Tre-le-Champ - Refuge du Lac Blanc
- Distance: 5km
- Duration: (with breaks): 4h 00min
- Elevation gain/loss: 990m/40m
Only two days left! Originally this stage ends in Refuge La Flegere, which also supposedly allows camping next to it. It was closed this year, so we had to figure out an alternative. While in Tre-le-Champ I called Refuge Du Lac Blanc to see if they have some space and they did, so our itinerary was approved. By the way, I think we were quite lucky with those last minute inquiries as most of the refuges were fully booked for weeks.
Today was one of the shortest hikes (~4 hours), so we took our time. We went to Argentiere for groceries (25min walk from Tre-le-Champ) and left the awesome Auberge la Boerne late in the morning.
While the hike was short, this section is rather challenging due to steep ascents AND ladders. It’s not the first time for me to use ladders on a trek, but the first time with a heavy backpack, which kind of slowed me down.
Luckily there were not that many people so we did not have to wait long for others. For those scared of heights – as long as you don’t look down, it’s all fine.
Once the ladder section was scaled, we could see the whole valley below us. Though it was an overcast day we could see even the mighty Mont Blanc peaking through the clouds.
Along the way we came across a few small lakes and spotted the first ibex! They’re quite chill about people and don’t immediately run away. I even managed to take a few pictures of them.
The last bit of the climb before the refuge was rather nasty due to snow and eventually we lost track of the path as the signs were covered in snow. We saw the refuge and just scrambled up a steep hill to it. I think we approached the refuge from the back, which was not the plan, but hey, we made it.
The refuge sits in a truly spectacular place – right next to Lac Blanc. When we visited, the snow at this altitude was abundant and the lake was still half frozen. We had the whole afternoon for ourselves as we arrived around lunch time.
I took an opportunity to explore the area around us and take some pictures of the landscape. In the distance we could see Col de Balm where we came from, magnificent glacier ranges and Mont Blanc itself. Trust me, the pictures don’t do the justice.
This refuge was the highest place we slept in (2352m) and I was really glad we could stay there for a day. If you make the effort to get there, you’re in for a treat of spectacular panorama.
Wildlife lovers, ibex really like this place too – early the next morning I saw the whole family walking right next to the refuge.
Day 8 tips
- We saw some people wild-camping somewhat below Lac Blanc (10-15 min away from the refuge). There are quite a few grassy flat-ish patches. Ibex will probably visit you, they like this part of the mountains.