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This high summit marks the edge between the walker and the mountaineer's domains. Two thirds of the route are on a glacier. The St Sorlin glacier is flat and safe, but the last slopes are steeper and require mountaineering gear (ice-axe, harness, crampons and a rope). Even though they are not often visible, there are crevasses in the top section of the route and, although easy, it is not to be taken lightly. The last slopes may be in ice late in the season. L'Etendard sees many visitors all through the year and the track is often deep and visible from the distance. To the Etendard CAF hut: 1h30 for 500m of ascent, the rest takes about 3.30h for 900m in normal conditions. The route is easy up to the Quirlies col, but the top is a high-altitude glacier walk.
Start
The col de la Croix de Fer, reached by car from St Jean de Maurienne, St Etienne de Cuines or Rochetaillée (Romanche side).
Route
Leave the car at the col de la Croix de Fer and take a trail that leaves the col horizontally on the Romanche side. It passes under the Perrons north side. The large trail then goes up the coomb west of the Perrons (several shortcuts) and comes out at a col where the view suddenly expands towards the lakes, the glacier and the summit itself. Walk down to the refuge, 50m lower down.
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Those aspiring to go up there should make a very early start. The route will be safer but the snow harder. Beyond the Quirlies Col, mountaineering equipment required! Do not attempt the summit unless you have some mountaineering experience. |
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From the refuge, walk along Grand Lac, Lac Blanc and Lac Tournant to reach without any difficulty the northern end of the St Sorlin Glacier. The glacier is flat and rather safe up to the Quirlies Col (3001m), wide saddle between l'Etendard and Grand Sauvage (3216m). The most determined will veer right before the col and start up the Etendard's steeper final snow slopes to reach the Col de la Barbarate (3219m). Most of the time, there is a deep track in the snow.
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The slopes have been moderate so far. Under the col, draw left and start traversing the much steeper snow under the summit. The bergschrund may be awkward to negotiate, but once up there, nothing can stop you. Turn right and climb the easy final slope. The view from the top is exceptional, due to L'Etendard's isolated position in the Alps and the northern Préalps. Descent Same route, being careful not to stray from the track. Grand Sauvage, on the other side of the Col des Quirlies offers alpine difficulties that exclude it from this guide. |
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Around the refuge
In 15 mn, walk up to the col des Lacs and go down to Saint Sorlin, or along the east side of the Perrons to go back to the Col de la Croix de Fer. L'Aiguille de Laisse, south of the refuge (ascent: 400m; 1h30), is also a fairly easy walk. By drawing west from the refuge, reach the vicinity of the Montfroid chalet and then on down to Plan du Suel. The last route entails a somewhat tedious walk uphill back to La Croix de Fer, and possible difficulties crossing the Eau d'Olle stream.