Ski Traverse: Haute Route, Bessans - Bonneval-sur-Arc

raid à ski, la haute route Bessans - Bonneval

Early May. The snowpack is still holding strong at high altitude, and the road is exceptionally clear all the way to the hamlet of l’Écot (2000 m). That’s where Laurent, a high mountain guide, meets up with Dylan, Gwen, Marin, and Antonin for a three-day ski traverse along one of the most beautiful ski touring routes in the Haute Maurienne: the Haute Route from Bessans to Bonneval-sur-Arc.

A wild, alpine three-day tour connecting the valley’s three CAF (French Alpine Club) huts – Carro, Évettes, and Avérole – via the glaciers of Sources de l’Arc, Mulinet, Grand Méan, Évettes, and Grand Fond. Three days of ski touring through one of the most remote valleys in Savoie, far from the crowds, paced by hut life and ever-changing conditions.

Thanks to the exceptional road clearance up to the hamlet of l’Écot, the group saves nearly 45 minutes on the first ascent — a meaningful advantage when packs are heavy and altitude quickly becomes the dominant terrain. The weather, however, tests the skiers’ nerves: overcast skies, flat light, until a providential clearing finally breaks through on the third day – just in time for the ascent of the Albaron, the area’s iconic summit, and the long descent to the Avérole hut.