Starting from the Relais d'Arpette (1), take the path on the right-hand side. Go past Arpette village (after the bridge) then leave the large path taking the trail heading to the right. Go along a small stream in a rural setting, leaving it behind a bit further along.
The track gradually rises, you'll get to a ledge after having crossed the stream. You'll reach Arpette's scree (approximately 2000 m). Follow the waymarks. The track keeps rising until the path divides in two, take a right, following the direction indicated on the rock (2): 'Fenêtre d'Arpette'.
The slope gets slightly steeper, but without difficulty along the mountainside. You then reach a huge scree. There's no particular issue with orientation, just keep following the paint markings on the rocks. However, put your hiking pole aside, you're better off using your hands at this point. Cross over the firn reaching the final climb: you're facing a vertical grassed over wall, you get to the top using the trail/trails that wind along the wall. That's when you reach Fenêtre d'Arpette (3).
Once you're at Fenêtre d'Arpette, you'll be overlooking Trient glacier and its superb view.
Start a long trip downhill taking the path to the right, a rocky path at first.
Not a dangerous track but challenging due to its length, the fairly steep slope goes down towards Trient stream which you can spot a bit further down.
Pass by Vésevey (4) (a building undergoing restoration in 2011).
The descent finally comes to an end when you reach the stream, following it on the right bank. You then go through a coniferous forest leading to the Prise de Bisse building (5) (refreshment bar).
From there, follow the track along the irrigation canal (bisse) that remains at the same altitude (don't cross the Trient stream), stay on this track (ignore the trails that head down to the valley). After an hour or so, you'll reach the Forclaz Pass (Col de la Forclaz) (6), and a camp site.
6th stage of the TMB Tour du Mont Blanc
6th stage of the Mont Blanc tour: from the Relais d'Arpette to the Forclaz Pass via la Fenêtre d'Arpette.
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 12.47 km -
Calculated time: 7h 15 -
Difficulty: Difficult -
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Return to departure point: No -
Vertical gain: + 1,302 m -
Vertical drop: - 1,271 m -
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Highest point: 2,660 m -
Lowest point: 1,492 m
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Areas: Alps, Mont-Blanc (Massif) -
District: Orsières -
Start: N 46.031598° / E 7.106874° -
End: N 46.057776° / E 7.001402° -
IGN map(s): Ref. 3630OT, 3630OTR -
Description
Waypoints
- S : km 0 - alt. 1,492 m
- 1 : km 1.3 - alt. 1,637 m - Relais d'Arpette
- 2 : km 4.39 - alt. 2,151 m - Crossing near Fenêtre d'Arpette
- 3 : km 5.91 - alt. 2,660 m - Fenêtre d'Arpette
- 4 : km 7.33 - alt. 2,090 m - Vesevey
- 5 : km 9.26 - alt. 1,587 m - Prise de la Bisse
- 6 : km 12.42 - alt. 1,526 m - Col de la Forclaz (Valais)
- E : km 12.47 - alt. 1,528 m
Useful Information
Col de la Forclaz camp site (shower included) and a small grocery for supplies.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
Other walks in the area
Champex to Cabane d'Orny via the Col de la Breya.
Walker 
11.28 km
+1,521 m
-823 m
7h 35
Difficult
Departure from Orsières (Valais)
A circular walk from Champex Lac; ascending via the Bisses to the Arpette valley and then taking the path uphill through forest to the Col de la Breya. Then descending and joining the path to the Cabane d'Orny (refreshments available). The descent is via the path back to the La Breya chair lift taking in an optional ascent of La Breya.
Champex to Cabane d'Orny and return via La Breya summit and ski lift.
Walker 
12.64 km
+1,567 m
-863 m
8h 05
Difficult
Departure from Orsières (Valais)
A circular walk from Champex Lac; ascending the tranquil and beautiful Combe d'Orny and joining the path to the Cabane d'Orny where there are refreshments available. The descent is via the path back to the La Breya ski lift taking in an optional ascent of La Breya. (It is also possible to descend by foot via the Val d' Arpette or from the ski lift, similarly the walk can be shortened and height gain reduced by taking the ski lift up.)
Sentier du Bisse
Walker 
4.10 km
+153 m
-154 m
1h 35
Easy
Departure from Orsières (Valais)
A short and easy walk from Champex Lac, taking the well signposted and good paths beside the Bisse. These are the water channels made to control and route the flow of water for irrigation purposes. The path returns to Champex via part of the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) path.
Le Belvedere circular walk
Walker 
7.29 km
+619 m
-613 m
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Orsières (Valais)
This is a variation on the Sentier Le Belvedere walk which is described in the Pays du St-Bernard tourist booklet.
Champex-Lac to Trient -Tour Mont Blanc
Association or club 14.43 km
+819 m
-982 m
6h 30
Difficult
Departure from Orsières (Valais)
This 8th stage of the Tour Mont Blanc (TMB) offers two options, the tough one via Fenetre D'Arpette and the somewhat easier option over Porte à l'Ô. Here's the second version, past Plan de L' au, over Alpage de Bovine and Porte à l'Ô, past the Col de la Forclaz to drop down to Trient. Let's do it!
The TMB is a classic long-distance footpath that goes around Mont Blanc, passing from France into Italy and through Switzerland before returning to France.
Pointe d'Orny : out and return from the La Breya ski lift.
Walker 
13.44 km
+1,180 m
-1,177 m
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Orsières (Valais)
An ascent of an easy alpine peak starting from the La Breya ski lift and via the Orny and Trient mountain huts. Superb views over the Trient Plateau.
Raccard du Blé
Walker 
8.09 km
+375 m
-378 m
3h 25
Easy
Departure from Orsières (Valais)
A circular walk in the lower part of the Swiss Val Ferret. One of the walks publicized by the tourist office and well signposted. There are information boards (in French) about the construction of traditional barns made from local stone and timber. Easy walking, navigation and some interesting information. The first section is on a quiet road.
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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.