Immerse yourself in the adventure of the Tour du Ruitor, a wild 7-day trek in the heart of the Franco-Italian Alps, perfect for nature lovers and first-timers looking for their first high-mountain experience. Away from the beaten track, explore the secret valleys, majestic glaciers and unspoilt high altitude lakes of this wild and unspoilt region straddling the Val d'Aosta and Savoie.
This adventure offers you the chance to discover mountaineering in a safe environment accessible to all, with the highlight of the itinerary the ascent to the summit of the Ruitor at 3,486 m. This is an ideal alternative for those who don't yet have the level required for the neighbouring Gran Paradiso, but who want to experience the thrill of reaching an iconic summit. A journey of discovery, authenticity and self-transcendence, close to the elements.
Dates | Status | Prices | |
---|---|---|---|
From 13/07/25 To 19/07/25 |
Open departure | 1360 € | Book online |
From 03/08/25 To 09/08/25 |
Open departure | 1360 € | Book online |
From 17/08/25 To 23/08/25 |
Open departure | 1360 € | Book online |
THE PRICE
The price includes:
The price does not include:
The price is all inclusive from departure to end point.
Personalised tour available
Contact us !Meet sunday at 11.30 am at Soudara carpark (end of the road), in La Thuile, Italy.
LA THUILE - REFUGE DEFFEYES
Your trek begins with a forest climb along the Ruitor torrent. After 2100 metres, the forest opens up, giving way to a more mineral, lakeside landscape. Arrive at the Deffeyes hut in the middle of the sublime Rutor lakes.
Night in refuge Deffeyes, without luggage transportation.
3 hours walk / Elevation: +900m
COL DE LA LOUIE BLANCHE - REFUGE DE L'ARCHEBOC
The stage begins with a visit to the Lac du Ruitor spillway before entering the Bellecomba valley, home to some superb lakes. Cross into France via the Col de la Louie Blanche (2583m) and the valley of the same name to the hamlet of La Savonne. Climb back up the beautiful Mercuel valley to reach the refuge.
Overnight at the Archeboc refuge, without luggage transportation.
6 hours walk / Elevation: +590m -1060m
COL DU MONT - REFUGE BEZZI
The day begins with the ascent of the Col du Mont, which will take you back into Italy. The view from the pass is incredible, with the highest peaks of the Tarentaise on one side and the Grand Paradis on the other. The trail then descends to the hamlet of Surier before heading up the Valgrisenche river to the Bezzi refuge.
Overnight at the Bezzi refuge.
6 hours walk / Elevation: +1100m -850m
LAGO DI SAN MARTINO - REFUGE DE L'EPEE
The itinerary climb above the refuge, with the option of hiking to Lac Saint Martin before continuing through the mountain pastures below the summit of Grande Rousse to reach the Chalet de l'Epée opposite the Ruitor and above Lac de Surier, which floods the mountain pastures of the upper Valgrisenche valley.
Overnight in a refuge, without luggage transportation.
4 hours walk / Elevation: +660m -580m
5 hours walk / Elevation: +850m -760m
THE VALGRISENCHE BALCONIES
Via the mountain pastures of Praz-Londzet and Verconey, the track joins the sentier du Pape as far as Boregne. The route then descends to Revers before reaching the hamlet of Planaval. There is also an alternative route via the main town of Valgrisenche in order to get a better taste of the atmosphere in the valley (woodcarving, lace-making).
6 hours walk / Elevation: +540 m -1350 m
PASSO ALTO - REFUGE DEFFEYES
Short transfer to the Val de Fond before climbing towards the Passo Alto (2860m), which we reach after a magnificent ascent. Descend to the Deffeyes refuge and its sparkling lakes.
Overnight in the refuge, without luggage transportation.
4h30 hours walk / Elevation: +1200m -400m
RUITOR SUMMIT 3486 M
Roped climb of the Ruitor summit at 3486 m. Return to the refuge and descend to La Thuile, at the start and end point of the trek.
8 hour walk / Elevation: +1050m -1950m
End point Saturday around 4:30pm in La Thuile.
Return transfer if you have chosen the option - arrive in Chamonix around 6:15pm.
The itinerary is established according to the latest information available, the possibility of unknown factors affecting this itinerary is possible including situations beyond our control which may change the route, timings etc.
Elevation: +/-600 to 1100 m on average per day.
Walking time: 4 to 6 hours per day.
Type of trek: The Tour du Ruitor route and its summit take paths that are often stony. Although it does not present any particular technical difficulties, even on the last day for the ascent to the summit, this trek is still physically demanding and requires you to be able to cover almost 1,000 metres of ascent every day for a full week.
Ascent of the Ruitor summit (3486 m): this is a crampon walk with no particular technical or vertiginous difficulties, but it is a long stage of glacier walking.
You have to be in a general good fitness level. Please practice a cardio sport such as hiking, running, cycling, from 3 to 4 hours a week.
Your physical preparation will enable you to enjoy your trek to the maximum.
Please find the description of the levels by clicking here: levels of difficulty
Number of participants between 6 and 14, supervised by qualified professionals (mountain leader and high mountain guide). At the start of the season, the number of participants may be reduced depending on snow conditions.
