3-day walking tour of the Etache rock - Stage 2 - From the Ambin refuge to the Suffet refuge

If you're a fan of undiscovered regions, the Val d'Ambin is the place for you. Between alpine pastures and high-altitude passes, this escapade promises an extraordinary journey. And as an added bonus, a precious foray into the Savine valley.

Additional welcome

You must book your overnight stay in a refuge in advance.
Stay on the trails, following the signs, and take your garbage with you.

Environments

• Mountain view
• Mountain location
• Overview on river

Rates

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 16km
• Route type One-way ticket
• Elevation gain 710m
• Negative gradient 1290m
• Daily duration 06h30
• Signposted itinerary Yes
• Beaconing accuracy Departmental yellow signposting.
• Nature of the land Stone, Ground, Grit, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 2968m

Opening period

Itinerary accessible outside snow periods and subject to favorable weather conditions. Check the local weather forecast in real time up to the day of departure. Information on trail and hut access conditions is available from the tourist office .

Location

Departure from the Ambin refuge - accessible on foot only.

Documents

• 3-day walking tour of the Etache rock - Stage 2 - From the Ambin refuge to the Suffet refuge

Animals

Pets allowed : Yes

Pets allowed with supplement : No

Animals must be kept on a leash throughout this itinerary for your safety and that of the herds.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• 2/ Prefer an early start to reach your maximum altitude. You'll have to enter a more mineral world, sometimes still well covered with snow in early summer. Crampons and poles will often come in handy to get you over the late nevés near Lac Noir. The abundant signposting allows you to follow your path intuitively.
  At an altitude of 2710 metres, the Pas de la Coche is not far off. Discreet chamois sometimes follow you with their eyes. Now you're on to the final hurdle, which promises an unparalleled high-mountain experience. Such a wild pass at an altitude of almost 3000 metres is not for everyone! Now it's time to switch to the other side of the Roche d'Etache via the Pas de la Coche. The descent will be cautious between scree slopes and flats. What an impressive cliff seen from below! Take the time to stop at the foot of this fascinating giant. In fine weather, rhododendrons in bloom give a fuchsia-pink hue to the alpine grass that lines the slopes. From the Plan des Eaux descent, can you make out the footbridge over the Plan d'Etache torrent? There's no doubt that it will mark your next refreshing break. Now you're immersed in the calm of the valley. Take the opportunity to stop off at the Etache farm for refreshments in a bucolic atmosphere. Local products and carefully selected drinks will punctuate the end of your day. This rejuvenating stop is the start of a 2 km descent along the torrent.