Vanoise Glaciers guided hiking tour

Hiking is the best way to discover the Vanoise National Park. In particular, the glaciers tour is one of the most popular hikes there.  

Vanoise is a protected area in the Alps. I discovered it when I was young. This is one of my favorite place for several reasons: it’s not invade by the tourists, the wildness of the fauna and flora, the quality of accommodations, the proximity with local people and the diversity of foods/cheese produced in the valley.

During this 7-day trekking, you will have the opportunity to see the real life/spirit of the alps mountains and to discover local food and especially cheese I select for my group, all are produced directly in the alpages.

During the 7 days of hiking we will explore the heart of the national park, a regulated and protected area due to its flora (1200 species, including 200 outstanding ones), fauna (1600 alpine ibex, 6000 chamois, 120 protected bird species) and landscapes.

Here is the daily program that I propose for this hiking tour:

Day 1: Meeting at 10 AM at the Townhall of Pralognan-la-Vanoise
From Pralognan to the Entre Deux Eaux Refuge
Duration: 5:05h; D+ 1100m, D- 396m

We go through the Barioz and Bieux villages to join the GR55 path toward Les Fontanettes halmet. Then the path rises to the left of the ski pistes to the Barmettes refuge. After the Glière bridge, we continue on the old mules path towards the Vaches lake, which we can cross over flat rocks called lauzes. From there we can admire the view of the Grande Casse and the Aiguille de la Vanoise. After the Long lake, the slope becomes easier, until we reach the Vanoise pass. At this point we see the valley of the Leisse river, leading to the Tignes village. After one last hour walking we arrive to the Entre Deux Eaux refuge.

Day 2: From the Entre Deux Eaux refuge to the Arpont refuge
Duration: 5:55h; D+ 879m, D- 695m

After crossing the river twice, the torrent of the Rocheure, we come to an intersection, and take the path that leads us to the Ferran rock. Then, we go through the Lozières lakes and ascend in south-direction among the screes and grassy slopes. From there, we see the Blanc lake in the opposite side of the valley. After reaching the Arpont refuge, we go up to the Arpont lake and finally return to the refuge to spend the night.

Day 3: From the Arpont refuge to the Plan Sec refuge
Duration: 6:10h; D+ 463m, D- 506m

We take a quite steep descent towards the south. At the Mont intersection, the path rises through the Combe de l’Enfer. Then we continue on this balcony path with panoramic views of the Dent Parrachée. Here, the views of the Maurienne valley and the Aussois lakes (Plan d’Amont and Plan d’Aval) is magnificent. To mark the end of our hiking day, we reach the Plan de Sec refuge.

Day 4: From the Plan Sec refuge to the Aiguille Doran refuge
Duration: 8:00h; D+ 916m, D- 1397m.

Firstly we cross the Seteria bridge, above the Plan d’Amont lake. We can now start the ascent to the Masse pass (2922 m), leaving behind us the Aussois lakes. At the intersection, we leave the GR55 to continue towards the Masse pass. From the pass, we follow the cairns until an unmarked path to climb the Rateau d’Aussois (3124 m), which may be your first time above 3000 m… We continue descending on the other side of the Masse pass, through a narrow path near the moraine of Rateau d’Aussois. We follow the trail in the meadow to reach the Aiguille Doran refuge.

Day 5: From the Aiguille Doran refuge to the Péclet-Polset refuge
Duration: 5:30h; D+ 907m, D- 346m

We take the path left to the Aiguille Doran refuge. It goes firstly through a pine forest and then through mountain pastures by the Povaret site. Then, the path gradually rises at the intersection of the Polset valley. To our right is the Partie lake. Just before the Chavière pass (2795 m), it is possible to cross snowfields until the early summer. Then, we descend to the Tarentaise valley towards the Péclet-Polset.

Day 6: From the Péclet-Polset refuge to the Valette refuge
Duration: 5:00h; D+ 875m, D- 760m

The trail descends gradually until the Ritort intersection, where we find the GR55. After the Motte hamlet, we cross the Doron de Chavière river. It is then that the track goes substantially upwards to the Montaimont hamlet and the Nants cirque. The panoramic path leading to the Nants chalets is spectacular! Finally, we reach the Valette refuge.

Day 7: From the Valette refuge to Pralognan-la-Vanoise
Duration: 5:00h; D+ 285m, D- 1450m

Today we continue northward along the Valette cirque, left to the Roc du Tambour. Then, we arrive near the Petit Marchet cirque, from where the road descends until the Petit Marchet summit. The short steep passage of the Grand Marchet cirque is equipped with a cable. We descend to the Arcelin cirque, following the path marked by cairns, and cross the Creuset creek towards the Fontanettes, then Pralognan. This is where the tour ends around 5 PM.

I will always try to follow as much as possible this program, but I may have to change it according to the conditions that we encounter, to ensure your comfort and/or safety.

The price per person is 869.00 € with a minimum of 6 participants.

I invite you to contact me if you are interested in this beautiful hike to discover one of the most beautiful areas in France. I would be thrilled to take you there and share with you an unforgettable experience.