Carro Shelter in 2 Days - Stage 1 - From the Ouilletta Bridge to the Carro Shelter

A night in Savoie's highest refuge? Now that's an adventure for the whole family! Particularly if you have to pass through scenery worthy of a movie set to reach it. This glacier-facing balcony trail promises a lifetime of memories.

Description

As you make your way along the path through the alpine pastures, you'll come across some unusual-shaped chalets: to resist avalanches, they are semi-buried or protected by a "tourne", a kind of stone bow.

The Plan des Eaux and Pys lakes follow one another along the way. Shades of blue range from azure to turquoise, reflecting the eternal snows of the glaciers.

The majestic Albaron, Vallonnet and Evettes glaciers dominate the cirque of the Arc springs.

After this splendid balcony traverse, during which you may have spotted a few chamois, you arrive at the Carro refuge.

Perfectly integrated into this mineral setting, Savoie's highest refuge welcomes you in an end-of-the-world atmosphere! Before lunch, how about a gentle contemplation on the shores of the Black and White lakes adjacent to the refuge?

After a night close to the stars in this pure Haute Maurienne sky, the descent promises to be just as authentic. Linger in the hamlet of l'Ecot. Isn't that Sébastien running down an alleyway, followed by his faithful Belle?

But the adventure isn't over yet, as you'll have to follow the current of the Arc to reach Bonneval sur Arc.

Additional welcome information

The Carro shelter has been awarded the "Family-Friendly Shelter" designation. Advance reservations are required for overnight stays at the shelter.
Stay on the trails, follow the signs, and take your trash with you.

Environments

• Lake view
• Mountain view
• Mountain location
• In a nature reserve

Prices

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 11.2 km
• Itinerary type One way
• Positive elevation gain 555m
• Negative elevation gain 268m
• Daily duration 4:15
• Marked itinerary Yes
• Marking details directional signs and cairns
• Nature of the terrain Rock, Stone, Ground, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 2760m

Opening period

This route is accessible outside of snow season and is subject to favorable weather conditions. Check your local weather forecast in real time up until the day of departure.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Subject to snow conditions

Location

A hike that starts at a different location than where it ends. We recommend taking the shuttle bus from Bonneval/Arc and getting off at the Pont de l'Ouilletta stop (the trailhead).

Animals

Animals accepted: No

Pets are not allowed in the Vanoise National Park.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• 1/ From the parking lot, the Balcony Trail heads east toward the Carro Refuge. The trail crosses vast mountain pastures where flocks of sheep graze, offering breathtaking views of the glaciers of the Sources de l'Arc and the north faces of Charbonnel and Albaron.
  Continue past Lac du Plan des Eaux toward Lac du Pys at the foot of the Ouille des Reys. At the junction with the path leading back down to Bonneval, continue toward the Carro refuge. Once you’ve reached your base camp, don’t miss Lac Noir and Lac Blanc at the back of the refuge.