Phil's Hiking Resources

We did the Tour des Combin with Roger, Patrick, Chris, Richard & Penny. Its a fantastic trek around the Grand Combin massif, taking in some really nice mountain huts and some high (2800m) passes.
Here’s our itinerary: (we did the route anti-clockwise)

Day 1: BOURG ST PIERRE
Flew out to BSP and stayed at Hotel du Cret (1632m) (email: reception@hotel-du-cret.ch)

Day 2: SAINT-RHEMY en BOSSES
Walked up to and over the Grand St. Bernard Pass (2469m), crossing the Italian boarder and stayed at La Vieille Cloche B&B (1500m) where found the most fantastic hospitality & great food. (email: robertolet@tiscali.it)
Walk Stats: Ascent 1020m; Descent 1130m; Time 8 hours (inc lunch in cafe).

Grand St. Bernard Pass (2469m)

Day 3: CHAMPILLON
Over the Col Champillon (2708m) to the Rifugio Champillon – Adolfo Letey Hut (2465m).
Walk Stats: Ascent 1440m; Descent 530m; Time 7 hours.

Day 4: CHANRION
Crossed the Fenêtre Durand (2797m) and the swiss border again to Cabane de Chanrion (2462m) (email: info@chanrion.ch).
Walk Stats: Ascent- 1160m; Descent 1100m; Time 8.5 hours.

Cabane de Chanrion (2462m)

Day 5: PANOSSIERE
Crossed Col des Otanes (2846m) to Cabane F.X. Bagnoud (2645m) (email: fxbhut@netplus.ch). A fantastic hut, in the most beautiful setting – spoiled only by the guardian who is a complete arse! (web sources suggest this hut isn’t open before July – however it appears in fact they open mid June.)
Walk Stats: Ascent 1140m; Descent 990m; Time 7 hours.

Grand Combin from Col des Otanes (2846m)

Day 6: MILLE PASS
up to the Mille pass and the Cabane du Col Du Mille
Walk Stats: Ascent 870m; Descent 1030m.

The toilet at Cabane du Col Du Mille

Day 7: BOURG ST PIERRE
a half day back to BSP to pick up our gear and have a well deserved rest.
Walk Stats: Ascent 250m; Descent 1070m.

Author: Phil Newby

Tags: IML, Italy, Switzerland
This entry is filed under Alpine Trips, Photos & Trip Reports.