Grand Tournalin

It can be reached from Piccolo Tournalin by going around the summit on the left and descending until it meets the normal route on the Valtournenche side.

Along the way it is possible to see the remains of a historic bivouac, dedicated to J. A. Carrel, used by the guides of Ayas and Valtournenche. Some mountaineering routes also lead to the summit of the Grand Tournalin, such as the spectacular and exposed East ridge, the North arête, the South face, the easy ridge that connects the two peaks, or the Tournalin Pass.

In fact, the Grand Tournalin has two peaks: the north one 3379m and the south one 3370m, about 60m apart, connected by a thin ridge and separated by a clear notch. Thanks to the extensive panorama of Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn and the high mountains of the Aosta Valley, the southern summit is frequently climbed.

The first ascent dates back to 1850 and was made by Abbot Amé Gorret and companions.

Ascending to the Grand Tournalin via the east ridge.

View of Castor and the western and eastern Lyskamm.

At the top of the Grand Tournalin