Rateau d'Aussois, Mountain summit in Savoie, France

Rateau d'Aussois is a rocky summit in the southern Vanoise massif, reaching 3,128 metres between the Plan d'Aval lake above Aussois to the east and the Orgère valley in Le Bourget to the west. It forms the southern end of a north–south chain running from the Pointe de Rosoire past the Pointe de l'Échelle (3,418 m). Its steep rock faces and ribs are separated by snow-filled gullies.

The Orgère valley beside the summit was historically home to families who grew barley and raised livestock during summer months across multiple generations. This seasonal farming tradition shaped life in the region for centuries.

The summit lies between the Plan d'Aval lake, on the Aussois side, and the Orgère valley, on the Le Bourget side. It closes a north-south chain that runs from the Pointe de Rosoire past the Pointe de l'Échelle, at 3418 metres, to the Rateau itself. The name rateau refers to a rake, for the comb-like rocky ribs on its right flank.

Hiking this summit demands good fitness and sure-footedness on alpine terrain, as trails involve steep sections and exposed ridges. Weather can change rapidly at this altitude, so it is wise to start early and monitor conditions closely.

The summit closes a north–south chain that runs from the Pointe de Rosoire past the Pointe de l'Échelle, which at 3,418 m is the highest point of the group. The Rateau d'Aussois stands between the Plan d'Aval lake above Aussois to the east and the Orgère valley in Le Bourget to the west.