The giant Gargantua is said to be the creator of Pierra Menta. Legend has it that he sent it flying with a kick from the Aravis mountains, located 30 km away. This monolith perched on a ridge has become an iconic peak of the Beaufortain and even gave its name to one of the most famous ski mountaineering races in the world. Fortunately, the slopes surrounding it are gentle and ideal for snowshoeing. In the heart of the massif, it will take 4 days to reach it and return, allowing for a small crossing of the range. Ideally located, the route offers beautiful views from the Mont-Blanc massif to the Écrins massif, passing through the Pre-Alps and all the Savoie mountain ranges
You will like
A total immersion in the heart of the massif
The discreet but constant presence of wildlife, with occasional beautiful sightings!
4-day snowshoeing trek/ 3 nights in mountain huts.
Departure available upon request, between February 1st and April 13th, 2025, for your private group.
THE PRICE
Includes:
The organization fees and supervision by a certified mountain guide;
Accommodation with half-board, lunch picnic, and snacks;
The transfer on the last day to return to the starting point;
Snowshoes and poles if needed (to be reserved upon registration) and safety equipment (DVA, shovel, probe).
Does not include:
Personal expenses (drinks, etc.), visits;
Luggage transfer;
The round-trip travel from your home to the meeting point and departure;
Airport taxes and other exclusions clearly and duly described in the corresponding technical sheet
The price is all inclusive from the meeting point to the point of dispersion.
Meeting in the village of Naves, in the commune of La Léchère at 9am.
GRAND NAVES – NANT DU BEURRE REFUGE
Departure from the small village of Naves and its Nordic area. Ascent to the refuge of Nant du Beurre with its panoramic view of Vanoise and Lauzière. The afternoon break will offer an opportunity to discover and practice with avalanche safety equipment. Overnight at the refuge in a dormitory. 3-hour walk/ +750m - 5km
Day 2
COL DES GENISSES – COL DE LA GRANDE COMBE – LA COIRE REFUGE
After a short climb above the refuge, the landscape opens up to large snowy fields with a panoramic view of the Mont-Blanc massif. The summer pastures have given way to these snow-covered expanses, allowing for a peaceful crossing to the Cormet d’Arêches and the small refuge of La Coire. There is also the possibility to detour to one of the nearby peaks along the route. Overnight at the refuge, in a dormitory. 5-hour walk / +/- 350m - 7km
+/- 100m for the Breakthrough Stone
Day 3
COL DU COIN – COL DU BRESSON – PRESSET REFUGE
Immersion in the massif with a passage at the foot of the famous Pierra Menta, a stunning peak perched on a sharp ridge. The day begins with the climb to Col du Coin, quite steep but not difficult. Descent into the neighboring valley, then an ascent to Col du Bresson before crossing to the Presset refuge and its lake. Overnight in a dormitory at the refuge, with a panoramic view. 6h30 walk / +850m -450m - 8km
Day 4
LA BALME REFUGE – SAINT GUERIN
After a night facing the Pierra Menta, descent to Saint-Guérin via the Balme refuge. The valley runs along the highest point of the massif, almost 3000 meters: Roignais (2995m). Transfer back to Naves. 4-hour walk/ -1100m - 8km
End of the trek in the afternoon at Naves.
The trip
LEVEL ***
Elevation gain: +/- 400 to 800m depending on the stages.
Walking time: 4 to 7 hours of hiking per day.
Physical level: reserved for hikers in good physical condition. Crossing the massif requires some commitment.
Snow conditions in the mid-mountains can be unpredictable, but it is always possible to hike. In case of high avalanche risk, the route may be altered at the guide's discretion, always in the best interest of the group, for your safety and comfort.
GUIDING
Number of participants between 6 and 10 people, guided by a certified professional (mountain guide).
ACCOMODATION
3 nights in dormitory, in mountain huts.
LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Without luggage transfer : you carry all your luggage during the trek.
MEALS
Breakfasts and dinners are served at the accommodation. Lunch picnics are taken at the refuge.
CARTOGRAPHY
IGN 25:000 Massif du Beaufortain 3532 OT
Practical information
ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT
Meet at the parking located on 'Route du Fruit Commun', in the heart of the hamlet of Naves, 73260 La Léchère.
BY TRAIN
Moûtiers is accessible by TER train all year round and by TGV during the winter.
A transfer by minibus to Grand Naves is possible, depending on arrival times.
Visit www.oui.sncf to check out the schedules.
BY CAR
Highway A430 to Albertville then N90, exit Aigueblanche La Léchère. Ascent to Grand Naves where a large free parking lot is at the entrance of the village
If you are late, contact the agency at: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Equipment & luggage
EQUIPMENT
Equipment for snowshoeing (snowshoes and sticks) is provided. You can nevertheless bring your own if you have it. Safety equipment (arva, excavator and probe) is also provided for the group.
Clothes
Winter ski or hiking pants
Windbreaker or Goretex jacket
Tee-shirts "breathable" or merino wool
Long "breathable" or merino wool shorts
Fleece or sweater
Down jacket
Two pairs of ski gloves and a beanie
Hiking socks (looped, merino…1 pair per day)
High-stemmed waterproof hiking shoes (no soft shoes like "boots" or "boots")
Miscellaneous equipment
Backpack 40 liters minimum
Sunglasses + ski mask
Sunscreen
Flask and thermos (1.5 liter minimum total)
Knife and cutlery for picnic
Cup or bowl for soup and tea
Small personal pharmacy (analgesic, dressings type compeed...)
Survival blanket
Identity card or passport
BACKPACK
Pack a comfortable rucksack with enough room for a full change of clothes, safety equipment (arva, shovel, probe), picnic and snacks.
4 Days
Guided / with a guide
Without baggage transportation
Classic (dormitory)
Level *** 
From 550 €
Next departure on 13/03/25
