Another section of the TMB

Lavachey to Rifugio Elena

We checked out of Camping Monte Bianco La Sorgente late morning and drove up the long, twisty road to Lavachey, hoping to find a parking spot. Luckily, we managed to grab one of the last spaces. By then it was almost lunchtime, so we decided to have a picnic by the river before setting off on our walk.

After lunch, we started walking up the hairpin road. As we climbed, the road gradually straightened out, opening up to huge mountain views, with cattle grazing on either side. We passed the Val Ferret Refuge and continued on, stopping briefly to tighten our shoelaces and have a quick drink of water before leaving the road and joining the narrow trail climbing steeply uphill.

Up the mountain trail. It was steep and dusty. We passed lots of people coming back down, including a few mountain bikers. There were electric fences to cross along the way, keeping the cattle in their grazing areas. Basil stayed at a safe distance, on his lead.

As we climbed higher, the views just got better. Near the top, we found a beautiful spot to stop for a snack stop and take in the scenery before heading on to the refuge.

The trail was narrow and twisted its way around the mountainside, with steep banks falling away beside us. Finally, behind a grassy mound, we could see the top of Rifugio Elena.

The refuge sits in an incredible position, with glorious views stretching across to the glacier. We stopped for a rest and watched as the refuge gradually filled up for the evening. TMB hikers arrived, checking in their bags, swapping their hiking boots for hut shoes.

It was getting late, so we set off back down, taking the easier path towards the valley. By the time we reached the road, we decided to cheat a little. Instead of walking the long stretch back to the van, we jumped on the free bus.

Tour Du Mont Blanc Family PACMAT marks all the refuges we visited.

10.80km | 439m elevation