Step 1) From Glassier, 1.549 m. osl, follow great trail marked 3/4/5. Before arriving at By dike (1.960m. 1h00m), take right path no. 5, running parallel below the unpaved road. Step by step, footpath joins with unpaved road, at Balme alp (2.321 m. - 1h30min). Get to Lombardi and Thoules alp, still on unpaved road, where ends (2.378 m. - 2h15min.).
Move on in north direction, for Fenetre Durand (2.797 m. 3h45min).

Step 2) At Fenetre Durand, begins the confortable and "medium steep" E ridge, on slippery tiny stones. As summit is reached (3.347 m. - 5h30min) take care to pull the breaks ... north wall is straight on Mont Durand Glacier. Enjoy one of the most beautiful sightseen of northern Aosta Valley.

Remarks: could be useful to break in two days this long ascent. In Alpe Lombardi there is an unmarked trail crossing "Conca dell'Acqua Bianca" meadows. This footpath lead to Bivacco Regondi/Gavazzi (2.590 m.) in about 1h. An alternative route for Bivacco Regondi/Gavazzi could be found at Mont Gele page.

Hikers coming from Chanrion Hut
Following trail marked as "TDC" (Tour du Combin), Fenetre Durand is reachable in more than a couple of hours (estimate time: I've never been there from Switzerland). "Step 2" section is in common with Italian route.

Essential Gear

Alpin clothes and boots.

Miscellaneous Info

If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.

Images