Bec de la Traversière

Bec de la Traversière is a peak of the Graian Alps rising above Rhêmes-Notre-Dame in the Aosta Valley, right on the Italian-French border. At 3337 m, it stands at the point where the ridges separating three valleys meet: Valgrisenche, Val di Rhêmes, and the French Tarentaise. It's a destination for experienced mountain hikers looking for sweeping views well away from the crowds.

How do you get to the summit?

The hike to Bec de la Traversière starts in Thumel, a small hamlet in the municipality of Rhêmes-Notre-Dame, at around 1879 m. From there the trail climbs the valley toward Lago di Goletta — this first stretch is rated E (moderate) and doesn't require climbing experience. Past the lake, things get more serious: once you reach Colle Bassac Déré, the path traverses the south face of the false summit, and the final stretch follows a steep slope of rock and scree. The slope narrows near the top, where you skirt the rocky ridge on the left to reach the summit. The whole route forms a loop of roughly 20 km with about 1458 m of elevation gain — realistically a full-day outing.

What will you see along the way?

The hike runs through classic Aosta Valley alpine scenery: meadows and pastures lower down, rocky slopes and scree higher up, and near Lago di Goletta a mountain lake ringed by rocky ridges. Thanks to its position at the meeting point of three valleys, the summit itself opens up a panorama in several directions at once — you can see both the Italian side of the Graian Alps and stretches of the French Tarentaise. A large stone cairn topped with a metal cross marks the top, a landmark visible from a distance. On the Valgrisenche side, especially early in the season, the slopes can still hold snow, giving the route a genuinely alpine feel.

When should you go?

The best window is May to October, when the trail is mostly clear of snow and the technical section doesn't call for extra gear. Early in the season, particularly approaching from the Valgrisenche side, it's worth carrying crampons and an ice axe, since slopes can be icy or snow-covered. Summer is when the route is most accessible, though it still demands good fitness and high-mountain experience given the EE-rated stretch near the top.

Who is this route for?

This is a hike for people with mountain experience, not for beginners. The section up to Lago di Goletta is manageable for any fit walker, but the upper part — rock and scree underfoot, with sections that require confidence on more demanding terrain — calls for familiarity with high-alpine trails. Start early in the day, wear solid trekking boots, and check the forecast carefully, since conditions in this alpine zone can shift quickly.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Bec de la Traversière? The peak reaches 3337 m and sits on the Italian-French border, in the Graian Alps.

Where's the best place to start the hike? The trailhead is Thumel, in the municipality of Rhêmes-Notre-Dame (about 1879 m), from where the trail runs via Lago di Goletta and Colle Bassac Déré.

How long and how hard is the route? It's a loop of about 20 km with roughly 1458 m of elevation gain. The first stretch is rated E, while the final approach to the summit is rated EE, meaning it requires experience.

Do you need winter gear? Yes, early in the season, especially on traverses from the Valgrisenche side — crampons and an ice axe are recommended. In summer they're usually not needed.