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  The crossing of the 2665m Fenêtre d’Arpette in the Val d’Arpette headwall should only be attempted under settled conditions and after any troublesome snow has cleared from the upper slopes. In a ‘normal’ summer, this is likely to be around early July, although snow patches often remain throughout the summer. Gained in about 3½–4hrs from Champex, the fenêtre is very much a window onto a different world, for the west side of the pass is dominated by the Trient glacier spilling from the Plateau du Trient, while a distant view includes the dammed lake of Emosson, with the Tour Sallière and Mont Ruan beyond it (see ssss1). TMB walkers crossing the pass descend to either Trient or Col de la Forclaz (see above) in another 2–2½hrs by a steep but straightforward route.

  The ascent of Pointe des Ecandies (2873m) south of the Fenêtre d’Arpette may be made without major difficulties in about 1hr from the pass.

  In winter Col des Ecandies makes a worthwhile ascent on snowshoes – but only when conditions are stable, as the walling slopes of Val d’Arpette are prone to avalanche after snowfall (see Snowshoeing: Mont Blanc & the Western Alps).