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Aiguille de la Grande Sassière Summit

Hiking Trail

Hard
13.64 mi
6,609 ft
This summit climb provides a high alpine challenge along a ridgeline beside Sassière glacier, with stunning views the entire route.

Aiguille de la Grande Sassière is a mountain in the Graian Alps, on the boundary between the Aosta Valley (northern Italy) and the French department of Savoie in the Tarentaise Valley.

This route to the summit of Aiguille de la Grande Sassière (3,747m) is a high alpine challenge, with the final third being along a ridgeline beside Sassière glacier. There are stunning views the entire route! Highlights include views of the nearby Grande Sassière, multiple lakes, Sassière Glacier, and down the Aosta Valley from the summit.

There’s only about a 6-week window every summer (July-August) where the snow on the glacier has melted on the West Ridge part of the trail. Of course, it is possible to undertake this route outside of this period if you have suitable experience and equipment.

Start from the parking at Le Chevril, the route is up pretty much all the way to the summit, and at times along very steep terrain and loose shale.

Take the time to enjoy the stunning views, particularly as the path comes around the back of Grande Sassière—you can look down on Sainte Foy and Tignes.

The final third of the ascent is straight up a 45° rocky shale slope on the west ridge.
Shale will move below foot and is difficult to get a good grip on. Black ice is also highly possible, so extreme caution is required here.

You’ll undoubtedly experience an overwhelming sense of triumph once you reach the summit! Pause to take in the amazing views over the Western Alps and towards the Aosta Valley.

To return, reverse the route.

This is an incredible, epic route and should be undertaken seriously and responsibly. But despite the difficulty, it is well-worth the effort. Written by Cece Moore
Created By
Strava Routes

Route and Elevation

Segments

NameDistanceElev. Diff.Avg. Grade
Towards the sky3.71 mi4,232 ft21.6%
Grande Sassière Aller/Retour 7.53 mi4,459 ft0.0%
Début Sassière Raide jusqu'au replat0.53 mi735 ft26.1%
Last 300m Aiguille de La Grande Sassière0.43 mi899 ft38.7%
La descente infernale 0.49 mi-676 ft-26.1%