The journey up to a high alpine pass is a microcosm of life’s best challenges: a period of strenuous, often exhausting, effort that culminates in a moment of pure elation and a completely new perspective. The climb to the 2,461-metre Col du Bonnet du Prêtre perfectly encapsulates this rewarding grind.
The ascent from the Varlossière valley is a physical test. It’s a steady upward push where the focus narrows to the next step, the rhythm of your breathing, and the burn in your muscles. It’s in this phase that hikers must “exhale breath,” digging deep into their reserves of energy and determination.
But as you climb higher, the reward begins to build. The views become progressively more spectacular, offering tantalizing glimpses of the prize to come. This slow reveal of the panorama is the mountain’s way of offering encouragement, motivating you to push through the final, steepest sections.
Reaching the summit is a moment of catharsis. The physical exhaustion is instantly replaced by a wave of elation and a profound sense of accomplishment. You are rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree view and the knowledge that you earned it every step of the way. This powerful transition from exhaustion to elation is one of the most addictive feelings in the world of hiking.