Date: 30th of July, 2007
Map used: 1:50,000 Arolla hiking map, 283T
Distance, Elevation Gain/Loss: 3.2 km, 180/440 m
I had done the section of the Haute Route between the Lac des Dix and Zinal in 2005, so this time I just did the short section over the Col des Roux to the lake, then went north to the dam and took the cable car to its bottom. From there I travelled by bus and train to Zinal to continue the treck to St. Niklaus (the terminus of the 2007 adventure).
It was a cloudy day, with light drizzle during my hike. The climb to the col is steep and over rocks all the way, while on the descent you soon reach pastures. Half way down the path passes a short distance below the Cabane de Ecoulaies, owned by the ski club "Les Pyramides" in Euseigne. After crossing a stream it then passes in front of the refuge de la Barmaz, owned by the Société de gymnastique la Gentiane. Both of these offer self service accomodation, with a gardien on duty most summer weekends. As I passed by La Barma a large group was collecting outside, getting ready for their adventure. From there it was a short walk to the lake, where I turned north to leave the area.