Grand Darray

Grand Darray (3,514 m, also spelled Grand Darrey) is a summit of the Mont Blanc massif in the Swiss canton of Valais. It rises above the Val Ferret in the municipality of Orsières, north of the village of La Fouly. It is a serious alpine objective, but the hut walk beneath it is a rewarding outing in its own right.

Where is Grand Darray?

The peak sits on a ridge east of the Aiguille de l'A Neuve. One flank drops toward the Saleina Glacier and the other toward the main Ferret valley, which runs from Orsières up toward the Grand Col Ferret and the Italian border. Its coordinates are roughly 45.959° N, 7.060° E, in the Pennine Alps at the western end of the Mont Blanc range.

How do you get to the mountain?

La Fouly, high in the Val Ferret, is the usual starting point. From the Rhône valley you drive through Orsières and continue up the valley. Most walkers aim for the Cabane de l'A Neuve (2,735 m), a Swiss Alpine Club hut perched on a rocky spur about 1,100 m above the village. Grand Darray lies roughly 1.3 km from the hut.

The SAC grades the summer walk from La Fouly as T3. Expect about 3.5 hours and 1,170 m of climbing, with chains or fixed ropes on two exposed sections. The hut is staffed in summer from mid-June to the end of September, plus some spring dates for ski tourers.

What does the summit climb involve?

Beyond the hut, the terrain turns properly alpine. Guidebook descriptions mention reaching the Grand Lui col and following the ridge to the left up to the top, or taking the final slope over scree and boulders. A south-east ridge route is also recorded. Either way you need route-finding skills, suitable equipment and a read on current glacier and rock conditions. Check recent reports and the forecast through the SAC route portal or a local mountain guide before setting out.

When should you go?

In summer the path to the hut is clear of snow and the hut offers overnight stays. In spring the area draws ski tourers, who also start from La Fouly. Outside the staffed season, winter conditions call for full avalanche preparation.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Grand Darray?

3,514 m above sea level.

Can a non-climber reach the summit?

It is not a beginner's peak. The hut trail is a T3 walk with chains, but the ground above involves scree, blocks and ridges that demand mountain experience.

Where can you stay overnight?

At the Cabane de l'A Neuve at 2,735 m, staffed in summer from mid-June to the end of September and on selected spring dates. Reserve ahead.

Where should you start?

In La Fouly, in the Val Ferret within the municipality of Orsières. The main trail to the hut and the summit begins there.