Walking loop from the Carro balcony to its refuge

This stunning mountain trail offers amazing views of the Albaron, Vallonnet and Evettes glaciers, their reflections mirrored in the surrounding mountain lakes. The shades of blue, from azure to turquoise, are always surprising.

Description

As you make your way along the path through the high-altitude meadows,
you'll come across alpine chalets with unique shapes. These chalets are
designed to withstand avalanches, with some being semi-buried or protected
by a "tourne," which is a stone prow. Amid the glaciers of Albaron, Vallonnet,
and Evettes, you make your way along this breathtaking trail that overlooks
the Sources de l'Arc cirque. You pass a number of lakes and the views never
cease to amaze you. Azures and turquoises unfold before your eyes, in a
stunning parade of shades of blue. A few chamois can be seen in the distance.
You get to the refuge, see how perfectly it blends into the rugged background
of the mountains. Check out the view of the lakes from above. It feels like
you're at the end of the world! This is a dream opportunity to spend a night
under the stars and the crystalline sky of the high-altitude mountains. Make
a wish for every shooting star!
On your way down, take some time to visit the hamlet of l'Écot and Bonneval sur Arc. Isn't that Sebastian who running down an alley, followed by his
faithful Belle?

Additional welcome information

The duration of hiking trails is calculated using reference paces: 300 m/h ascent, 500 m/h descent and 4 km/h on the flat.

As hazards may occur at any time on the routes, the GPX tracks provided are not contractual. They are given for information only. Riders use them at their own risk, depending on their level of technological proficiency and their understanding of the terrain.

• Minimum age: 12 years

Environments

• Close to public transportation
• Near shuttle stop
• Lake view
• Mountain view
• Mountain location
• In a nature reserve
• Presence of livestock and guard dogs

Prices

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 22.2km
• Itinerary type Return
• Positive elevation gain 570m
• Negative elevation gain 570m
• Daily duration 08:00
• Marked itinerary Yes
• Marking details Mixed markings (PR: yellow blades, PNV: blue-white-red and GR: red and white)
• Nature of the terrain Rock, Stone, Ground, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 2760m

Opening period

From 15/05 to 15/10.

Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Subject to snow conditions

Location

By bus: Line 4 - Pont de l'Ouilletta stop

Documents

• Walking loop from the Carro balcony to its refuge (pdf)
• Walking loop from the Carro balcony to its refuge (pdf)
• Walking loop from the Carro balcony to its refuge (pdf)
• Walking loop from the Carro balcony to its refuge (pdf)

Animals

Animals accepted: No

Pets are not allowed on this hike in the Vanoise National Park.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• To guide you in the field, consult the "step-by-step" directional diagram provided in pdf.