Welcome back, fellow adventurers! Day 5 of our UTMB hike took us from Arnouvaz to Champex-Lac, a journey brimming with breathtaking vistas, cultural encounters, and the thrill of exploration.
Day 5 Overview: Arnouvaz to Champex-Lac - A Tapestry of Alpine Beauty
Our trail spans 27.9km, featuring an ascent of 1457m and a descent of 1778m. With an average ascent gradient of approximately 5.22% and an average descent gradient of approximately 6.38%, we set off from the tranquil riverside start at Chalet Val Ferret, ascending steadily toward Grand Col Ferret, marking the border between Italy and Switzerland.
Ascend to Grand Col Ferret: A Majestic Gateway
The 4.5km ascent to Grand Col Ferret (altitude 2,537m) begins gently on verdant fields near Chalet Val Ferret, offering moments of serenity beside the flowing river. Passing Refuge Elena, perched at 2,050m, we paused to admire the spectacular view of Tête de Ferret. The climb to Grand Col Ferret, while open and steep, rewards us with panoramic vistas that bridge two nations, Italy and Switzerland.
Grand Col Ferret: A Panoramic Tapestry
At the summit stands a monumental cross, a testament to the pilgrimage to Notre Dame de Guérison, a revered site for travelers seeking blessings and protection in the high mountains. This sacred monument serves as a beacon of hope and resilience amidst the rugged alpine landscape. A metal compass offers orientation amidst the awe-inspiring scenery, guiding pilgrims and hikers alike on their journey. We shared the moment with fellow hikers, including a donkey aiding weary travelers.
Descent to La Fouly: Amidst Alpine Meadows
The descent to La Fouly unfolded over 9.5km, revealing pastoral landscapes adorned with fences for grazing cows and sheep. Alpage de la Peule offers a glimpse into artisanal cheese-making traditions, a cherished cultural heritage of the region. The descent led us to La Fouly, a charming chalet village nestled along the river, where time seems to stand still amidst the timeless beauty of the Alps.
Lunch at Auberge Des Glaciers: A Gastronomic Delight
Auberge Des Glaciers in La Fouly treated us to mouthwatering pizzas, fueling our journey toward Champex-Lac. With 14km remaining, we traversed along cliffs, with chains for safety, and through enchanting woodlands adorned with whimsical woodcraft sculptures.
Exploring the Charlotte la Marmotte Mushroom Trail: a unique blend of education and adventure
We then turned into the Charlotte la Marmotte sentier didactique des champignons. As we embark on this trail, it's not just the breathtaking alpine views that demand your attention. The path itself is an interactive classroom, dotted with informative displays and engaging activities centered around the diverse and fascinating kingdom of mushrooms. The trail is part of a series of six educational paths that delve into various aspects of nature, including mountain safety, irrigation, geology, and hydroelectricity.
The trail is brought to life by delightful carvings of woodland creatures, mushrooms, and toadstools, which serve as both guides and entertainers along the way. These whimsical figures not only decorate the path but also play a crucial role in the educational experience, providing fun facts and stories about the forest and its inhabitants.
Arrival at Champex-Lac: A Hidden Gem Revealed
As we approached Champex-Lac, the beauty of the lake unfolded before us. Our decision to pace our journey over several days proves wise, allowing us to bask in the lake's splendor that race participants missed in their haste. We end our day by dipping our tired feet into the refreshing waters, a natural spa for weary souls.
Our car service brought us back to our base camp where our supporters waited for us to share our day of adventures.
Join me for the next installment as we continue our UTMB adventure, uncovering more treasures and embracing the wonders of the Alps. Until then, keep chasing dreams and savoring the beauty of the journey!
Take a look into the stunning pictures >>> UTMB Hike : Day 5
Check this out >>> GPX file of the UTMB Full Route
Satellite view of the UTMB Day 5 Route
Terrain view of the UTMB Day 5 Route
Stay tuned for the rest of our 7 Days of Breathtaking Views and Challenging Trails: Hiking the UTMB Route.
Related blogs:
> Embracing the Majesty of Mont Blanc
> 7 Days Hiking the UTMB 170 Km Race Route - Day 1
> Hiking the UTMB 170 Km Route - Day 2
> Hiking the UTMB 170 Km Route - Day 3
> Hiking the UTMB 170 Km Route - Day 4
#UTMB #HikingAdventure #AlpineWonders