Take on the challenge of the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière

What a great challenge it is to climb the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière! Looking for a high-mountain route that works your legs as much as it delights your eyes? Then pack your bag, because this legendary ascent in the Graian Alps is for you! Rising to 3,747 m, this summit promises an adventure you will not forget in a hurry. Every serious walker should have this hike under their belt! Ready to take on one of the highest hiking ascents in Europe during your holiday at our campsite in Savoie?

The route description for the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière

During your holidays in Savoie, go for this 12 km return alpine hike, with 1,500 m of ascent! The full route takes between 7 and 9 hours of walking. It is clearly no small feat. To make your ascent of the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière easier, here are the key stages you absolutely need to know!

The hamlet of Le Saut, starting point of an unforgettable adventure

Where does this incredible hike begin? The start is at the hamlet of Le Saut, in the Tignes area. You will find a free car park near the Chevril dam, 32 km from our Camping L’Eden de la Vanoise.

To reach this starting point, take the D902 from our campsite towards the Tignes dam road. To make the most of the route, it is essential to arrive early in the morning. The time saved will let you start the climb up the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière away from the crowds.

Pastures and Lac de la Sassière

The trail starts gently through alpine meadows. It is the perfect time to warm up and find your cruising pace. Your first goal? Lac de la Sassière!

From the car park, follow this wide path to the lake before turning left at the sign for the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière. This is where the real climb begins, with steep slopes that already reveal views of Lac du Saut and the Vanoise valley. A short section equipped with metal handholds awaits you before you overlook Lac du Chevril.

Mineral cirque and glacier

The path continues alongside the Rocher de la Davie. Some hikers choose this rock as an alternative when the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière has too much snow.

From here, the terrain becomes rockier! You will soon reach a ridge with a panoramic view over Lac de la Sassière and the Tsanteleina. From there, you will clearly see the imposing face of the Grande Sassière and the long glacier that marks the next part of the ascent. Although it is tempting to venture onto it, we strongly advise you to stay on the trail. The ice can be unstable, making this section slippery.

The summit pyramid

The last section before the summit is the most demanding, so do not give up! The trail crosses a scree of stone slabs, flat and unstable stones that require maximum concentration. Progress can become slow and exhausting, all the more so if snow still lingers on the upper part of the Aiguille. Some passages are slippery. Caution and vigilance are therefore essential!

Once at the top of the Grande Sassière, you reach the highest point of this hike on the French-Italian border. The panorama is exceptional, with the Sassière and Fond glaciers on one side and the Rhêmes-Golette and Gliairetta glaciers on the other. You can be proud of your achievement!

Our experience

We started our route from the hamlet of Le Saut, route description in hand and poles at the ready! The first part through the pastures helped us find our rhythm. A first break by the lake was a chance to drink and assess how the group was doing.

Climbing towards the glacier, we progressed slowly and carefully, using crampons and ice axes on the snowfields. The cairns and the well-marked track are a great help in staying on the right route. The rocky sections require great concentration.

The final climb to the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière was done in stages, with short breaks. 4 hours after setting off (breaks included), we were at the top. After a well-deserved rest, we descended with extra care on the slippery areas. Thanks to good preparation, we enjoyed a safe and unforgettable experience that we highly recommend!

Our practical safety tips

This high-mountain hike is demanding, but accessible to well-prepared walkers. Make sure you have the right equipment, especially if you expect snow. Good preparation is the key to a successful ascent of the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière. Here are our main tips:

• Equipment: sturdy shoes, poles, crampons and an ice axe may be needed depending on the season and the state of the glaciers.
• Hydration and nutrition: bring enough water and energy snacks to cope with the altitude.
• Safety: watch out for snowfields and slippery areas, and follow the trail and cairns.
• Pace: take regular breaks every 300-400 m of ascent to avoid fatigue.
• Weather and conditions: always check the weather and the state of the Grande Sassière glacier before setting off.

The ascent of the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière is an adventure that leaves a lasting impression! It combines physical effort, varied landscapes and technical passages. It is an Alpine summit that remains safe if you follow the advice and adapt your equipment to the conditions. After such a high-altitude adventure, nothing beats a little comfort and relaxation at the foot of the mountains. Book your stay at L’Eden de la Vanoise, our 3-star campsite with pool, in the heart of the French Alps!