A bivouac with its head in the stars, at the top of Valmorel

I love going there to recharge and recharge. Sunsets are as magical as sunrises. One of my favorite places on Earth because so peaceful and majestic with sublime views. On one side the Lower Tarentaise with the valley of Aigueblanche and Naves. And on the other the upper Tarentaise with the view of the Aime valley and Bourg saint Maurice! You can even see in the distance the fabulous Mont Pourri which rises to 3714 meters of altitude.

For athletes access to the bivouac is on foot from the resort.  An approach by car or van is possible by dirt roads if however you can not walk too much. You will then have to park at the refuge of Pierre Laron then walk about thirty minutes (uphill) until the spot called «the Land of Gnomes». It bears its name because we really have the impression of being in the countries of the elves with these small valleys and firs dotted here and there.

In spring there are many beautiful mountain flowers.  I also think that thanks to this it is the best season to go bivouac the top. But in the mountains all the seasons are beautiful. From September it will simply be necessary to provide a very good down and good warm technical clothes to not be cold because at night the temperatures can quickly approach 0 degrees at this altitude.

When I wake up, the sun touches the skin and the smell of coffee is felt. This kind of moment I particularly like.  And that day I was served, the light was magnificent. As often in the mountains at sunrise.

If you choose to hike to the top. What I highly recommend then you will enjoy a breathtaking 360° view with the Mont Blanc on one side, the Black Horse and the Nielard on the other, the Massif de la Lauziere, the Beaufortain. Just that! For me this is one of the most beautiful views of Tarentaise!

Hike from the resort of Valmorel

Duration : 7/8 hours round trip
Positive altitude difference : 1068 m
Level : Medium, but it is better to be a good walker!

Tip: Easily save an hour of walking by taking the Pierrafort gondola (closed in the offseason)

Visiorando link

Motorized vehicle or bike ride :

Departure from the Charmette at the restaurant of «l’Aigle blanc», you continue straight on a forest road until you reach the dirt road that you will have to follow until the refuge of Pierre Larron (photo below) or you can park 3/4 cars. Be careful this is not the first one you will see but the second refuge.

GPS point :
45.46785466862481, 6.4741567883028

Then you have to take the path that goes up and follow «Crève Tête» on the marked path. Watch out it climbs!  Even if you don’t walk much, make sure you have good walking shoes.

It is a little known place that is very well preserved, so it is essential to respect the place, to collect ALL its waste and not to leave toilet paper lying around.

If you want to make a fire, learn about the state of drought and the measures taken by the municipality beforehand or bring your stove instead!