Col de By, from Glassier

Introduction

The col de By is situated between the Tete Blanche de By and the Tete du Filon and connects the comba of By (Val d'Aosta) with that of Durand (Valais). Very beautiful hike in a solitary environment. Alternative to the path to the Amianthe hut for those who want to climb the Tete Blanche or the Tete du Filon. It is also the ski mountaineering route to the Tete Blanche

Description

From Glassier, m.1549, follow the path to the Amianthe refuge until just beyond the valley that descends from the Bonamort pass. After crossing the stream, before arriving at the tsa Commune (1.30 - 1.45 hours from Glassier), climb up the steep meadows between the Ratti peak and the Arete du Filon, until you meet the stream again, which you climb up to arrive at the large esplanade of the comba della Grande Maison. Above a rocky drop is a grassy ledge. You reach it by climbing to the right to gradually gain height and avoid a strenuous direct approach. Walk along the ledge to the left until you find the most comfortable passage, which is a steep scree slope leading to the upper part of the comba. Now the terrain is less steep and often snow-covered, and one continues until below the col di By, protected by a steep snow wall. Go around it to the right and over steep, slippery scree to reach the col. Allow 5 hours from Glassier. If you wish, you can reach the Tete Blanche m. 3413 via the SSE ridge (less than an hour) and from this peak (one of the most beautiful panoramic points in Valpelline), following the cairns and traces (only one point is obligatory but it is easily found) descend to the Amianthe hut from where a path with a few fixed ropes near the hut leads back to Glassier. Or in half an hour, walk along the west ridge of the Tete du Filon (m. 3306) to where it becomes rocky, and then go over the south ridge a few metres from the summit to descend from the same ridge to Col de Bonamort, from where you can reach By, passing to the right (col de la Bonamort) or to the left of Mount Balme. Of course, it is also possible to reach the Amianthe hut directly by following tracks to the west until you meet the cairns descending from the Tete Blanche.