From the promontory where the refuge is located, descend along an easy trail that follows the course of the River Ambin, arriving at the car park of Maroqua (2000 m). Continue on the dirt road to Plan de la Vie (1864 m) where there is a mountain pasture. Cross a small bridge and climb on the trail called “chemin des chevres”. With an altitude difference of 400 m, you reach the valley of Savine. From here on the left, you reach the colle del Piccolo Moncenisio and the refuge du Petit Mont Cenis; on the right, the trail winds easily along the Savine valley passing next to the Lake of Savine (2447 m) to reach Col Clapier. About 10 minutes from the colle, a new bivouac signalled by directional arrows was inaugurated in autumn 2014. From the colle following trail 806 you reach Rio Clapier, where you meet a junction (marked). Two trails depart from here that lead to the Vaccarone refuge: the first begins on the left passing by the shelter of Gias (2626 m), now derelict, and climbs to the refuge; the second runs along the river and climbs a rocky ridge, with a view of the Clapier lakes. This itinerary presents some fixed ropes at the top. Once the top of the ridge has been reached, a short flat section leads to the refuge. In the immediate vicinity of the refuge, a bivouac is usable all year.

Rifugio d'Ambin - Rifugio del Piccolo Moncenisio (possible return) - Bivacco Clapier - Rifugio Vaccarone

By car: Rifugio d'Ambin can be reached from Bramans, go up the D'Ambin Valley to Parking de la Maroqua, then on foot from there.

Source: Unione Montana Alta Valle Susa
Itinerary code: TAM
Phone coverage: moderate, international roaming
Recommended period: June - September
Classification: Provincial with high mountain development
Provinces crossed: Torino