Aiguille de la Grande Sassière
Along with the Grande Motte, the Aiguille Percée, the Lac naturel de Tignes and the Barrage du Chevril, the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière is one of the “5 wonders of Tignes”.
A natural heritage
The Aiguille de la Grande Sassière is a mythical and impressive summit in the Vanoise region, rising to an altitude of 3,747 metres. With its unique profile, point and wall of rock facing Tignes, it’s hard not to spot it. Intriguing and majestic, the aiguille is still the highest hike in France and Europe, accessible only on foot, with no special equipment required (crampons, ice axes, ropes).
Anecdote
In case you’re wondering, the Aiguille de la Petite Sassière does exist, at an altitude of 3,672 metres. It lies just to the north of its big sister, the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière.
A nature reserve
Located on the French-Italian border, the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière gives its name to the Reserve that surrounds it. Created in 1973, this reserve extends over 22.33 km² between 1,798 and 3,747 meters above sea level. As a Nature Reserve, it’s vital for anyone visiting it to strictly heed the instructions set out at the entrance to the Reserve.
Here are a few instructions:
- Dogs are allowed, but only on a leash.
- Cyclists are prohibited. Exception made for the carriage road leading from the parking lot to Lac de la Sassière only.
- Camping and bivouac prohibited. Exception made for the specially dedicated bivouac area on the left bank of the Lac de la Sassière dam; bivouacs on the area are only permitted
- authorized only from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Fires prohibited.
- Gathering prohibited.
- Hunting prohibited.
- Overflight + drone prohibited.
- Vehicle traffic prohibited: no motor vehicles allowed. You must leave your vehicle in the Saut parking lot.
Did you know?
The water from the Plateau de la Sassière is of excellent quality and is used to supply a large number of Tignes households.
A must in summer
To discover the Reserve and its summit, the ideal time is of course during the summer season. The access road is completely closed in winter due to snow conditions.
Hiking easily accessible to all, a mythical summit and Europe’s highest hike, a wild and unspoilt area, grandiose scenery: here’s what’s in store for you.
Accessible hiking
The Sassière plateau can be reached on foot from Tignes 1800 or Tignes les Brévières via the La Revirette trail, or directly by car. If you are coming by car, you must park in the Saut parking lot and nowhere else. As the parking lot is not very large, we strongly advise you to check that there are enough spaces available before driving up.
Lac de la Sassière hike
Stroll along this easy, signposted route and discover the heart of the Grande Sassière Nature Reserve. Watch chamois, ibex, marmots, bearded vultures and ptarmigan along the way.
An easily accessible hike, ideal for introducing your children to nature, for example, or finding the tranquillity of a preserved spot.
The hike:
- 7 km
- Elevation gain: 200m D+/-
- Duration: 2h00
Hike to the terminal tongue of the Rhêmes-Golette Glacier
Follow this hiking route to reach the foot of the terminal tongue of the Rhêmes-Golette Glacier. A large-scale glacier shared between France and Italy, it’s not a good idea to venture onto it without glacier experience and mountaineering equipment.
The hike:
- 13,2 km
- Elevation gain: 700m D+/-
- Duration: 4h00
Col de la Bailletta hike
Reach the Col de la Bailletta from the Saut parking lot and treat yourself to a spectacular panorama of the Vanoise massif. An accessible hike requiring good physical condition that’s well worth the detour.
The hike:
- 13,6 km
- Elevation gain: 593m D+/-
- Duration : 3h40
Picheru Passage hike
Take on the challenge of this passage, which offers a beautiful view of the Aiguille du Dôme. This hike remains accessible and will offer you a breath of fresh air in the middle of the Grande Sassière Nature Reserve.
The hike:
- 10,8 km
- Elevation gain: 488m D+/-
- Duration: 3h10
The Aiguille de la Grande Sassière hike
The highest hike in Europe, the Grande Sassière hike takes you to the top of the needle. At an altitude of 3,747 meters.
If this hike is clearly worth the detour, it’s above all for the breathtaking 360° view of the surrounding mountains that will reward you for all your efforts in reaching the summit. Beyond the contemplative aspect, this hike is above all a sporting challenge that is not always within everyone’s reach.
Indeed, even if this hike remains accessible to all hikers without any mountaineering equipment, you should think twice before embarking on its assault. The Aiguille de la Grande Sassière hike is classified as difficult due to its length, elevation gain and the technical terrain it requires you to cover.
La randonnée :
- 12 km
- Elevation gain: 1500m D+/-
- Duration: 7h00
It’s also important to be aware of the conditions in which the hike is possible. The summit is often snow-covered (even in midsummer), making the final section very difficult, if not impassable without special equipment (mountaineering crampons). So, before setting off, don’t hesitate to ask the Tignes tourist office for information, or even ask a guide to accompany you. Note also that the route is marked only by cairns (mounds of stones that help mountaineers find their way), and that there are no signposts along the way.
Last but not least, as this is a particularly long hike, it’s a good idea to remember the essential good practices for hiking:
- Check the weather forecast for the day
- Don’t leave too late
- Equip yourself accordingly
And in winter?
In winter, it’s impossible to reach the Grande Sassière plateau by car. The road leading to the Saut parking lot is closed as soon as the first snow falls, and only reopens again in spring (usually at the end of May).
For the more courageous, however, it’s still possible to get to the Grande Sassière plateau, and even climb to the summit on cross-country skis. A unique experience, but only for very experienced skiers. The route to the summit requires solid experience, a high level of skiing and mountaineering skills (the summit is reached by crossing the Glacier de la Grande Sassière).
Contact the Tignes guide office to find out which guide will take you to the summit.
