For any mountain hiker, reaching a high pass or “col” is a moment of pure triumph. Crossing the 2,461-metre (8,074ft) Col du Bonnet du Prêtre on the Grand Tour de Tarentaise is a pinnacle experience, marking a transition from one valley to another and offering a profound sense of accomplishment.
The climb from the Varlossière valley is a steady, challenging ascent that tests a hiker’s endurance. With every step, the views become more expansive, and the world below seems to shrink. This physical effort is a core part of the adventure, a rite of passage on the way to the top.
Reaching the summit of the pass is a moment of exhilaration. It is a place to pause, to breathe in the thin mountain air, and to absorb the 360-degree panorama. From this vantage point, you can look back on the valley you’ve just conquered and forward to the new landscape of the Nant Brun valley that awaits.
Descending from the pass brings a sense of relief and satisfaction. The hardest part of the day’s journey is over, and the path now leads down towards the promise of rest and food at the next refuge. Conquering a pass like this is more than just a physical feat; it’s a mental victory that becomes a cherished memory of an Alpine adventure.