TMB - Day 3 (Les Contamines to Rifugio Elisabetta)

Picture taking before Col de la Seigne

I have read some blogs where hikers said Day 3 was tough. I think after our grueling hike the day before, this was a walk in the park. 

Tired from yesterday's hike, we woke up at around 9 AM only because inside our tent, it started feeling like a sauna. If not for the heat, we would've slept until noon. After packing our tent, we went back to Refuge de la Nova for another hot shower and had breakfast of their yummy omelette and cappuccino. At around 9:30 AM, it was only us in the Refuge so it was very quiet and very relaxing. I think it was around 10:30 by the time we left for Col de la Seigne. 

For me, the most challenging part of this hike was walking from Les Chapieux to Refuge des Mottets. The temperature was in the high 20's, we were walking along a tarmac and it was a cloudless sky! It was really really hot not to mention an excruciating 300 meter climb. The view got better and better though so it was worth every uphill climb.

On our way to Refuge des Mottets with views of Aiguille Des Glaciers

We also met many hikers who spent the night at Refuge de la Croix Du Bonhomme. They had to go down to Les Chapieux (where we camped), as the alternative route, via Col Des Fours, still had too much snow. Together with the other hikers, we had dessert and some cold drinks at Mottets before tackling the 750 meter climb to Col de la Seigne at 2516 meters. 

Another river that we had to traverse

We came from ALL THE WAY DOWN THERE!

Although I've been whining in the morning about the heat and the cloudless sky, I am thankful for it as we gained altitude. The temperature got better and better the closer we got to Col de la Seigne. Mother nature has been blessing us with great weather so far and the views were amazing as we reached the border between France and Italy.

Enjoying the view before crossing the border to Italy

Mont Blanc as our background

We do not know how to selfie...

A better picture but the wind was fierce!

Ater Col de la Seigne, off we went to Italy and it was an easy downhill hike to Rifugio Elisabetta. I have been looking forward to this stage of the TMB because I love Italian food but I have never tried the local cuisine of Aosta Valley. The beauty of doing these intense hikes is I can stuff myself with carbs (pasta, pizza, wine!) without feeling guilty.

The way to Rifugio Elisabetta

The only picture I have of the rifugio. Its location is actually nice and I wish I have taken a picture of it from afar.

View from the rifugio

We arrived at Rifugio Elisabetta at around 4:30 PM. After checking in, they showed us to our room that we shared with 16 people! It was unbelievable! I would've preferred to wild camp but I wanted to take a hot shower and I was looking forward to hot food so hubby and I decided to stay there. We paid 45 euros each for the bed, dinner and breakfast the next day. I e-mailed them (info@rifugioelisabetta.com) about three weeks before we left for the TMB and I got a confirmation right away. Even if the sleeping conditions were not desirable, we were able to meet fellow hikers who became our friends throughout the hike and the view was amazing from the rifugio. I guess it was worth the sleepless night. One of the hikers that we met was aware of this condition so she booked a bed and breakfast that is about 45 minutes away from Elisabetta. She had a great night's sleep!

   DAY 3 SUMMARY

Les Chapieux to Rifugio Elisabetta 

Distance: about 13.5 KM (8.5 miles)

Time: 6 hours (with rest stops)

Highest Elevation: 2516 m (~8255 feet)

Rating: Moderate