Mountain massif
Grand Combin massif
Grand Combin (Combin de Grafeneire) · 4314 m4000+
Grand Combin (4,314 m) is a glaciological complex between Valpelline and the Swiss Valais, with twin summits (Combin de Grafeneire and Combin de Valsorey) and an extensive glacier network feeding the By stream. Ollomont and the Grand Saint Bernard valley preserve pastoral traditions and rural architecture among the most authentic in the region.
At a glance
- Grand Combin Tour in Valpelline
- By and Combin glaciers
- Ollomont and dairy traditions
3D view of the massif
Interactive map with MapTiler terrain. Rotate and tilt to explore the mountain group.
Geology
Austroalpine metamorphic rocks (gneiss, micaschists) and Penninic ophiolites coexist in a geologically complex landscape. Combin and By glaciers show active moraines and proglacial lakes. Valpelline is crossed by well-exposed ophiolite zones along the road to Ollomont. Landslides and gravitational phenomena are monitored near retreating glaciers.
History and alpine culture
Valpelline was historically isolated, with an economy based on dairies, transhumance and passage toward the Great Saint Bernard. Ollomont preserves Walser traces and stone-slate roofs. The Grand Combin Tour, more recent than the Alta Vie, highlights huts such as Prarayer and Col de Loussourre.
Trails and routes
The Grand Combin Tour starts from Ollomont and crosses Rifugio Prarayer, Col de Loussourre and the massif glaciers. Alta Via 1 touches Valpelline with stages toward Colle di Valcournera. Day hikes reach pastures and lakes below the Combin's eastern faces.
All summits
Grand Combin (Combin de Grafeneire)
4314m
Glaciological complex between Valpelline and Valais, with extensive moraines and glaciers. The Grand Combin Tour crosses passes above Ollomont and the By basin.