Grand Saint Bernard pass
4 passes and 8 lakes
A spectacular Alpine hike along the border between Switzerland and Italy, with a view of the Mont Blanc massif and the neighbouring peaks.
The hike starts at the St. Bernard Pass, just on the border between Switzerland and Italy.
1. From the col du Fenêtre de Ferret you can already see the lakes below but above all you have a breathtaking view of the Mont Blanc massif and the Mont Dolent right in front of you! Firstly, you will see two of the three Lacs de Fenêtre (one is hidden behind a ridge) sparkling in a greenish blue, against the backdrop of the Monts Telliers and the Col de l’Arpalle.
2. The rocky ridge up on the right looks impassible and at first it is hard to see where the Col des Bastillon goes. The descent from the pass to the lakes of Lé is much gentler than on the other side! The stony path winds gently towards the lakes. There are 3 lakes Lé, but they are much less well known than the lacs de fenêtre, but they are as well very pretty.
3. Then take the path upwards and through the scree to the Col des Chevaux. The path is never steep but climbs in broad sweeps, it is easy to imagine pack horses being taken this way. Remember to look behind you as the higher that you ascend the more that you Mont Dolent as it become visible behind the Col des Bastillon.
4. Follow the path downhill to where it joins the road on the Swiss side of the Grand St Bernard Pass just before the hospice.
Elevation: +1050m - 1050m
Time: 6 h.
