La Buffère trace

From the Buffère refuge, alt. 2,076m, the route is almost permanently marked out, leading to the Echaillon summit at 2578m, and back down to the Buffère refuge via some beautiful combes.
Léo Viret, member of the French Ski Mountaineering Team, traces his favorite slope for you!
Short and steady, but with no alpine difficulties. Head towards the Col de Buffère and turn left fairly quickly, aiming for the northern antecima of the Echaillon ridge, clearly visible above the refuge.
The slope becomes steeper, then gentler towards the summit (2569m, 1h30).

Descent by the same route. For intermediate skiers. Alternatively, you can follow the ridge northwards and descend the north-west face directly to the refuge.

Elevation gain :
- from Névache to Refuge Buffère: 480m.
- from Refuge Buffère to summit: 502m.

Important: this itinerary is not signposted; it is merely suggested and is undertaken at your own risk. Under no circumstances can the Refuge Buffère or the previous trackers be held responsible for accidents or incidents. Don't forget your safety gear: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe.

*Léo Viret, member of the French ski mountaineering team, competes on the World Cup circuit, Pierra-Menta, Patrouille des Glaciers, Mezzalama... lives in Névache and skis on PLUM.
The vallon de Buffère is one of his favorite training grounds, where you can meet him in the company of Tempête, his athletic Malinois!