Mountain refuge La Source

Between routes in the Muverans sector

The Source fits better as a support point within a moving day than as a simple, isolated coat. In the surroundings of Les Plans-sur-Bex, by the route des Pars and in direct relation to the sector of Gryon and Bex, it is within an area where the routes of a very different entity coincide: Via Francigena , Tour des Muverans , Sentier du Sel or Tour de l'Argentine . This combination places it in a useful space for those who link valleys, hills and long stages along the western edge of the Vaudoises Alps.

The nearby relief helps you understand your function. Although the shelter is at 1,160 meters, much more alpine references are raised around. Grand Muveran , Pointe de Pré Fleuri or Chaux-Ronde , in addition to intermediate peaks and peaks that announce a transition ground between the bottom of the valley and open mountain. It is not a high-level site, but it is a basis for winning a level gap towards more exposed sectors and linking itineraries that quickly change character according to orientation and weather.

Planning and autonomy

For planning, read The Source as a well-placed geographical point between signposted routes, rather than as a reference of confirmed services. In a journey around Muverans it can be used to break the day or to order an approach before entering more demanding ground. This utility depends a lot on the chosen route, because the distances of several nearby routes are variable and do not allow to deduce actual times or effort without map or track.

The area has several sources in the vicinity, with one of them just over a kilometre away, but in the mountain it is appropriate not to make sure its availability at any time. It is also reasonable to anticipate time changes and manage the stage with margin, especially if it is intended to continue to higher levels of the massif or link long routes such as the Tour des Muverans or the Sanetsch-Muveran-Weg.