Tsa de Flassin, from Pré Neuf

Introduction

Beautiful hike that first leads through a beautiful coniferous forest and then into the more open spaces of the upper Flassin valley. The northern exposure and the shady section in the forest make it possible to find snow even in the relatively late season. The route can be done for a long stretch on the track of the farm road, but it is advisable to ascend directly through the forest to better appreciate the immersion in nature muffled by the snow cover.

Description

From the car park, immediately cross the cross-country ski track to head directly south on a track beaten by the snowcat which, a little further on, skirts the toboggan run. When you reach the starting point of the latter, go slightly uphill through an initial stretch of woodland, following the track of the farm road for a few minutes and then cutting across a small snow-covered pasture to soon reach the Champex mountain pasture. Leaving the latter on the left, walk slightly uphill to cross a short treeless stretch and, near the first conifers, pass by Flassin de meiten. After a few minutes, leave the farm road and follow the tracks through the forest, enjoying the play of light that can be admired as you cross it and looking for pleasant passages in the still pristine snow. Gradually ascending without excessive gradients, you reach the edge of the forest and begin to glimpse the head of the Flassin valley; little by little you move to the left to pass near the north-western slopes of Mont Labiez. Now the whole of the panoramic view of the upper part of the valley opens up to view; increasing the gradient slightly, you gain its centre on the right and, just to the left, you can see the destination of the hike: another climb interrupted by an up and down and a final climb leads us to the Tsa de Flassin mountain pasture.