Vanoise Loop

Vanoise Loop Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Pralognan la Vanoise

Arrive in the alpine ski resort town of Pralognan la Vanoise where your tour begins. Soak up the atmosphere of this authentic ski town before setting down for the night in your comfortable hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pralognan la Vanoise
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Trek to Col de la Vanoise Hut

Rise, ready to take on the alps as you first take a bus transfer to the Plan du Lac refuge (2,364 m), in the heart of the Vanoise National Park. From the refuge, climb to the Lanserlia pass (2,774 m). Magnificent panoramas of the Dent Parrachée (3,697 m) and the glacial domes of the Vanoise. Press on to reach the tip of Lanserlia (2,909 m), then descend by the same route or by the wild valley of the Grand Vallon.
Finally, return to the Plan du Lac refuge for the night where you’ll enjoy some much needed rest.
Overnight Location: Dormitory accommodation in Col de la Vanoise Hut
Distance: 4.5hours, 630m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 3 Walk along the legendary GR5 Route

Today’s beautiful route has you following the famous GR5 which leads high up in the valley of the Leisse. At the Croé-Vie bridge (2,099 m), the path branches off towards the Col de la Vanoise (2,517 m). The path along the lakes offers magnificent landscape contrasts and flourishing flora. You pass near the Col de la Vanoise refuge (2,516 m), then you begin the descent to Pralognan-la-Vanoise.
Overnight Location: Dormitory accommodation in Arpont Hut
Distance: 5.5hours, 600m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 4 Ascend Petit Mont Blanc

Today is dedicated to the thrilling ascent of the Petit Mont Blanc (2,680 m), an exceptional belvedere over the glacial domes of the Vanoise and the Grande Casse. It owes its name to the white gypsum of its rounded top. Later, enjoy dinner and an overnight night at the Repoju refuge (1,720 m).
Overnight Location: Dormitory accommodation in Dent Parachée Hut
Distance: 5.5hours, 1240m of ascent with optional extension
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 5 Trek to Orgère Hut

Climb up the Chavière Valley this morning to reach the Péclet-Polset refuge (2,474 m). Then you reach the Col de Chavière (2,796 m), a small indentation in the ridge between the Péclet-Polset area and the Pointe de l'Echelle, glacial peaks. Descend to the Orgère refuge, today’s welcomed destination (1,935 m).
Overnight Location: Dormitory accommodation in Orgère Hut
Distance: 5.5hours, 1100m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 6 Col du Barbier

Another magical day awaits as you enjoy a beautiful balcony crossing above the Maurienne via the Col du Barbier (2,285 m), under the Aussois rake (3,124 m). Here, you’ll enjoy beautiful panoramas of the peaks bordering Italy. Dig deep, and continue to the Dent Parrachée refuge (2,517 m).
Overnight Location: Dormitory accommodation in Peclet Polset
Distance: 5.5hours, 1300m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 7 Final Hike

The last stage of your trek has arrived, completing the tour of the Vanoise glaciers. Set off for a balcony hike from the Dent Parrachée refuge to the Plan Sec refuge (2,316 m), then to the ruins of La Turra (2,360 m) and the Croix de la Loza (2,377 m). Finally, you reach Montafia (2,180 m), the starting point of the final descent to Termignon (1,287 m).  Transfer back to Pralognan la Vanoise for your final night of the tour.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pralognan la Vanoise
Distance: 4hours, no elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 8 Departure

This morning following breakfast your trekking tour in the Vanoise National Park comes to an end. Pack up and check out for departure.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast