3 ski touring routes in Bonneval sur Arc, by Thibault Anselmet
La Pointe Francesetti via the Grand Méan Glacier
Departure from Bonneval sur Arc, towards the hamlet of l’Ecot via the snowy road (left bank of the Arc). Ascend the northern slope at the same location as the summer path. Upon arriving at the refuge, you'll discover the impressive Cirque des Evettes, composed of mountains and glaciers. Then, gain altitude, and upon reaching Pointe Francesetti, a splendid sea of clouds on the Italian side often awaits the hiker. Conditions are often good, especially in the 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. A way to spend a beautiful day in the mountains and at altitude and to offer yourself a real rejuvenation."
Le Refuge des Evettes
Start at the Bonneval sur Arc resort. Take the ski lifts to the top of the Mulinet chairlift to save time and make the ascent easier. Once at the top of the Mulinet, at an elevation of 2,275 meters, put on your climbing skins and begin the route. Cross beneath the Ouille Mouta to the Col des Evettes: a magnificent viewpoint. You can climb up to the Roc des Pareis just above the Evettes refuge to enjoy the panoramic view of the glaciers. Head to the refuge and treat yourself to a descent into the Gorges de la Reculaz.
Thibault's opinion…
"This is an outing I do when the conditions are good during the winter and when I need an easy workout to recover from a competition. I like to do this route because the elevation gain is not very significant and you can fully feel the sense of freedom in nature that ski touring provides."
Le Plan des Eaux: balcony path
Departure from Bonneval sur Arc, towards the hamlet of l’Ecot, ascend the southern slope towards Le Saut. Continue to the plateau where the balcony path is located in summer. It is possible to continue towards Col de Reys or Col des Arses. An enjoyable outing in cold weather to be more in the sun, especially in early winter. The view is breathtaking, and the wild aspect of this route is striking.
Thibault's opinion...
"I have explored every corner of the mountains of Bonneval sur Arc and Haute Maurienne Vanoise. That doesn't mean I know them by heart, because they change every day, especially in winter: you must always be vigilant and humble in the mountains. This somewhat remote valley has preserved its landscapes and mountains to offer a true, unspoiled, and wild postcard to ski tourers. I ski all over Europe, but I feel so lucky when I come home to have such a playground."
Safety first
The mountains are a place of freedom and adventure. But before heading off-piste and away from secured, open trails for freeriding or ski touring, always be sure to follow the safety rules!
Check conditions with professionals, weather reports, shovel, probe, avalanche transceiver.
Be accompanied and notify at least one person of your itinerary.
The easiest way is to call on the resort's professionals, instructors and guides, who will accompany you in complete safety to enjoy the fresh snow and wide open spaces. In the mountains, you also need to know when to give up. After a long ski touring ascent, it is sometimes tempting to set off on a virgin face. But if safety conditions are not met, always play it safe and turn back or choose a less exposed slope.
Thibault Anselmet is the captain of the French ski mountaineering team. Winner of the Gros Globe ski award in 2025, 2024, and 2023, he is also a world champion in the mixed relay and a medalist at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic Games. A native of Bonneval sur Arc the son of a “ski touring” family, he is also an athlete deeply attached to his region.
Ski passes
The Bonneval sur Arc ski area
The French Ski School of Bonneval sur Arc
Fun areas
Rental and storage
