Grand Col Ferret
A long pull to the Swiss border, where the pass opens onto a completely different set of mountains.
Hard
- Distance
- 9 km
- Ascent
- 800 m
- High point
- 2,537 m
- Walking, not counting the bus
- 4 to 5 h
Where it is
Reading your answers
How high
2,537 mhigh point
2,062 mRifugio Elena
1,770 mArnouva
The top stands 767 m above Arnouva. Total ascent is higher, because the path rises and falls on the way.
Before you go
- Rifugio Elena · 2,062 mUsually open 15 June to 15 September 2026. Ring to be sure.+39 0165 844688 · website
Where to stand
- Arnouva · 1,770 mA bench and the timetable on a post. No shelter from the weather.
What to carry. Boots, poles for the descent, food for the whole day, and a shell. Snow lies in the high cols into July.
If it goes wrong
112One number for mountain rescue, an ambulance, or the fire service. It is free, it works from a phone with no card and no credit, and it can put a translator on the line.
Worth reading before you leave. Soccorso Alpino Valdostano · The regional forecast · Wind and temperature up high
Worth knowing
The col is exposed and catches the wind even in August. Turn back at Elena if the weather closes in.