Plan Puitz passing through Barasson
Easy and without particular dangers, the trail runs through the woods above the village of Saint-Oyen in the upper Great St. Bernard Valley. It follows the dirt road that passes through the wooded slopes, which become even more enchanting in a snow-covered environment.
The end of the trail is a panoramic area that offers excellent views of the surrounding valleys: Flassin, Citrin, Serena, and the upper Great St. Bernard Valley.
Starting from the village of Eternod Dessus, you take the road that ascends to the right, reaching the first hairpin turn. Once the dirt road is abandoned, you continue straight ahead for a few meters; here, on the right, you will find the clear path that ascends next to a dry stone wall. After rejoining the dirt road again, stay on the left road at the nearby junction and follow it, continuing straight at the following trail signs.
When you reach a hairpin turn, continue on the left for a short distance until you reach the beginning of another path that ascends to the right through the steep forest. Here, you will continue through the dense forest on steep terrain, quickly gaining elevation for about a hundred meters of altitude until you intersect with the dirt road again (1972 m). Now, after a long traverse to the right and then to the left, you will reach the panoramic promontory of Plan Puitz.
On the way back, if you wish to extend the hike with a short detour, you can reach the solitary alpine pasture of Barasson at the beginning of the homonymous valley. To reach it, retrace your path and at the junction at 1834 m, take the left path indicated by the trail sign. After a few meters of direct ascent, shift to the right and, with an ascending traverse, surround a wide promontory that leads to the entrance of the Barasson Valley. After a few minutes of walking without gaining more elevation, you will see the pasture located on the slope below the forest. From here, descend toward the bridge below, take the dirt road, and intersect with the ascent trail once again.
