Ski touring: Traversée des Rois Mages

The Traversée des Rois Mages commemorates one of the oldest ski crossings of the Alps, between Modane (73) and Bardonecchia (IT). The event is open to all independent ski tourers, whatever their physical or technical level.

Description

The Traversée des Rois Mages brings together hundreds of amateur ski tourers. From Valfréjus, in Haute Maurienne Vanoise, skiers set off in the direction of the Thabor refuge. They then continue to the Rois Mages refuge, in the heart of the Granges de la Vallée Etroite, on the Briançonnais side of the Italian border.

There are several routes to choose from (beginner, intermediate or sporty), so that every skier can participate according to his or her level of ability. These 100% natural, high-mountain courses are open and recognized by mountain professionals.

Participants can ski these routes on their own with their club (CAF) or with the help of volunteers from French and Italian alpine clubs. The routes are also closed by a wire-tie. After lunch at the Rois Mages refuge, participants take the bus back to Valfréjus via Bardonecchia (Italy) and the Fréjus road tunnel.

An Italian territory until the Second World War, the Vallée Étroite is now French territory and part of the commune of Névache. La Traversée (and the refuge) takes its name from the chainon des Rois Mages, which dominates the valley.

Registration and payment online.
Your registration includes :
- Transport :
Bus transfer
Passage through the Fréjus tunnel;
Luggage transport.

- Catering :
Coffee and croissants in Valfréjus ;
Snacks at the Thabor refuge;
Hot meals in the two Valle Stretta refuges.

Provisional timetable :

RDV: 7:00 am at the Thabor hut in Valfréjus
or at 6:30 am at Pian del Col (Bardonecchia) for transport to Valfréjus
Return by bus to Valfréjus around 4:00 p.m.

Please note!
Participants are responsible for their own equipment and must have :
1. shovel, probe and avalanche beacon (DVA or ARVA)
2. identification (border crossing)
For participants from the valley who have a valid Valfréjus ski pass, or a Haute Maurienne Vanoise 2025-2026 annual ski pass (to access the Valfréjus lifts at the start).

Environments

• Mountain location
• High mountain
• Ski resort

Opening period

Sunday 8 March 2026 between 6 am and 4 pm.
Postponed to 03/22/26 in case of bad weather.

Subject to favorable weather. Postponed in case of bad weather.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Postponed in case of bad weather

Spoken languages

• English
• French
• Italian

Location

Animals

Pets allowed : No