The giant Gargantua is believed to have created the Pierra Menta. Legend has it that he kicked her from the Aravis, 30 km away. This monolith perched on a ridge became an emblematic peak of the Beaufortain and even gave its name to one of the most famous ski-mountaineering races in the world.
Fortunately the slopes around it are soft and lend themselves well to snowshoeing. In the heart of the massif, it will take 4 days to reach it and return, this allows a small crossing of the massif. Ideally located, the route offers beautiful views of the Mont-Blanc massif, the Ecrins massif, the Prealps and all the Savoyard massifs.
You will like
A total immersion in the heart of the massif
The discreet but constant presence of wildlife with sometimes beautiful observations!
4-day snowshoe trip / 3 nights in a refuge. Departure possible on request for your private group made up between the first february and april 13, 2025.
THE PRICE
Includes:
Organisation costs and supervision by a qualified mountain guide ;
Half-board board accommodation and lunch picnics, snacks ;
The transfer of the last day back to the departure point ;
Snowshoes and sticks if necessary (to be booked on registration) and safety equipment (DVA, shovel, probe).
Does not include:
Personal expenses (drinks, etc.), visits ;
Luggage transfer ;
First day picnic ;
Return journey from your home to the meeting point and dispersion ;
Airport taxes and other exclusions clearly and duly described on the corresponding data sheets.
The price is all inclusive from the meeting point to the point of dispersion.
RDV in the village of Grand-Naves in the commune of La Léchère at 9am.
GRAND NAVES – REFUGE DU NANT DU BEURRE
Departure from the small village of Grand-Naves and its northern domain. Climb to the communal refuge of Nant du Beurre and its panoramic view of Vanoise and Lauzière. The afternoon break will allow you to discover and practice with avalanche rescue equipment. Overnight at the shelter in dormitory. 3 hours walk/ Altitude difference +750m - 5km
Day 2
COL DES GENISSES – COL DE LA GRANDE COMBE – REFUGE DE LA COIRE
After a small climb above the refuge, the landscape opens onto large snowy fields with the Mont Blanc massif in panorama. The summer pastures have given way to these stretches that allow to cross quietly to the cormet of Arêches and the small refuge of the Chur. Possibility to make a detour to one of the peaks close to the route. Overnight at the refuge, in dormitory. 5h walk / Altitude difference +/- 350m - 7km
+/- 100m for the Breakthrough Stone
Day 3
CORNER PASS – BRESSON PASS – PRESSET REFUGE
Immersion in the massif with a passage at the foot of the famous Pierra Menta, superb tooth laid on a tapered ridge. The day starts with the climb to the Col du Coin, quite steep, but without difficulty. Descent into the nearby valley then climb to the Bresson pass before crossing to the refuge of Presset and its lake. Night in dormitory at the refuge, with panoramic view. 6h30 walk / Altitude difference +850m -450m - 8km
Day 4
REFUGE DE LA BALME – SAINT GUERIN
After a night in front of «the stone», descent on Saint Guérin through the refuge of the Balme. The valley runs along the cuminant point of the massif and almost 3000: the Roignais (2995m). Transfer and end of the stay in Grand Naves. 4h walk/ Altitude difference -1100m - 8km
End of the mid-afternoon stay in Naves.
The trip
LEVEL ***
Altitude difference: +/- 400 to 800m following the steps.
Walking time: 4 to 7 hours per day.
Physical level: for physically fit hikers only. Crossing the massif requires some physical effort.
Snow conditions in the mid-range mountains can be uncertain, but above all you are hikers. In the event of excessive avalanche risk, the route may be modified at the guide's request, always in the interests of the group and your safety and comfort.
GUIDING
Number of participants between 6 and 10 people supervised by a qualified professional (mountain guide).
ACCOMODATION
3 nights in dormitory, in comfortable shelters.
LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Without luggage transfer : you carry 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
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 find out or check 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 20/02/25
