France's first national park, created in 1963, the Vanoise extends over an immense territory where everything has been preserved: fauna, flora and the mineral world. Departing from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (the tourist capital of the massif), this trip takes us on a tour of the 'Dômes de la Vanoise', a series of glaciers stretching over some twenty kilometres in the centre of the park. From the charming 'Lac des vaches' to the cosy Arpont refuge, from the 'Vallon d'Aussois' to the Gébroulaz glacier, this is a varied itinerary close to the great peaks to take in some of the most beautiful landscapes this massif has to offer.
You will like
The wild, unspoilt landscape of France's first national park
An exclusive tour of the Dômes de la Vanoise glaciers
2 nights in the traditional village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise
Crossing the Col du Souffre along the Gébroulaz glacier
The great variety of landscapes between the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys
No transfer during your trek for a full immersion
Accommodation in friendly gîtes and mountain refuges
Meet at 10:30am at Termignon Tourist Office, departure of the hike.
TERMIGNON - BELLECOMBE
The hike starts in Termignon, along the Doron de Chavière, with a slightly steep climb through meadows and forest. The effort is rewarded with a spectacular view of the mountain pastures: a vast panorama, turquoise lakes reflecting the snow-capped peaks, stone chalets and a few Tarines grazing in the background! Overnight in a refuge, in rooms for 4 people. 5 hour walk / Elevation: +1300 m -200 m / 11km
Day 2
AIGUILLES DE LANSERLIA - REFUGE DE LA FEMMA
A wild day to get into the spirit of the heart of the park. The first climb takes you to the Lanserlia lakes, surrounded by sparse vegetation. The route continues across high plateaux to the Rocheure valley and the Femma refuge. The hike can be extended to the superb wild Turc plateau. Overnight at the refuge in a dormitory, without luggage. 5 hour walk / Elevation: +650m -600m / 14km (+/-150 / 2km with the Pointe de Lanserlia) 6.30 hour walk / Elevation: +900m -900m /15km (through Pointe de Lanserlia and plateau du Turc)
Day 3
COL DE PIERRE BLANCHE - REFUGE ENTRE DEUX EAUX
The morning begins with an ascent to the Col de Pierre Blanche, amidst alpine meadows and marmots. The pass leads to the wild Leisse valley at the foot of the huge south face of the Grande Casse (3855m). This valley leads quietly to the refuge d'Entre Deux Eaux and depending on the season, a visit to the farm below is a must! Night in the refuge in dormitory, without luggage. 5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +550m -750m / 15km
Day 4
COL DE LA VANOISE - PRALOGNAN LA VANOISE
Cross the Leisse valley and climb to the Col de la Vanoise at the foot of the Grande Casse; the Vanoise glaciers. Descent to the village of Pralognan la Vanoise via Lac Long and the famous ford of Lac des Vaches. Overnight in a hotel room. 5h30 walk / Elevation : + 500m / -1250m / 14km
Day 5
MONT CHARVET RIDGE
A looped itinerary from Pralognan to discover one of the valley's most famous hikes and the surprising atmosphere of a gypsum mountain. A variety of landscapes, 360° panoramic views, a colorful palette... the program for this magnificent day. The Petit Mont Blanc (2680m) (+/- 1000m) or the Petit Marchet cirque and the Col de la Valette (2554m) (+ 1150m / - 840m) are possible alternatives for this day.