As a thank you, it is customary to tip your guide at the end of your hike, depending on your satisfaction. This is not compulsory, but it is greatly appreciated.
5 nights in dormitory in mountain refuges and gites.
1 night in a hotel bedroom for 2-4 people.
All accommodation offers hot showers.
Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation.
Picnics are included and are carefully prepared daily by your mountain leader, comprising a variety of healthy salads and local products.
Please inform us about your food allergies and special diets at the time of booking.
We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring some additional products for your own picnics.
1/25000 Valsavarenche-Val de Rhême-Val Grisenche N102, Edition Instituto Geografico Centrale
Carte TOP 25 n° 3532 ET - Les Arcs & La Plagne (PN de la Vanoise) | IGN
Meet Sunday at 11.30 am at Soudara carpark (end of the road), in La Thuile, Italy.
A return transfer option may be reserved with Altitude Montblanc in our logistics vehicle (1h15 bus ride), supplementary cost on registration, 50€ per person. Meet at 9.45 am in front of the train station in Chamonix.
If you come by car, several free car parks in the village of Les Houches, at Prarion. Meet at 9:15 a.m. in front of the Jacquier bakery at Le Prarion, Les Houches. You will meet your driver there.
BY TRAIN
TO AOSTA VIA TURIN OR
TO CHAMONIX VIA PARIS
Inbound: depart Gare de Lyon (Paris) the day before at 12:18pm arrive in Chamonix at 7:10pm.
Times given are indicative and should be verified in a train station or on www.oui.sncf
BY CAR
VIA THE MONT BLANC TUNNEL
Take the A40 motorway towards Chamonix, follow signs for Milan and take the Mont-Blanc Tunnel to Italy (58€ return) www.atmb.net.
In Italy, don't take the motorway (green signs) but follow the main road towards Aosta as far as the village of Pré-St-Didier. Then turn right towards the Col du Petit-St-Bernard until you reach the village of La Thuile. In the centre of the village, just before crossing the river, turn left onto the road towards La Joux. At the end of this road, there is a large car park.
VIA THE COL DU PETIT ST BERNARD
From the southern regions of France take the A43 motorway to Chambéry, the A30 to Albertville and follow direction Bourg St Maurice. Cross the Italian border at the Petit St Bernard pass (a very good mountain road) and arrive at the village of La Thuile. In the village centre, just after the Ruitor bridge, turn right onto the road towards La Joux. At the end of this road, there is a large car park.
If you chose the return transfer option Chamonix/La Thuile
Free parking: several free car parks in the village of Les Houches, Prarion sector. Meet at 9:15 a.m. in front of the Jacquet bakery in Le Prarion, Les Houches. You will meet your driver there.
If you wish to leave your car in a covered garage, contact:
Chamonix Auto Park: 04 50 53 65 71 (40 to 50€ per week).
End point around 4.30pm in La Thuile.
Transfer to Chamonix if option chosen (1h15 drive).
Warning: the tunnel may be very busy on Saturday. Think of a little bit more time if you need to book a bus or train from Chamonix.
Chamonix - Hôtel de l’Arve: +33 (0)4 50 53 02 31
Hôtel Vallée Blanche: +33 (0)4 50 53 04 50
Chamonix Tourist Office: +33 (0)4 50 53 00 24
www.chamonix.com
La Thuile, Aosta - Hôtel Le Miramonti : +39 01 65 88 30 84
Pré-St-Didier, Aosta - QC Termemontebianco : +39 02 89 74 72 07
Office du tourisme d'Aoste : +39 01 65 23 66 27
www.aoste.ialpes.com
www.lovevda.it
In accordance with regulations, we are covered by Professional Liability Insurance. In no case can we be responsible for your own Personal Liability. If you chose to take out repatriation insurance with EUROP ASSISTANCE whom we propose, Altitude Mont Blanc will only serve as an intermediary between the client and the insurer. We cannot influence either party. We adhere to strict conditions of sale. You are responsible for compliance with the reporting procedures of any incident.
Before making any decision, contact EUROP ASSISTANCE.
If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible on: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Clothing
Other Equipment
Bring a comfortable backpack of about 40 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.
Crampons, harness, helmet and ice axe for climbing the Ruitor summit are provided. An ascension above 3000m high requires warm clothing in case of deterioration in the weather (thermal leggings, warm hat, waterproof gloves, waterproof jacket and supplementary warm layers to add if necessary). High rising walking boots with a good rigid sole are mandatory. Poles are essential.
You will have to carry this equipment at the refuge on the first day of your trip where you will leave it for the duration of your trek until the day of the ascent.
You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag, with all your possessions inside, of 10kg maximum per person. Your baggage will be transported daily, except days 1, 3 and 6, between accommodation by our logistics vehicle where access is not always easy.
Baggage which is too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers, please think of their backs!
On nights 1, 2, 4 and 6, your luggage won't be dropped off at your accommodation (you will get it back the day after). Here are the things to bring with you (about 2 kilos are enough!):