Col du Ban Darrey, from Arp Nouva

Description

Take the path from the last car park that goes directly up to the Elena refuge, continue towards the Gran Ferret pass, as far as the ruins of an old alpine pasture, then descend to the right along a little path, entering the Ban Darrey valley. Still following the trail, go up the entire valley, crossing the stream on the right and taking a more marked path that climbs up to the centre of the rocky outcrop and crosses it on the left. Continue climbing to the bottom and reach the Ban Darrey pass, m.2695. Possibility of ascending to Pointe de Combette, a beautiful panoramic point. From the pass, descend along an evident path and then several shepherd's paths, all the way down the Ban Darrey valley, always keeping to the right (to the left of the stream) until you reach the more marked path that leads to the Mont P. huts (2023 m) and then to the clearly visible bridge that crosses the stream and the dirt road that leads to Ferret. Now descend for approx. 10 minutes, then by path, climb up to the right to the clearly visible Plan de la Chaux alpine pasture (2040 m) where you meet the path and signs leading to the Fenetre lakes. Past the first lake (signpost) there are two possibilities. 1) Continue along the hiking trail that climbs to the Fenetre de Ferret pass (m. 2697), descend the opposite slope for a short distance, then take a little path to the left that first crosses, then climbs to a saddle from where the pass road is clearly visible. Descend the entire little valley to a tunnel (with a small car park, 2400 m). Go through the tunnel and after about 200 m, take the well-marked path to the left that leads to the pass in less than half an hour. Time approx. 6 hours, height difference in ascent 1600 m., in descent 1000 m. 2) EE After passing the first lake (2460 m. - signs) cross to the left and go up the entire valley to the crest (stay in the middle). Follow the ridge to the left (well-marked tracks) and reach the Pointe de Drone, m.2949, with grade I rocks facilitated by fixed ropes. Descend by trail tracks to the right to reach the other ridge leading to the summit of Grande Chenalette (2888 m). Descend and cross the large scree slope heading right towards the Petite Chenalette peak (2664 m). On reaching the summit, descend along the ferrata (easy) then along the path to the hospice and then to the pass. (250 m. of additional height gain). Time from the lakes, 2 hours and 30 minutes, total approx. 6/7 hours. 3) From the pass, it is possible and convenient to carry out the tour (very beautiful and interesting), going up from the hospice by path to the Petite Chenalette and following the previous route back down to the lakes and by path (itinerary 1) return to the pass. Various possibilities for the return journey. 1 - Overnight stay at the hospice. 2 - Public transport or arrange your own vehicle. It is also possible to return during the day, if well trained, but a total of 14-15 hours, including a stop at the restaurant. Photo gallery