Tirecorne dessus, from the Hermitage

Access

Leaving the [A5] motorway at the Courmayeur exit, enter the capital and continue in the direction of Villari. When you reach Villair Inferiore turn right and climb up the narrow road to Plan Gorret and the Ermitage. The car park in front of the restaurant is usually crowded... it is advisable not to arrive around lunchtime!

Introduction

Panoramic hike on the Courmayeur heights. Overall, the hike does not present any technical difficulties (orientation problems may arise if there are no tracks) and is not subject to particular risks (at least until Suche damon). We strongly recommend this route for its scenic and panoramic value.

Description

Leave the car and head towards the signposts to the right of the restaurant: take the snow-covered track through the forest, following the signs for La Suche. Initially, proceed on a slope immersed in the magical atmosphere of the spruce forest. After a few minutes, the track begins to climb, bending slightly to the left; a few short turns lead to a first crossroads (0h10'). Turn left and proceed for a long stretch with an ascending diagonal, still in the pecceta, which from time to time affords extraordinary views of Mont Blanc. At the end of the diagonal, the path bends to the right and, with a few twists and turns, quickly leads to the second crossroads (0h30'): turn left and ignore the path going uphill to the right, it will be taken on the return journey. Still on the path, proceed to the left and enter the slope of the Val Sapin; after an initial slightly uphill section, the path veers to the right and begins to climb up the pastures that precede Suche damon. The scenery opens up, the last larch trees are left behind and a spectacular panorama of the Mont Blanc chain opens up. After crossing the pastureland with a diagonal turn to the right, go up a short stretch of woodland before making a diagonal turn to the left that leads to Suche damon (1,816m, 0h50') where there is a stage post (closed in winter).
Continue to the right of the hamlets following the signs for Tirecorne damon. Continue in an easterly direction, skirting the last hamlet of Suche damon before entering the forest again. Veer to the right and then to the left, leading to a small clearing that anticipates the turnoff for Mont Cormet. Continue to the right, still in the forest, over an undulating stretch until reaching the pastureland and Tirecorne damon (1951m, ).
Also here, in this beautiful village of renovated chalets, the view is truly remarkable.
To complete the route, descend the pastureland with a diagonal turn to the right, heading for the cottages of Tirecorne dèsot (). After skirting a couple of cottages with splendid wooden roofs, re-enter the forest and descend in a westerly direction until you reach the marker post encountered on the ascent ().
Turn left and complete the descent by following the section of the route taken on the outward journey.