Les cols du Bric Bouchet

From the Valpréveyre parking lot, cross the Bouchet stream and take the trail along its left bank. Continue through the woods alongside the stream and cross it. Then, leaving the trail, head up to the left and look carefully—you’ll find the lovers’ engraved stone. Further up, at the fork with the Malaure Pass trail, turn left toward the Bouchet Pass. Here you are at the border—the boundary marker leaves no room for doubt! Ah, Italy… and a few steps below, the Nino Soardi refuge, nestled in the shelter of the summit and run by volunteers from the Italian Alpine Club. Mount Viso peeks out in the background, and the Pellice Valley opens its arms to you. Head back down the same trail, or cross to the other side of Bric Bouchet by heading toward the Col de Valpréveyre, a little further down on the right. At the fork, take the right-hand path down. With a little luck, you’ll run into the lords of the land—our friends, the ibex! In spring and fall, conditions are changeable; even without snow, the trail can be icy. Therefore, when in the mountains, the rule of thumb is to “go out well-equipped.” In my backpack, I pack or clip on: crampons and trekking poles. In winter, the essentials are: snowshoes, poles, gloves, a hat, sunscreen, and… a survival blanket! Experience is necessary, and knowing when to turn back is sometimes better than taking risks. And for those new to the mountains, we recommend hiring a professional! Before heading out, I check the Météo France Montagnes weather reports and the BERA (avalanche and risk alerts).