Stage Susanfe – Vogealle

Map of the Susanfe – Vogealle stage

Description of the Susanfe–Vogealle section

We leave the Cabane de Susanfe, retracing our steps from the previous day, and head down the Susanfe valley until we reach the junction marked by a yellow sign. The Swiss red-white-red markings – indicating mountain hiking trails – are very prominent on this section, making it very easy to find your way down to the stream and cross it.

From the stream, you begin the ascent towards the Col des Ottans. The path is well marked and alternates between scree, grassy patches and, at times, patches of snow in the Cirque des Ottans (depending on the season).

Note: depending on conditions, it may be advisable to have crampons for this section. Check the current trail conditions with the huts on the Tour before setting off.

Once you have crossed the scree and snowfields, you arrive at the foot of the Ottans ladders. You start by climbing a ledge equipped with a handrail before entering the chimney, which is equipped with a series of ladders fixed to the rock.

 

At the top of the ladders, continue along the southern ridge until you reach a cairn situated 100 metres east of the Tête des Ottans (2,549m). This cairn marks the border between France and Switzerland and also indicates the entrance to the Sixt Fer-à-Cheval nature reserve.

From there, the path continues along the ridge to the Col de Sageroux (2,407m). The colour of the markings changes: yellow and red indicate the GRP, or regional walking loops.

From the Col de Sageroux, you then reach the Tête de Pérua (2,296m) by crossing a ledge facing the impressive Prazon Glacier and the Pic de Tenneverge. Once at the Tête de Pérua, you continue down a fairly steep descent to a small promontory overlooking Lac de la Vogealle.

From there, the slope becomes gentler; you cross the stream flowing from the lake and reach the Refuge de la Vogealle in just under half an hour.

Difficulty of this stage

The Ottans ladders are often a source of great trepidation for hikers hiking the Tour for the first time. To reach the Col des Ottans, a very steep section requires you to put your hands on the ground and climb up ladders. However, this section, when tackled on the ascent, does not present any particular difficulties for those familiar with via ferrata or rock climbing.

The entire ascent is equipped with chains and ladders, as well as a safety line. Those who are not comfortable with exposed sections can therefore secure themselves using via ferrata equipment (harness and elastic lanyard).

Please note for those carrying a large backpack (> 50L): the exit from the ladders is through a narrow opening. Large backpacks may struggle to fit through if carried on the back. If you are doing the section in a group, it may be a good idea for the person with the smallest backpacks to go first. Once at the top, they can then help those following by taking their backpacks .

Stages

• Previous stage: Bonavau – Susanfe
• Next stage: Vogealle – Folly

Pictures of the Susanfe – Vogealle stage