First of its kind in France, Vanoise National Park was established in 1963. A vast territory where flora, fauna and rocky mineral world are all preserved. Between Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys, its borders meet Gran Paradiso massif in Italy, forming the largest nature reserve in Europe. At the centre of this mountain range lays the icecap of Domes de la Vanoise, extending over twenty kilometres.
This journey, at the heart of the park, takes a path via high mountain passes which connects Aussois, Pralognan and Haute Maurienne. Trails at high altitude in a fragile mineral world, the vast mountain pastures of Vanoise and the dry-stone buildings punctuate this beautiful journey.
Departure from end of June to mid-september 2024
Without luggage transport
555€ per person, classic accommodation
Single departure : +80€
With luggage transport (nights 2, 3 and 5)
2 persons : 975€ per person
3 persons : 830€ per person
4 persons : 760€ per person
5 persons : 720€ per person
6 persons : 690€ per person
Includes:
Does not include:
The price is all inclusive from departure to end point.
Departure of the hike at Orgere refuge.
REFUGE DE L'ORGÈRE - CHAVIERE PASS - PECLET-POLSET REFUGE
From Orgere refuge, ascent to the Chaviere pass, entrance to the heart of the Vanoise National parc. The path goes across green pastures and rocky landscapes to the gorgeous refuge of Peclet Polset. Night in refuge.
4.30 hour walk / Elevation: +950m ; -400m / 9km
SOUFFRE PASS - PRALOGNAN LA VANOISE
From the refuge, the path goes near the sumptuous "Lac Blanc" before rising towards the Souffre pass behind which is the large Gibroullaz glacier. Descent by the same path before going along the large valley of Chavière to reach Pralognan la Vanoise, capital of hiking. Possibility to shorten the stage from Les Prioux, with a bus or a taxi. Night in hotel / gite.
7 hour walk / Elevation: +500m ; -1550m / 18km
VANOISE PASS - PLAN DU LAC REFUGE
Short transfer possible to "Les Fontanettes". Climb to Vanoise pass (2517m). Amazing view over the "Aiguille de la Vanoise" and the "Grande Casse" (3855m), highest point of the mountain range. Going to "Lac des Vaches" and its famous ford, and then Long lake and Rond lake. Arriving in Leisse valley and Plan du Lac refuge. View over the "Dômes de la Vanoise". Night in refuge.
7.5 hour walk / Elevation: +1550m -570m / 18km
ROCHEURE LAKE - FOND DES FOURS REFUGE
Departure towards Rocheure valley, climb up to the lake and to the mountain pass at 2900m high. Cross the desert and wild Méan Martin high glacial plateau to reach Fond des Fours refuge, at the the foot of the north face.
7 hour walk / Elevation: +950 m ; -780 m / 18km
COL DES FOURS - BONNEVAL SUR ARC
Climb to Col des Fours (2976m), then descend to Pont de la Neige below Iseran mountain pass. Cross mountain pastures to arrive at the very pretty Bonneval-sur-Arc village. Option to shorten the stage by walking directly to the village (10km, +450m-1150m, 4.30 walk). Night in a gite.
6.5 hour walk / Elevation: +780 m ; -1500 m / 15km
L'ÉCOT - EVETTES VALLEY
Last day in the upper Arc valley. Climb up the Vallon des Evettes to the refuge, passing through the pretty village of l'Ecot (listed village) and, conditions permitting, through the gorges of La Reculaz.
6 hour walk / Elevation: +/- 820m /14km
End of the tour around 3:30pm and bus transfer.
The itinerary is established according to the latest information available, unknown factors and situations beyond our control can affect this itinerary and may change the route, timings etc.
Elevation: +/- 900m approximately per day.
Walking time: 5 to 7 hours per day.
Type of trek: mountain hike on marked trails including gravel paths.
You have to be in a general good fitness level. Please practice a cardio sport such as hiking, running, cycling, from 3 to 4 hours a week.
Your physical preparation will enable you to enjoy your trek to the maximum.
Please find the description of the levels by clicking here: levels of difficulty
Before departure, we send you a travel folder containing:
- IGN maps with the route highlighted.
- 1 road-book containing all the necessary information for the trek.
- 1 waterproof map holder.
- Accommodation list.
CLASSIC: 4 nights in dormitory, in refuge ; 1 night in a room of 2/3 poeple in hotel or gite.
Accommodation offer hot showers except Fond des Fours refuge.
However, due to increasingly recurrent periods of drought, access to showers is not guaranteed.
BAGGAGE TRANSPORT
Two options:
without baggage transport: you carry your baggage.
Breakfasts and dinners are provided in each accommodation.
Picnics are not included and can be pre-ordered in each accommodation in the evening (except day 1). Possibility to buy picnic supplies in small local shops.
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.
IGN maps 1:25000 : Tignes-Val d'Isère 3633ET, Les Trois Vallées 3534OT.
Departure of the hike from the refuge-Porte de l'Orgère.
BY TRAIN
Arrival at Modane train station and then bus or taxi transfer to Orgère.
Timetables must be checked on the SNCF website.
BY CAR
Take the A6 motorway to Lyon, then the A43 direction Chambery and Modane.
At Modane follow Aussois direction via the D215. Free parking next to the tourist office.
CAR-SHARING
Get in touch with people to share a lift ! Here are some websites : https://www.blablacar.fr/ https://www.laroueverte.com/ https://www.roulezmalin.com/
At the end of the tour, bus transfer to Aussois or Modane arriving at 3:30pm.
Tourist Office Aussois: +33 (0)4 79 20 30 80
www.aussois.com
If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible on: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Clothing
Other Equipment
Bring a comfortable backpack of 40 to 50 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.
In the 'weight is the enemy' section, here are some tips on how to save a few hundred grams. For example, for your toiletries: a simple plastic bag with a zip or a small plastic box to avoid accidental crushing.
Pharmacy: in addition to your personal medicines, bring:
Now all you have to do is apply this recipe to your entire bag!