1.1Km
Note
100m
1.8Km
1.8Km
1.8Km
3.5Km
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3.5Km
3.5Km
3.5Km
3.9Km
1.1Km
1.2Km
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1.3Km
1.3Km
1.5Km
1.5Km
1.9Km
2.6Km
Beta
- Timing: 1h50’ up
- Best season: November to March
- Aspect of the descent: S-E
- Ascent length: 3.200m
Searching for the Aosta Valley Linea Cadorna
Tête de Choume is the first summit of the chain going from Plan Puitz as far as the Tête de Barasson. At the outbreak of WW1, there were fears of a possible Swiss invasion and a series of fortifications were built quickly, now known as the Linea Cadorna, going from the Aosta Valley to Lombardy. Some relevant evidence of this is found close to the Tête de Choume, at Plan Puitz. This route is more ski touring-like, with regards to Plan Puitz, and gives a good idea of the reason why such fortifications were built here: from here, in fact, you’ll have complete control of anyone passing the Col du Grand Saint Bernard.
This route is the classic ascent one with a trailhead in Eternon dessous, where you’ll find a colourful, distinctive small chapel, then you’ll enter the Barasson valley and climb the magnificent Plan Puitz woods. This is a good choice for any snow and weather conditions, since there are no challenging sections. The descent is via your uptrack, freely.
Approach
- Timing: 1h50’ up
- Best season: November to March
- Aspect of the descent: S-E
- Ascent length: 3.200m
Searching for the Aosta Valley Linea Cadorna
Tête de Choume is the first summit of the chain going from Plan Puitz as far as the Tête de Barasson. At the outbreak of WW1, there were fears of a possible Swiss invasion and a series of fortifications were built quickly, now known as the Linea Cadorna, going from the Aosta Valley to Lombardy. Some relevant evidence of this is found close to the Tête de Choume, at Plan Puitz. This route is more ski touring-like, with regards to Plan Puitz, and gives a good idea of the reason why such fortifications were built here: from here, in fact, you’ll have complete control of anyone passing the Col du Grand Saint Bernard.
This route is the classic ascent one with a trailhead in Eternon dessous, where you’ll find a colourful, distinctive small chapel, then you’ll enter the Barasson valley and climb the magnificent Plan Puitz woods. This is a good choice for any snow and weather conditions, since there are no challenging sections. The descent is via your uptrack, freely.
From the motorway exit Aosta Est, take the tunnel leading to the Grand Saint Bernard valley, then follow it and go beyond the hamlets of Gignod and Etroubles. Shortly before Saint-Oyen, turn right and follow the sign for Prailles. Climb up the municipal road for about 4 km and then reach the small hamlet of Prailles dessous: continue straight towards Eternon dessous, that can be reached after 2 km. Do not go down to reach the hamlet, but leave the car at the fork: you can usually ski straight from the car.
Description
From the car, follow the forestry road as far as the first hairpin bend, leave the road and climb up open pastures until you’ll find the road again. Carry on along the uphill road and reach the Barasson mountain pasture after two hairpin bends. Climb the pretty Plan Puitz wood and choose the best route according to snow conditions. As the gradient increases, the wood thins out and leaves room for the summit slope. The summit is now visible thanks to a pylon close by; veer right and climb the last stretch as far as the Tête de Choume (2349m).
Descent
Make the descent freely via your skin track. The first section is the most lappable one.
Nearby Map
Routes
February 12, 2023 AO, Etroubles D+ 1030 m BS S
Barasson (Tête de)
100m
January 22, 2023 AO, Etroubles D+ 914 m MS S
Paglietta (Monte)
1.8Km
January 19, 2011 AO, Etroubles D+ 1443 m BS S
Annibal (Col d’)
1.8Km
November 28, 2018 AO, Etroubles D+ 1210 m BS S
Menouve (Col de) North
1.8Km
February 5, 2023 AO, Saint-Oyen D+ 1450 m BS N
Vertosan (Mont)
3.5Km
March 22, 2023 AO, Saint-Oyen D+ 1387 m MS N
Flassin (Mont) Pre-Summit – Flassin valley
3.5Km
February 19, 2022 AO, Saint-Rhemy-En-Bosses D+ 1850 m OSA, F N
Fallère (Mont) by Colle d’Ars
3.5Km
March 25, 2023 AO, Saint-Oyen D+ 1295 m MS N
Cordellaz (Tête)
3.5Km
February 23, 2019 AO, Saint-Rhemy-En-Bosses D+ 880 m MS N
Bois de Quart (Tête de)
3.5Km
November 21, 2020 AO, Etroubles D+ 1470 m BS E
Tardiva (Col de) and Mont de la Tsa
3.9Km
Services
1.1Km
1.2Km
Le Vieux Bourg Restaurant
Etroubles
1.3Km
Chez Lugon – Bar e Tennis Restaurant
Étroubles
1.3Km
Guido Letey – Noleggio con Conducente Facilities
Etrobles
1.3Km
Brasserie du Saint-Bernard Restaurant
Saint-Oyen
1.3Km
Hotel Mont Velan Hotel
Saint-Oyen
1.5Km
Maison Julie B&B
Etroubles
1.5Km
Camping Tunnel International Camping
Etroubles
1.9Km
Flavio Mario Dalle Pro
Etroubles
2.6Km
