GRAND TOUR OF THE VANOISE GLACIERS 9 DAYS Self-guided

Hiking details
9 Days 9 Days
Self-guided Self-guided
With baggage transportation With baggage transportation
Accommodation Classic (dormitory)
Level *** Level ***
From 795 € From 795 €

In the heart of France's first national park

First of its kind in France, the Vanoise National Park was established in 1963. A vast territory where flora, fauna and rocky mineral world are all preserved. Between the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys, its borders meet the Gran Paradiso massif and National Park in Italy, forming the largest nature reserve in Europe. 
The tour will bring you around the famous "Dômes de la Vanoise", a range of glaciers extending over twenty kilometres at the centre of the Park and passes at the foot of the Grande Casse, the highest summit in Savoie at 3855m. In 1860, a rich Englishman employed a courageous woodsman to cut more than 800 steps in the ice so the summit could be reached for the first time.
Crossing some of the major landscapes in the Alps, this tour offers you the chance to enjoy the massif a little longer by tackling the Col du Souffre and the Gébroulaz glacier to the west (depending on conditions). Just over a week's trek, with no transfers and some nights in small mountain refuges, total immersion guaranteed!

You will like

  • The wild, unspoilt landscape of France's first national park
  • An exclusive tour of the Dômes de la Vanoise glaciers
  • Crossing the Col du Souffre along the Gébroulaz glacier
  • The great variety of landscapes between the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys
  • No transfer during your trek for a full immersion
  • Accommodation in friendly gîtes and mountain refuges 
Lire les avis clients

Share on :

GRAND TOUR OF THE VANOISE GLACIERS 9 DAYS Self-guided

From 795 €

Book online
Secure payment
Secure payment

Circuit

Hiking details

See the technical informations

Dates & prices

DEPARTURES AND PRICES

Departure from 22 June to 05 September 2025

Without luggage transport
795€ per person, classic accommodation.
Single departure (without luggage transfer): +90€

With luggage transport (except on days 3, 5 and 8)
2 to 6 people: 945€/ person, classic accommodation

Comfort option (up to 5 nights in a 2-person bedroom): +70€ per person (minimum 2 people)

Information and booking by telephone or e-mail.

Secure payment Secure payment
Book online

THE PRICE

The price includes:

  • Accommodation with half-board formula from dinner of the first day to breakfast of the last day;
  • 1 road book file (paper) for a group of 1 to 4 people and the digital version to download for each participant; additional paper road book on request.
  • Luggage transfers except on days 3, 5 and 8 , if you have chosen the option;
  • Organization fees and tourist taxes. 

The price does not include:

  • Lunchtime picnic;
  • Shower tokens in the accommodations;
  • Personal expenses (drinks, visits...);
  • The bus back to Termignon on Day 9 (about €6) or taxi transfer in low season (June & September);
  • The return journey from your home;
  • Cancellation & repatriation insurance.

The price is all inclusive from departure to end point.

The itinerary day by day

Day 1

TERMIGNON - REFUGE DE BELLECOMBE
The hike starts in Termignon, along the Doron de Chavière, with a slightly steep climb through meadows and forest. The effort is rewarded with a spectacular view of the mountain pastures: a vast panorama, turquoise lakes reflecting the snow-capped peaks, stone chalets and a few Tarines grazing in the background! Settling for two nights in refuge.
5 hour walk / Elevation: +1300m / -200m / 11km

Day 2

REFUGE DE BELLECOMBE - LES AIGUILLES DE LANSERLIA
Hike to the Lanserlia lake, a short walk that will plunge you into the most secret atmosphere of the Vanoise. You can extend the hike to the superb wild plateau of Le Turc, then descend via the Rocheure valley. Overnight at the refuge.
5 hour walk / Elevation: +600m -600m+/ -850m / 15km (with the ascent of la Pointe de Lanserlia)
7 hour walk / Elevation: +960m -960m (through le plateau du Turc)

Day 3

COL DE LA VANOISE - PRALOGNAN
Cross the Leisse valley and climb to the Col de la Vanoise (2517m) between the Grande Casse, the massif's highest point (3855m) and the Vanoise glaciers. Descent to the village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise via Lac Long and the famous Lac des Vaches ford. Night in hotel in bedroom.
7.30 hour walk / Elevation: +600m -1500 m / 20km

