What: Hike up to the Aiguille de la Grand Sassiere

Why: A rewarding hike suitable for anyone that’s reasonably fit

Where: Val d’Isere

When: July & August

This week the team in resort hiked up to the Aiguille de la Grand Sassiere. It’s the highest peak in the Alps that can be climbed in the summer without ice axe / crampons. There’s one bit 2/3 of the way up where you have to do easy rock climbing for about 6 metres, other than that it’s just a (strenuous) walk.

The team started off before sunrise at 5am, to make full use of the cool of the early morning. They started at the car park near the lake and climbed up the path to the western ridge, and then tracked along that whilst hugging the edge of the glacier. After several hours of hiking they began the ascent of the summit at around 11am. The total hike time was around 7hrs, covering 13km altogether and ascending 1600m. The final altitude was 3751m, with absolutely stunning views across into Vallee d’Aoste from summit and across to Grande Caisse, Grand Motte and Tignes le Lac. It’s probably one of the best panoramic views you can get, and you can see the whole of the Espace Killy from there. You can even see Mont Blanc in the background in the group photo. It really is an amazing, rewarding hike that is certainly worth the effort of getting up early and putting in the hours of hiking. An incredible experience.