- Timing: 3h15’ up
- Best season: February to April
- Aspect of the descent: S then N
- Ascent length: 6.200m
North of Col Serena, a mountain chain originates and divides the Planaval valley from the wide Coumba Freida. Its NE aspect makes this face enjoyable for the entire season, with top-notch snow conditions often in place.
This route follows the Sereina valley and then turns right at the height of Arp du Bois dessous. Some sections are decidedly steep and require an adequate technical experience. From the Col, you move to the sunny, S-facing aspect of La Salle.
Take extra care with the final traverse to reach the last hollow before the col, as it stands above a really steep slope.
Head due west going under the flyover of the Grand Saint Bernard tunnel and, following the track of the forest road, climb the first shallow slope. Cross the Belle Combe stream and reach the hamlets of Farettes and Ponty and then, flanking the woods, the one of Eteley. Turn left and run alongside the wood edge as the slope gets steeper. Climb the bare slope, crossed by the forest path several times and then reach the hamlets of Arp du Bois dessous (1950m).
Turn right and go up the slope in the direction of the higher hamlets of Arp du Bois dessus (2.047m).
You will then enter a shallow, wide valley that needs to be climbed almost fully: pay attention at the end as there is a steep section to the left before you reach a small bowl.
Climb the valley until its end, you will gain altitude via a steep section and then cross right above decidedly steep slopes; enter the nice hollow and then reach the col.
Once you have reached the col, veer right and climb the final stretch keeping in the Planaval face until you reach the summit (2.785m) via a gentle slope.Â
Descent:
Make the descent freely via your uptrack.