Day 4

THE RIDGES OF MONT CHARVET – PRALOGNAN LA VANOISE
A gorgeous loop from Pralognan to discover one the most famous hike of the valley. Various landscapes, 360° scenery and amazing colours. The Petit Mont Blanc ( 2680m)(+/- 1000m) or the Petit and Grand Marchet circus (2554m) (+ 1150m / - 840m) are other options for that day. Back to Pralognan in the afternoon for a second night in a hotel.
6h30 walk / Elevation : 1050 m -1050 m / 14km

Day 5

COL DES SAULCES – COL DE CHANROUGE – REFUGE DU SAUT
Ascent to the Col des Saulces, below the Petit Mont Blanc, the perfect vantage point over the Pralognan valley, the Massif de le Grande Casse and the whole of the Dômes de la Vanoise. Cross under the Aiguille du Rateau through the alpine meadows to reach the Chanrouge valley and the refuge du Saut, above the resort of Méribel. Night in the refuge, without luggage.
7h walk / Elevation : +1400 m ; -700 m / 15km

Day 6

COL DU SOUFFRE - COL DE CHAVIERE - L'ORGERE
From the hut, the route takes in a colorful atmosphere along the Gébroulaz glacier to the Col du Soufre (2817m). The mineral landscape continues between Lac Blanc and Col de Chavière (2896m) in an exceptional geological universe. Back to the mountain pastures with the descent to Lac de la Partie and the Vallon de l'Orgère. Night at the refuge in dormitory.
7.30 hour walk / Elevation: +1150m -1350m / 17km

Day 7

THE PATH OF BARBIER - REFUGE DU MONTANA
A long traverse along the Parc de la Vanoise nature trail to the Col du Barbier, through one of the region's most beautiful forests. Enter the Aussois valley, above the Plan d'Amont and Plan d'Aval dam lakes. Another more alpine itinerary is possible, through the Col de la Masse at 2923 m. Night at the refuge Le Montana.
5 hour walk / Elevation: +1000 m -700 m / 14km
5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +1200 m -950 m / 12km (through Col de la Masse)

Day 8

BALCON DU GENEPY - REFUGE DE L'ARPONT
The tour carries on with a long balcony crossing overlooking the Maurienne valley and the Arc torrent. The path winds under the foothills of the Dent Parrachée and the Arpont glacier to reach the refuge of the same name. Overnight in a dormitory without your luggage.
6 hours walk / Elevation: +750 m -750 m / 16km

Day 9

DESCENT TO TERMIGNON
Direct descent to Termignon from l'Arpont, retracing a few of the previous day's steps and then via the Mont alpine pastures.
2H30 walk / Elevation: -1000 m

End of the hike in Termignon.

In July and August, it's possible to do a long loop via the Lozières lakes, then a descent to the Plan du Lac refuge and the Bellecombe parking lot. Then take the bus for the final descent to Termignon.
5h30 walk / Elevation : +740 -730m

End of hike at Auberge de Bellecombe, return to Termignon by shuttle bus.

The trip

LEVEL ***          

Elevation: +/-250m to 1350m on average per day.
Walking time: 5 to 6 hours on average per day.
Type of trek: mountain route with no technical difficulty.

You need to be in a good overall physical condition. Regularly practise an endurance sport such as walking, running, swimming or cycling, 3 to 4 hours a week. Your fitness training will make your walk easier and make it all the more enjoyable. Click here for a description of the different levels: levels of difficulty.

ROAD BOOK

Before departure, we will send you a travel folder containing: 
- 2 IGN TOP 25 maps with the route highlighted;
- 1 road-book containing all the information necessary for the trek;
- 1 waterproof map holder;
- Accommodation list.

SIGNPOSTS AND WAYMARKS ALONG THE TREK

The tour is well indicated with yellow paint markings and regular signs on the ground.
The trails are also numbered.
It is preferable to know how to read a 1/25000 topographical map.

LUGGAGE TRANSPORT

Two options are available:
without luggage transport: you carry all your luggage.
with luggage transport: your luggage is delivered to your accommodation except on days 3, 5 and 8.

