Col de l'Échelle on snowshoes

The Col de l'Echelle road, which provides access to the Vallée Etroite and Bardonnecchia in summer, is closed in winter, much to the delight of hikers and skiers. Park on the right at the large Roubion parking lot, then retrace your steps at the start of the pass road. The track starts out on vast snow-covered plains: you pass the beautiful chapel of Saint Hippolyte, then gradually rises through the woods to the chapel of Notre Dame de Bon Rencontre, near which you can see a stele erected in honor of the liberators of the Berthier battalion and the maquisards of the Rhône and Ain. The road climbs two more hairpin bends to reach the wide, snow-covered plateau. From here, you can see the Italian peaks, part of the Vallée Étroite with the three proud peaks of the Rois Mages and, in the distance, the summit of Mont Thabor! The return journey takes the same route. Please note that it is not advisable to continue down this track on the Italian side, as it contains avalanche tunnels and corridors. Beware of hikers with dogs: this route is also used by mushers and their sled dogs. Because of the avalanche risk, we strongly recommend that you wear full safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel).