Refuge du Palet

A classic hike to a refuge in the high mountains

• Location: Tignes – Le Lac / Lavachet
• Distance: 11.4km
• Level: Intermediate | Advanced
• Vertical Gain: 816m
• Typical Duration: 4 hours
• Highest Alt: 2652m

This classic itinerary leads you through the open meadows towards a high mountain col and a beautiful refuge.

Starting from the paravalanche tunnel between Tignes le Lac and Tignes Val Claret, take the path on the uphill side heading south west. The route is signposted GR5 and continues for a short while towards the cross at Croix de Lognan. Here the path forks, so continue west along the GR5 towards the Col du Palet.

The path steepens and passes under a chairlift before reaching the Col at 2652m. After reaching the Col, the path then dips back down where you will see the Refuge de Palet and the Lac du Grattaleu.

You can also take the left path when you reach the Col. This route will add a little more time on to your walk but will take you to the Col de la Croix des Fretes at 2647m. It is a short variation and will reward your effort with an impressive view of the north face of the Grande Casse. From here you can either head back to the Col or return to the Refuge. To return to the start of the walk, retrace your path back to the Paravalanche tunnel.

What to bring…

The route can found on IGN map 3633ET Tignes/ Val d’Isere and in the ‘Les Sentiers de L’Ete’ booklet available from the Maison de Tignes Tourist Office for €10.