step by step:
Head towards Aiguille de l'épaisseur as far as the crossroads "sous l'aiguille de l'épaisseur". Turn right towards the Combe du Puy to reach the Col de l'épaisseur. Take the same path back down to the Aiguilles d'Arves refuge.
Stage 3: Departure Refuge des Aiguilles d'Arves, Les Choseaux - Verneys: 6.8 km / D+ 0 m / D- 680 m
Step by step :
Head towards Commandraut, then take the path on the right as you descend towards Bonne nuit. Upstream of "les Aiguilles" turn left towards "la Roche Bernard". Follow the Valloirette along its left bank as far as Rivine. Cross the main road and continue along the right bank of the Valloirette as far as Le Verneys.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Date and time
- From 01/06/2026 to 15/09/2026
Additional information
Open period
From 01/06 to 15/09.
Subject to favorable weather.
Tips
Precautions: - Find out about weather conditions before you leave. - Inform someone of your itinerary, as communication may be limited. - Choose a morning departure to avoid being surprised by nightfall - The routes you take are your own responsibility. - Choose an itinerary suited to your physical and technical ability. If in doubt, contact mountain professionals. - Make sure you're properly equipped to hike safely and cope with the vagaries of the weather. - This hike is best done in summer when there's no more snow. - Passage through scree just before arriving at the refuge. There are a few things you can do to make your hiking experience safer and more enjoyable. Walking poles improve balance, and regular hydration is essential. Carry a water bottle and snacks to keep your energy up. Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and sunglasses. Don't forget binoculars to add a touch of observation to your adventure. These small adjustments will help you get the most out of your getaway.
Updated by
Office de Tourisme de Valloire - 08/12/2025
www.valloire.net/
Report a problem
Environments
Mountain location
Presence of livestock and guard dogs
Contact
Phone : 04 79 59 03 96
Email : info@valloire.fr
Website : https://www.valloire.net/
Type of land
Rock
Stone
Ground
Grit
Topo guides and map references
Map references :
IGN map 3435ET VALLOIRE - Aiguilles d'Arves / Col du Galibier is on sale in Valloire shops.
Reception complements
To keep the mountains a pleasure, choose an activity suited to your level of experience and physical ability. Check the weather and seek advice from qualified professionals, and tell someone about your itinerary. Set off with the right equipment: good shoes and walking poles. In your rucksack, carry a water bottle and snacks to keep your energy levels up, a survival blanket or warm clothing. Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and sunglasses. Don't forget binoculars to add a touch of observation to your adventure.
Tricky passages
Vertiginous passage at the "Mauvais pas", just before arriving at the refuge
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
Departure from Place du Four in the hamlet of Les Verneys. 1 - Take the Pré Malin road towards the Les Arolles residence. 2 - Head for Commandraut via the hiking trail. This starts to the left of the residence's swimming pool. 3 - At the goose-paste intersection, continue up to the Aiguilles d'Arves refuge (altitude 2260m). Vertiginous passage at the "Mauvais pas", just before arriving at the refuge. 4 - After a stop at the refuge, follow the path to the Aiguille de l'épaisseur. 5 - At the fork in the road, take the path that rises to your right. 6 - Continue along the ridge to the Col de l'Épaisseur. 7 - Turn around on the way back to the Aiguilles d'Arves refuge. 8 - After leaving the refuge, continue downhill to the Commendraut. Instead of taking the left-hand path you came by, continue down to Roche Bernard. 9 - Return to the hamlet of Les Verneys, following the path to La Rivine and then Les Verneys.
Animals
No. Due to the presence of guard dogs, we strongly advise you not to bring your dog.
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