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    Col Tsasèche

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    6-8.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    13.3 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    1,289 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.7
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
    Italy Gran Paradiso Col Tsas che

    The Col Tsasèche Hike is a strenuous trail in Gran Paradiso National Park that takes you to the Tsasèche (sometimes called Tsa Sèche or Tsa Sètze) Pass. It starts in Gimillan, taking you through the mountain slopes, passing a beautiful pine forest and a local farm. It offers amazing panoramic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks at the end.

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    Route Description for Col Tsasèche

    The Col Tsasèche hike starts from Gimillan. Park your car and walk northwest of the town. You should see a sign leading to 3A Epinel, turn right at the fork. There will soon be another sign going to Col Tsasèche (also called Col Tsa Seche). Follow this route.

    The first section is the same as on Tsaplana trail, where you ascend a steep paved road all the way up to a forest.

    After you reach the forest, follow route 3, ascending left onto the slope. You will walk through a nice pine forest with some stunning views of the snow-capped Gran Paradiso mountain range.

    After the forest walk, you will start ascending again, above the treeline. Make sure to use sunscreen as it gets hot on a clear day.

    Switchback up the mountain slope. At around 3.5km into the hike, you will walk into a meadow. You will see the stone farmhouse of Arpisson on the other side of the mountain. Descend to the stream and cross it via the bridge. You can take a break at the Arpisson. From here it is around 1.5h to Col Tsasèche. Continue the ascent by following route 2 behind the farmhouse.

    There are numerous marmots in the area. If you sit quietly, you should see some of these cute animals running around the mountains. It’s also a great place to try to spot golden eagles, hunting the marmots.

    Soon you will reach another signpost. Here, turn left and follow route 2A. After a long ascent, you will come to a mountain wall; climb the left slope. It looks like the pass you are heading to; however, the pass will be visible after you climb higher. When you climb on top of the ridge, you will see that the trail continues to the right and you will be able to see your goal - Col Tsasèche.

    After you finally reach the Tsasèche Pass, you will get to see some of the most magnificent views Gran Paradiso National Park has to offer. In the southwest, you will see the double-square peak of Mt Gran Paradiso and the beautiful peak of Mt Grivola. Looking north, you will see the Pila Ski Resort and Aosta Valley below you. And behind Aosta, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the highest mountains in the Alps: Mont Blanc, Grandes Jorasses and Grand Combin de Grafeneire.

    From here you can also easily climb Punta Monpers (2793m). After that, return the same way you came.

    Insider Hints for Col Tsasèche

    • Park your car by the kindergarten north of Gimillan to skip the ascent in the village and make the hike shorter.
    • We really recommend planning this hike on a clear day, as the best views are at the end and you might not be able to see it if it’s cloudy.

    Getting to the Col Tsasèche Trailhead

    Use the SR47 road to drive to Cogne, then take the Village de Cogne road to ascend to Gimillan.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      June - October

    • Backcountry Campsites

      No

    • Pets allowed

      Yes

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Col Tsasèche Elevation Graph

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