Map for the Stage Susanfe Vogealle:
Infos Susanfe – Vogealle
Distance: 7,93km
Positive elevation change: 783m
Negative elevation change: 1151m
Maximal Altitude: Tête des Ottans, 2549m
Difficulty: T4
Walking Time: Approx. 4h
Satge Description for Susanfe – Vogealle
We leave the hut by returning on ones’ steps from the previous day and we descend the Susanfe valley until reaching the fork indicated by a yellow sign.
The Swiss markings (white and red) are very present on this section and it is very easy to identify where the path continues even when reaching the scree.

From the torrent we start with the ascent to the Ottans pass. The path is well marked and alternates between scree, grassy strips and sometimes some neve in the circus of the Ottans (depends on the season).
Depending on the conditions, it may be advisable to have crampons for this passage. For information on current conditions, you can contact the huts on the tour who will be happy to give you information about the current conditions.
Once the scree and neves crossed we arrive at the foot of the ladders. One begins by mounting a ledge equipped with a handrail before entering the chimney equipped with a succession of ladders fixed in the rock. (More details and photos of the col des Ottans below).

At the end of the ladder, we continue on the southern ridge, finally reaching a cairn which is 100m east of the head of the Ottans (2548m). This cairn marks the border between France and Switzerland and also indicates the entry into the nature reserve of Sixt Fer à Cheval.
From the Col de Sageroux we then reach the Tête Pérua (2296m) crossing a balcony that faces the impressive Prazon glacier and Tenneverge peak. Once at the Tête de Perua we continue with a steep descent to a small promontory that overlooks Lake Vogealle.
Previous Stage: Bonaveau – Susanfe
Next Stage: Vogealle – Folly
Difficulty on this Stage: Le col des Ottans (T4)
Often quite feared by hikers who go around for the first time, the Ottans pass is certainly a very steep passage that requires to use the hands at some points and to climb the ladders. If taken in the direction of the climb it poses no particular difficulty .
Note to people having large backpacks (>50 L): At the end of the ladders one has to exit by going through a hole that is not very wide. Large backpacks may have difficulty passing if worn on the back. If you are hiking in a group it may be wise that the person who has the smallest bag passes first. Once on top this person can then help the next ones going out by taking their bag.