ACCOMMODATION

CLASSIC:
4 nights in a dormitory (refuge), 2 nights in a small dormitory for 4/6 people (refuge) and 2 nights in a room for 2-4 people, depending on the number of participants (refuge and small mountain hotel).
COMFORT
Up to 5 nights in a 2 or 4-person bedroom (depending on the exact number of participants) in gite, hotel or refuge and 3 nights in refuge, in dormitory.
Hot showers in each accomodation. However, due to increasingly recurrent periods of drought, access to showers is not guaranteed.

MEALS

Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation. Picnics are not included and can be pre-ordered in each accommodation the day before.Please inform us about your food allergies and special diets when 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.

MAPS

IGN MAPS 1:25000: Les Arcs 3532ET, Tignes-Val d'Isère 3633ET, Les Trois Vallées 3534OT.

Practical information

ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT

BY TRAIN
Outward journey: Departure from Paris to Modane. Then bus from Modane to Termignon.
Return: Bus from Termignon to Modane. Train from Modane to Paris
Bus Modane <> Termignon : Altibus
Times given are indicative and should be verified in a train station or on www.oui.sncf

BY CAR
Take the motorway to Modane, then follow signs for Termignon. Large free car park in Termignon in the village centre.

CAR-SHARING 
Get in touch with people to share a lift! Here are some website recommendations: www.blablacar.fr   www.laroueverte.com

End point in Termignon to collect your luggage.

ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER

Termignon & Haute-Maurienne Vanoise tourist office: +33 (0)4 79 20 51 67
Hôtel** La Turra (Termignon): +33 (0)4 79 20 51 36

TO CONTACT US

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

Equipment & luggage

EQUIPMENT LIST

Clothing

  • Walking trousers
  • Shorts (Bikini/swimsuit, just in case!)
  • Breathable or merino wool t-shirts
  • Breathable or merino wool leggings
  • Fleece or jumper
  • Wind stopper or Goretex jacket
  • Waterproof poncho + gaiters or Goretex trousers + waterproof rucksack cover
  • Pair of gloves and a warm hat
  • Sun hat or baseball cap
  • Walking socks (1 pair per day)
  • Sturdy walking boots with a good sole, already broken in
  • 1 change of clothes for the evening
  • A pair of comfortable shoes for the evening

Other Equipment

  • Toilet bag
  • Quick drying towel
  • Sunglasses and sun cream
  • Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
  • Knife, fork and spoon
  • Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches
  • Plastic cup for coffee
  • Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
  • Survival blanket
  • Head torch or hand torch
  • Sleeping bag liner sheet and pillowcase (blankets provided at accommodation)
  • Two adjustable walking poles (highly recommended)
  • Identity card or passport

BACKPACK

Bring a comfortable backpack of 40 to 50 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, picnic box and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity documents) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.
Your bag should be big enough to hold your belongings for days without luggage.

BAGGAGE TRANSPORT

You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag, with all your possessions inside, of 10kg maximum per person. Your luggage will be transported between accommodations on days 3, 5 and 8, by our logistics vehicle where access is not always easy.
Baggage which is too big and too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers, please think of their backs! 

YOUR BACKPACK FOR YOUR NIGHTS WITHOUT LUGGAGE

On nights 3, 5 and 8, your luggage won't be dropped off at your accommodation (you will get it back the day after). Here are the things to bring with you (about 2 kilos are enough!) :
- small toiletries bag
- sleeping bag liner sheet
- change of clothes for the day after (bare necessities!) and comfortable for the evening.

GRAND TOUR OF THE VANOISE GLACIERS 9...

From 795 €
Book online
Secure payment Secure payment

Discover more hikes

GRANDE TRAVERSEE DES ALPES self-guided - 1st section

GRANDE TRAVERSEE DES ALPES...

  • Duration : 7 days
  • Self-guided / without guide
GRANDE TRAVERSEE DES ALPES self-guided - 2nd section

GRANDE TRAVERSEE DES ALPES...

  • Duration : 7 days
  • Self-guided / without guide
LAKES AND HIGH PASSES OF VANOISE self-guided

LAKES AND HIGH PASSES OF VANOISE...

  • Duration : 6 days
  • Self-guided / without guide
TOUR OF THE VANOISE GLACIERS Comfort self-guided

TOUR OF THE VANOISE GLACIERS Comfort...

  • Duration : 6 days
  • Self-guided / without guide

Need some
information ?

Find a
hike

Subscribe to our Newsletter...

And get informed about all our offers and news !