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.
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The price is all inclusive from departure to end point.
Departure of the hike at Orgere refuge.
ORGERE REFUGE - 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 (no luggage).
4 hour walk / Elevation: +900m / -350m
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. Night in hotel / gite.
5 hour walk / Elevation: +400m ; -1100m
VANOISE PASS - ENTRE DEUX EAUX or 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 Entre Deux Eaux refuge or Plan du Lac refuge. View over the "Dômes de la Vanoise". ​Night in refuge.
5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +1250m -500m
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 (no luggage).
5 hour walk / Elevation: +750 m ; -450 m
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. Night in a gite.
5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +500 m ; -1200 m
MAURIENNE BALCONY - EVETTES VALLEY
Depending on the group and on the weather, balcony trail of Haute Maurienne valley, facing Albaron summit (3637m) or hike in Evettes valley, passing by the beautiful village of Ecot (classified village).
4.5 hour walk / Elevation: +600 m ; -700 m
At the end of the tour, taxi transfer to Aussois or Modane arriving at 3:30pm.
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 trail with no technical 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.
Two options:
without baggage transport: you carry your baggage.
with baggage transport: your baggage is transported daily by our logistics vehicle (exept on day 1 and 4).
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.
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.
We can personalise a tour according to your requirements (number of days, participants, level of route, accommodation, etc.)
IGN maps 1:25000 : Les Arcs 3532ET, 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, taxi 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 30 to 40 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.
Your baggage will be transported daily between accommodation by our logistics vehicle (except on day 1 and 4). You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag with all your possessions inside, no heavier than 10kg (for your own ease and comfort carrying your bag up stairs and in the dormitories, we do not advise rigid suitcases, heavy or large baggage).
If you wish to prolong your holiday, we can safely hold another bag for you which you may leave with us at the departure point and it will be deposited at the end point with your other baggage.