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Refuge du Palet

A classic hike leaving Tignes to a refuge in the high mountains

featured in Hiking & walking routes Updated

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

Starting from the paravalanche tunnel on the Tignes le Lac side, you 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, continue west along the GR5 towards the Col du Palet.

The path steepens and passes under a chairlift before reaching the Col at 2,652m. 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 onto your walk but will take you to the Col de la Croix des Fretes (2,647m). It's 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.

Location

Map of the surrounding area