Pointe de Drône from Great St. Bernard Pass

The trailhead for this challenging hike is located at the Hospice de Grand Saint-Bernard. This historic pass is easily accessible by car, and parking is available directly at the Hospice, providing a convenient starting point for your adventure.

No, this trail is considered difficult and is not suitable for beginners. It is rated T4 on the CAS (Swiss Alpine Club) scale, indicating a demanding alpine route with moderate technical difficulty, requiring experience on alpine terrain and good stamina. Hikers should be prepared for exposed sections and short climbing parts.

The trail traverses diverse alpine terrain, including rocky landscapes and scree fields. You will encounter sections described as a 'ridge ferrata' with ladders and chains in more exposed or technical parts. The route involves climbing the Combe de Drône and following a ridge, with some unsecured ridge sections requiring careful footing.

The primary highlight is the Pointe de Drone Summit itself, offering extensive panoramic views of the St-Bernard Country, the Aosta Valley, Mont-Blanc, and surrounding mountains. You'll also pass near the historic Great St. Bernard Pass. Notable features include the Grande Chenalette with fixed chains and ladders, and the route of an old chairlift that once reached nearly 2,800 meters, providing magnificent vantage points.

The hike to Pointe de Drône from the Hospice de Grand Saint-Bernard is typically an out-and-back route. You ascend to the summit and then return along the same path to your starting point at the Hospice.

Given its high alpine nature and the presence of snow-covered peaks, the best time to hike the Pointe de Drône trail is generally during the summer months, typically from late June to early September, when the snow has largely melted and conditions are most favorable. Always check local weather and trail conditions before heading out.

While the specific rules for dogs on this particular trail are not detailed, generally, dogs are permitted on hiking trails in the region. However, due to the difficult and technical nature of this route, including rocky sections, scree, and exposed parts with ladders and chains, it may not be suitable for all dogs. If you bring a dog, ensure it is well-behaved, on a leash, and capable of handling challenging alpine terrain.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the Pointe de Drône trail from the Hospice de Grand Saint-Bernard. Access to the trail is generally free.

Yes, sections of this route intersect with or are close to several other notable trails. You may encounter parts of the Col du Grand-St-Bernard > Lacs de Fenêtre, Tour des Combins - Stage 8, Tour du Saint-Bernard, Trail Verbier St-Bernard - Traversée, Via Alpina Red R117, Via Francigena - 03 part Switzerland, and the 33-Alpine Passes Trail.

Given the trail's difficult rating and alpine environment, you should bring appropriate gear. This includes sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, layers of clothing suitable for changing mountain weather, rain gear, plenty of water and snacks, a map and compass or GPS device, sun protection, and a first-aid kit. Trekking poles can be helpful for stability on rocky and scree sections.

The Pointe de Drône trail is considered a more adventurous and demanding option compared to many other routes in the region, such as the one leading to Fenêtre de Ferret. It is described as 'much more aerial' and involves short climbing sections and secured parts, offering a significantly more challenging experience for experienced alpine hikers seeking dramatic mountain views and a sense of accomplishment.