Tour of the Vanoise
A
6 day "hut to hut" trek exploring one of the most attractive
mountain regions in France.- The Vanoise National Park was created in 1963; the first national park in France.
- Largest nature reserve in western Europe home to a growing population of ibex (bouquetin).
- Alpine pastures and meadows full of a kaleidascope of wild flowers.
The trek crosses beautiful unspoilt mountain pastures which in late June and July are carpeted with a spectacular display of mountain flowers. These same meadows are the summer alpine pastures used for centuries to feed the cows and herds of goats which provide the milk for the cheeses for which the Savoie region is renowned. The tinkling of the bells on the necks of the cows and goats is a sound synonymous with the alps.
Our route follows good paths through the valleys; alongside tumbling mountain streams and crossing mountain passes. Above us are glaciers and permanent snowfields including the Glacier de la Vanoise.
Our first and last nights will be in simple but comfortable hotels with a chance to taste the regional Savoyard specialities. Once on trek we will be staying in the mountain huts (or refuges). The food in the refuges usually consists of a soup, a high energy main course and some of the local cheeses. The huts have a tremendous ambiance and comraderie with walkers exchanging their experiences of the day.
The park is famous for the ibex (bouquetin) which have successfully re-established themselves. There is almost certainly the chance to get close to these magnificent animals. The warning calls of the marmottes will be a familiar sound by the end of the trip as we approach. In the space between the high mountains and the forests and valleys below lie the "alpages"; the traditional summer pastures. Herds of cattle and goats graze peacefully with bells tinkling.
This guided walking tour starts and ends at the village of Pralognan en Vanoise.
Itinerary
D1 - Arrival and settle into your hotel.
D2 - A gentle day ascending to the Col de la Vanoise from Pralognan-la-Vanoise. We pass the Lac des Vaches (cows) on flat stepping stones with increasing views of the Grande Casse and the surrounding peaks. Passing the moraine from the Grande Casse and the shores of Lac Long before arriving at the broad Col de la Vanoise and our overnight stop at the hut. A magnificent, breathtaking backdrop with the sun setting over the mountains. Timing: c. 4 hrs with 1100m height gain.
D3 - Col de la Vanoise - L'Arpont hut / refuge. Setting off from the refuge we follow the direction of a stream between Pointe Matthews and the Pointe de la Rechasse passing Lac Bond and the Lacs de la Vanoise. A steeper descent leads to a fork in the path where we start to traverse the hillside above Le Torrent de la Leisse. We now traverse the moraines below the Glacier de Pelve and the Dome de Chasseforet. Time: 5 hrs walking; height gain 250m; descent 450m.
D4 - Arpont Hut - Refuge de la Dent Parrachee. Today’s walking is dominated by the La Dent Parrachee above whilst opposite we are overlook the valley of the Haute Maurienne and the peaks and cols making up the Italian frontier. Turning a spur the two lakes, Lac d’Amont and Lac d’Aval come into view along with site of our next overnight stop; the refuge de la Dent Parrachée (2517m). 6 hrs. Height gain 400m, descent 200m.
D5 - Refuge de la Dent Parrachee - l'Orgere Hut. We cross the valley to join a gently rising traverse below Le Rateau d’Aussois passing the Col du Barbier (or possibly a more adventurous route via the col de la Masse) before a gentle descent overlooking the town of Modane. Entering the woods of the Bois de Bourget we enter the Orgere valley. It is not long before the refuge d’Orgere (1935m) is reached. 5 hrs. Height gain 150m; descent 600m.
D6 -Refuge de l'Orgere - col de Chaviere - Refuge Peclet-Polset. Our backs to the south and the Maurienne we turn uphill with the goal of the Col de Chaviere at 2796m the highest point on our tour. The climb becomes gentler as we pass by the Lac de la Partie (2458m). The col is now in our sights and a steady climb leads to this stunning view point. The Aiguille de Polset to our left and the Pointe de l’Echelle to our right with the upper valley of the Doron below. Mainly a descent now to the Peclet-Polset hute. 6 hrs. Height gain 900m; descent 800m.
D7 - Refuge Peclet Polset to Pralognan la Vanoise. Our final day is a relaxing descent alongside the tumbling waters of the Doran and amongst the green meadows providing the grazing for the “tarine” cows that provide the milk for the superb Beaufort cheese. A brief stop perhaps at le Refuge de la Roc de la Peche or the hamlet of Prioux with the roofs covered with the stone tiles, or “lozes”, before we continue along the valley floor to Pralognan. A celebratory drink is in order! Overnight in our hotel. 5 hrs. Descent 500m.
D8 - Depart after breakfast.
 Lac Rond below the Col de la Vanoise |
Pont de la Peche, Pralognan |
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Approaching the Col de la Vanoise, Savoie, France |
Tour de La Vanoise - towards the Grand Bec |
Aiguille de la Vanoise |
Grande Casse from the Lac des Vaches |
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 Refuge Dent Parachée |
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Tour Details
The following is a summary of the tour informaiton. For further details please request a tour fact file.
| Duration: | 6 days walking / 7 nights | |||||||||||||||
| Min / Max Group size: | 2 - 8 (Private group departures please contact me). | |||||||||||||||
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| Accommodation: | Huts (shared dormitory type rooms); Hotels (twin rooms). | |||||||||||||||
| Meals: | Dinner, Breakfast; packed lunch | |||||||||||||||
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