Col des Marches (2725m)

 

 

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The col lies between Valmeinier and the Marches valley sheltering the Bissorte dam lake. The path is part of the Tour du Thabor GR (GR57) and its white-red marks. No difficulty at all, except late snow early in Spring on the steeper Bissorte side. IGN map 3535OT. The path is excellent.

From Valmeinier

Start

Valmeinier 1800 (ski-resort). In the last bend before the parking lot, turn left on a trail that comes out after three bends on to the start of the GR path (signpost). 850m of ascent. 2h30.

Route

The path traverses under the Valmeinier 1800 ski-lifts, then draws left towards the entrance of Vallon des Marches (numerous chalets). Towards 2150m, the path becomes almost level to join the bottom of the valley at alt. 2213m. Cross the stream and walk all the way up to the end of the coomb, under the Petit Fourchon slopes. The path then veers left (north). Cross the stream again and walk up the upper valley slopes. Around 2500m, you can visit the Roche Noire lake (signpost). To reach Col des Marches, go straight up. The well-marked path winds its way up the last steeper slopes before reaching the col itself (2725m). Pointe de la Sandonière (2925m), to the north, is easily accessible via its south ridge.

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