from Planaval
Here's a challenging skialp hike, with a noteworthy altitude gain (nearly 1800 m) on a glacier (and therefore evaluated BSA, i.e. good skier), but fantastic for skiing and for the exciting views that you can enjoy...
After overcoming Aosta in the direction of Courmayeur, you get to Arvier, where you turn left for Valgrisenche; go up the valley up to the junction for Planaval, where you turn right. You park just before the town
Cross the fields to the left of the village until you reach a road that cuts across the mountainside with a few bends.
You continue through the last forest section, a little steeper
to reach the flat section of Plan Petet
You reach hut Miollet
Then you go up on a steep ground again, towards the glacier of Chateau Blanc.
You go up on the middle section of the glacier, towards the Pass of Chateau Blanc (3279 m),
and the summit becomes visible (to the left)
Without reaching the pass, you turn left and go up the slope leading to the summit of the Chateaux Blanc at an altitude of 3405 m.
You can enjoy a great view on the glacier of Rutor
and on Western Alps
You go down along the path forward
■ fb, 2014-02-27