- Timing: 2h25’ up
- Best season: November to March
- Aspect of the descent: N
- Ascent length: 5.250m
A classic route via a little-known face
The Tête Crévacol is a pretty snowy dome that overlooks the ski resort bearing the same name. Discreetly panoramic, it offers an inspiring vantage point on the superb Coumba Freida, with superb glimpses on the imposing Grand Crêton rampart. This route climbs up the N face, its trailhead a little above Saint-Rhémy. Considering its aspect, this is a somewhat straightforward ascent, which usually offers good snow conditions.
The descent is via the same face, freely.
From the top, you will have dramatic views of the valleys to the S – Serena, Citrin and Flassin - and the crown of summits that surround the nearby Grand Saint Bernard Col.
Follow the snowy road closely as far as the plateau, where you cross the Gran Saint Bernard stream. Once you have traversed it and are on the bridge, turn right and follow a shallow forestry road that runs alongside the hamlets of La Tuette (1778m) and, shortly afterwards, goes underneath the Tunnel viaduct. After the viaduct, turn left and start climbing amid well-spaced larches. Cross the road to the col again and then climb the slope with thinned-out larches; with a series of kick-turns you will reach the track leading to Praz Dzentor (1.926m). Proceed cutting the hairpin bends and then reach a slight plateau just outside the wood, at 2.050m. Keep climbing, heading SW towards the summit that can be distinguished because of the bivy on top. As the gradient increases, go to the left and reach the dividing ridge; from here, climb the ridge as far as the bivouac on top, at 2.609m. The final stretch is often battered by winds and you may need to walk to the top.
Descent
Make the descent freely via your skin track. You can pack in some good laps in the first part of the descent, making the most of the face overlooking the Grand Saint Bernard col. From Praz Dzentor onwards, your best bet is to follow the uptrack.