3 ski touring itineraries at Bonneval sur Arc, by Thibault Anselmet
Pointe Francesetti via the Glacier du Grand Méan
From Bonneval sur Arc, head for the hamlet of Ecot along the snow-covered road (left bank of the Arc). Climb the north-facing slope at the same point as the summer path. When you reach the refuge, you'll see the impressive Evettes cirque of mountains and glaciers. Climb up to the Pointe Francesetti, where a splendid sea of clouds on the Italian side often awaits the hiker. Conditions are often good, especially in spring, early in the morning.
Thibault's opinion...
"I like to do this outing at the end of the season, when the competitions are over. It's a great way to spend a day in the mountains and at altitude, and to recharge your batteries."
Le Refuge des Evettes
Departure from Bonneval sur Arc. Use the lifts to the top of the Mulinet ski lift to save time and make the ascent easier. Once at the top of the Mulinet, at 2275 m altitude, put on your skins and start the route. Cross under the Ouille Mouta to the Col des Evettes: a magnificent viewpoint. It is possible to climb the Roc des Pareis just above the Evettes refuge to enjoy the panoramic view of the glaciers. Return to the refuge and enjoy a descent into the Gorges de la Reculaz.
Thibault's opinion...
"This is an outing I do when conditions are good during the winter and when I need an easy workout to recover from a competition. I like doing this route because the difference in altitude isn't very great and you get the full feeling of freedom in the middle of nature that ski touring gives you."
Le Plan des Eaux: balcony trail
From Bonneval sur Arc, head for the hamlet of l'Ecot, then climb the south-facing slope towards le Saut. Continue up to the plateau where you'll find the summer balcony trail. You can continue towards Col de Reys or Col des Arses. A pleasant outing in cold weather to get more sun, especially in early winter. The views are breathtaking and the wildness of this itinerary is striking.
Thibault's opinion...
"The mountains of Bonneval sur Arc and Haute Maurienne Vanoise, I've walked every inch of them. That doesn't mean I know them by heart, because they change every day, especially in winter: you always have to be vigilant and humble in the mountains. This somewhat remote valley has managed to preserve its landscapes and mountains to offer a truly unspoilt and wild postcard to ski tourers. I ski all over Europe, but I feel so lucky to come home to such a playground.
Safety first
The mountains are a place of freedom and adventure. But before you step off the open, safe slopes into freeride or ski touring mode, always make sure you've followed the safety rules!
Check conditions with professionals, weather report, shovel, probe, avalanche transceiver.
Be accompanied and tell at least one person about your itinerary.
The easiest way is to call on the resort's professional instructors and guides, who will accompany you safely to enjoy the fresh snow and wide-open spaces. In the mountains, you also have to know when to give up. After a long ski touring ascent, it's sometimes tempting to take on a virgin face. But if the safety conditions aren't right, always err on the side of caution and turn back or choose a less exposed slope.
Thibault Anselmet is the leader of the French ski mountaineering team. Winner of the Gros Globe ski in 2023, he is also world champion in the mixed relay, runner-up in the world sprint and multiple French champion. A child of Bonneval sur Arc and from a "ski de rando" family, he is also a sportsman deeply attached to his region.
Ski passes
The Bonneval sur Arc
The French Ski School of Bonneval sur Arc
Play areas
Rental and lockers
