Map of the Stage Bonaveau – Susanfe:
Infos Bonaveau – Susanfe
Distance: 3,85km
Positive elevation change: 619m
Negative elevation change: 65m
Maximal altitude: Cabane de susanfe, 2100.
Difficulty: T3
Hiking time: approx 2h
Stage description Bonaveau – Susanfe
From the Refuge de Bonaveau’s terrace the path continues overlooking the Saufla river. The first part is relatively flat with an impressive view of the Ruan Glacier.
After about 1km you arrive at a crossing which allows the hikers to either take the route to Champéry passing on the brand new Belle-étoile footbridge. To reach Susanfe we will not take this route, but the one who continues to climb towards the Ruan (although a little detour to see the bridge can be nice).
Once past the crossing the slope begins to become steeper before arriving after ten minutes at the “Pas d’Encel”. The Pas d’Encel is an aerial passage equipped with chains (more details and photos below).
Once at the summit of the “Pas d’Encel” one crosses the Saufla on a small metal footbridge just at the foot of the Gietro dam.
A few more steps at the foot of the dam and one then arrives in the sublime circus of Susanfe. A valley dominated by the glacier of Ruan which leads in the direction of the hut of Susanfe.
This last part of the stage is extremely scenic. On the last stretch that leads to the hut of Susanfe we enjoy a magnificent view of the Dents du Midi and more particularly the “Haute Cime” .
Previous Stage: Barme – Bonaveau
Next Stage: Susanfe – La Vogealle
Difficulty of this stage: Le pas d’Encel (T3)
This stage is truly magnificent and does not present any major difficulty. The only passage that could be a bit more delicate for people subject to vertigo is the passage of the Pas d’Encel.
It is located at the end of the valley that leaves Bonaveau, just before arriving in the circus of Susanfe.
This passage is equipped with chains for more safety.
For people prone to vertigo, it is more advisable to make this passage in the direction of the climb (from Bonaveau to Susanfe).
Alternative:
For the beautiful panoramas lovers and if the weather is clear it can be very nice to extend the stay in Susanfe and to leave early in the direction of the Haute Cîme (Difficulty T4).
From Susanfe it takes about 3h – 3h30 to reach the summit and climb the 1155m positive elevation that separates the hut from the summit.
Itinerary: from the hut you continue on the trail to the Susanfe pass. Once at the pass you take the small path in the stone which climbs in zigzag towards the “Col des Paresseux” at first, then the Haute Cime.
More Pictures:
