Loops around the great massifs
Tour of Rutor
One of the lesser-known tours but among the most accessible for observing an active glacier. The loop around Rutor, above La Thuile, combines quiet summer farms, glacial lakes and views of the western Mont Blanc massif.
Tour of Rutor
La Thuile — Arvier — Morgex
One of the lesser-known tours but among the most accessible for observing an active glacier. The loop around Rutor, above La Thuile, combines quiet summer farms, glacial lakes and views of the western Mont Blanc massif.
~55 km, 4–5 days
4 VdA stages available
La Thuile — Arvier — Morgex
Route map
Official GPX tracks · use zoom and compass to explore
All stages
01E🇮🇹Stage 1
Rutor Tour — Stage 1: La Thuile → Rifugio Deffeyes
La Thuile → Rifugio Deffeyes
Climb to Rifugio Deffeyes in the Rutor valley.
10 km+1100 mOpen- 02E🇮🇹
Stage 2
Rutor Tour — Stage 2: Rifugio Deffeyes → Lago Rutor
Rifugio Deffeyes → Lago Rutor
Traverse to the Rutor glacial lakes.
6 km+150 mOpen 
03E🇮🇹Stage 3
Rutor Tour — Stage 3: Lago Rutor → Rifugio Verney
Lago Rutor → Rifugio Verney
Descent toward Rifugio Verney above La Thuile.
8 km+300 mOpen
04T🇮🇹Stage 4
Rutor Tour — Stage 4: Rifugio Verney → La Thuile
Rifugio Verney → La Thuile
Return to La Thuile closing the Rutor loop.
5 km+0 mOpen