Return to Pralognan for a second night in a hotel room. 6h30 walk / Elevation : 1050 m -1050 m /14km
Day 6
COL DES SAULCES – COL DE CHANROUGE – REFUGE DU SAUT
Ascent to the Col des Saulces, below the Petit Mont Blanc, the perfect vantage point over the Pralognan valley, the Massif de le Grande Casse and the whole of the Dômes de la Vanoise. Cross under the Aiguille du Rateau through the alpine meadows to reach the Chanrouge valley and the refuge du Saut, above the resort of Méribel, without luggage. 7h walk / Elevation : +1400 m ; -650 m / 15km
Day 7
COL DU SOUFFRE - COL DE CHAVIERE - L'ORGERE
From the hut, the route takes in a colorful atmosphere along the Gébroulaz glacier to the Col du Soufre (2817m). The mineral landscape continues between Lac Blanc and Col de Chavière (2896m) in an exceptional geological universe. Back to the mountain pastures with the descent to Lac de la Partie and the Vallon de l'Orgère. Night at the refuge in dormitory. 7 hour walk / Elevation: +1150 m -1350 m / 17km
Day 8
THE PATH OF BARBIER - REFUGE DE PLAN SEC or LA DENT PARRACHÉE
A long traverse along the Parc de la Vanoise nature trail to the Col du Barbier, through one of the region's most beautiful forests. Enter the Aussois valley, above the Plan d'Amont and Plan d'Aval dam lakes. Short detour to Col de la Masse at 2923 m. Night at the refuge de Plan Sec (or La Dent Parrachée), without the luggage. 5 hour walk / Elevation: +900 m - 500 m / 12km
5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +1200 m - 800 m (through le col de la Masse / 12km
Day 9
SENTIER BALCON DU GENEPY - TERMIGNON
The route ends with a long balcony overlooking the Maurienne valley and the Arc torrent. The path winds under the foothills of the Dent Parrachée and the L'Arpont glacier before descending to the village of Termignon. 7h walk / Elevation: + 500 m -1500 m / 19km
End of the hike at Termignon around 3.30pm.
The trip
LEVEL ***
Elevation: +/- 550m to 1250m on average per day.
Walking time: 5-7 hours on average per day.
Type of trek: mountain route with no paricular technical difficulties.
You need to be in a good overall physical condition. Regularly practise an endurance sport such as walking, running, swimming or cycling, 3 to 4 hours a week. Your fitness training will make your walk easier and make it all the more enjoyable. Click here for a description of the different levels: levels of difficulty
GROUP
Number of participants: between 6 and 14 people supervised by a qualified professional (mountain leader). It's customary to tip your guide at the end of the tour, based on your level of satisfaction. This is not compulsory, but it is very much appreciated.
LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Daily luggage transfer to your accommodation on days 1, 4, 5 and 7.
ACCOMMODATION
CLASSIC:
6 nights in refuges, in dormitory and 2 nights in a 2 to 3-person bedroom, in mountain hotel. All accommodation is equipped with hot showers. However, due to increasingly frequent periods of drought, access to showers is not guaranteed.
MEALS
Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation. For lunch, your guide will prepare a picnic based on salads of regional products. Please inform us about your food allergies and special diets at the time of booking. We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring some additional products for your own picnics.
Practical information
ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT
Departure from Termignon. Meet at 10.30am at the Tourist Office.
BY TRAIN
Departure (the day before): from Paris Gare de Lyon, arrival at Modane. Then bus line S52, from Modane to Termignon.
Return: bus line S52, from Termignon to Modane. Then train, departing from Modane, arriving at Paris Gare de Lyon.
Timetables must be checked with the SNCF. For the S52 bus, consult the mobility guide or Cars Région Savoie.
BY CAR
Take the motorway to Modane, then follow signs for Termignon. Free car park in Termignon in the village centre.
Sturdy walking boots with a good sole, already broken in
1 change of clothes for the evening
A pair of comfortable shoes for the evening
Other Equipment
Toilet bag
Quick drying towel
Sunglasses and sun cream
Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
Knife, fork and spoon
Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches
Plastic cup for coffee
Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
Survival blanket
Head torch or hand torch
Sleeping bag liner sheet and pillowcase (blankets provided at accommodation)
Two adjustable walking poles (highly recommended)
Identity card or passport
BACKPACK
Bring a comfortable backpack of 40 to 50 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, picnic box and cutlery, sunscreen and your identity document). Please keep a little room to carry your picnic and snacks.
Your luggage has to be big enough to contain your belongings for the nights without luggage.
LUGGAGE TRANSPORT
You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag, with all your possessions inside, of 10kg maximum per person. Your luggage will be transported between accommodations, except on days 2, 3, 6 and 8 by our logistics vehicle where access is not always easy. Baggage which is too big and too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers, please think of their backs!
YOUR BACKPACK FOR YOUR NIGHTS WITHOUT LUGGAGE
On nights 2, 3, 6 and 8, your luggage won't be dropped off at your accommodation (you will get it back the day after). Here are the things to bring with you (about 2 kilos are enough!):
small toiletries bag
sleeping bag liner sheet
change of clothes for the day after (bare necessities!) and comfortable for the evening.
9 Days
Guided / with a guide
With baggage transportation
Classic (dormitory)
Level *** 
From 1230 €
Next departure on 05/07/25
