• Trekking Tour of the Vanoise

• From July to mid September for groups of 4 or more

• Please contact us for a quote for your group

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• 6 day's guided trekking holiday carrying own back pack, staying in high mountain huts, walking around the Vanoise National Park in French Alps

• Trekking through the amazing mountains of the Vanoise National Park in the French Alps (created in 1963)
• Exciting walking between amazing alpine peaks with pristine glaciers rising majestically above wild, remote valleys
• The Vanoise National Park has a rich fauna and flora including the largest population of Alpine Ibex (bouquetin) in France 
• A relatively quiet and unspoilt region of the French Alps
• Stunning limestone peaks, sculpted by ice creating a landscape of amazing natural beauty.
• A real alpine trekking experience taking in a number of high cols and 5 nights in high mountain huts (refuges)
• See our photo slideshow from the Vanoise

• Two nights in comfortable two star hotel before and after the trek and 5 nights in high mountain huts (dormitory style accommodation)

1. 6 days guided trekking, full board accommodation in mountain huts whilst on trek, 5 lunches, 2 nights half-board in 3 star hotel at the start of the holiday, transfer between Lyon and Pralognan before and after the trekking holiday.

1. Drinks with meals, lunch on arrival and departure days plus during the first day's trekking, travel insurance, any extra services at huts.

Walking profile

Each day's walking on this guided trekking holiday average between 500m to 1000m of ascent and about 6 hours of walking. The difficulty of this holiday is increased due to carrying your own luggage, which is why it is graded challenging. We will supply you with a kit list to ensure that you carry the bare minimum. The holiday is ideal for those with a good level of fitness with some mountain walking experience, and would suit both those looking for a first alpine holiday, as well as those more experienced.

The paths are generally good although they are mountainous in nature and often exposed. For example you will have to cross rocky streams where there are no bridges and you may encounter snow fields when crossing some of the higher cols.

Day 1: Arrival,

Transfer from Lyon to Pralognan en Vanoise. Night in hotel.

Day 2: Pralognan - Col de la Vanoise

This is a great first day's walk which starts by passing the impressive waterfall "Cascade de la Fraiche". Our route then climbs an ancient route used to carry salt, trekking around the base of the stunning rock spire Aiguille de la Vanoise sculpted and polished by ice. At the Col de la Vanoise (2517m), we’ll come face to face with the Grande Casse, a true giant of the French Alps, with its gleaming toungue of ice lapping at the crystal lake at its base. Here we'll find our first night's refuge. (+1100m, 4.5hrs)

Day 3: Col de la Vanoise - Refuge de l'Arpont (2677m)

Our day's walk leaves the Col de la Vanoise and after passing a couple of lakes descends the narrow Valley de la Vanoise. The trek then contours scree slopes below the Pointe de la Rechasse before following the western valley sides of the Doron de Termignon with glaciers above. The landscapes are dramatic and beautiful. After reaching the hut, we can follow a trail from the hut to the lac d'Arpont for close up views of the glacier coming down from the plateau. (minimum +300m, -450m, 5.5hrs)

Day 4: Refuge de l'Arpont - Refuge de la Dent Parrachée

Our day's trek follows alpine meadows covered in wild flowers and rocky slopes below the impressive peak - La Dent Parachée. Keep your eyes open for ibex and marmots. We'll cross numerous streams and small valleys as the path ascends and descends in turn before the trail heads north above the reservoirs Plan d'Amont and Plan d'Aval. From here it is possible to extend the day (without pack) by climbing to Lac Genepy. It is also possible to do this optional ascent first thing in the morning. (+770m, -585m, 6hrs)

Day 5: Refuge de la Dent Parrachée - Refuge de l'Orgère

Today's trek is a relatively easy day and takes a balcony route traversing the mountain sides. Our trek starts by traversing above the reservoirs Plan d'Amont and Plan d'Aval before reaching the Col du Barbier. A small descent takes you through high sloping pasture and brings you into forested slopes before reaching your characterful mountain refuge, located below the Aiguille Doran. (+350m, -860m, 5hrs)

Day 6: Refuge de l'Orgère - Refuge de Peclet Polset

At almost 2800m the Col Chavière is the highest mountain pass on the circuit and often has snow on its slopes. After climbing through forest, the route ascends to the right of the Tete Noire. Once reached, the col offers great views across the Vanoise peaks as well as the other great alpine ranges. Our route descends to the refuge through screes and small pools. At the Peclet Polset you can enjoy a short excursion to the beautiful Lac Blanc located in a wonderful setting below the Col du Souffre. The mountain hut is in a lovely spot surrounded by beautiful alpine peaks rising on all sides. (+900m, -300m, 5hrs)

Day 7: Refuge de Peclet Polset - Pralognan la Vanoise

Our final day's walking descends a lovely valley below the imposing mountain walls of the Pointe de l'Echelle, Point de l'Observatoire and later the Roc de la Valette. We'll pass through alpine meadows as you descend. Optional ascent to the Col du Souffre in the morning or take in the beautiful summit of the Petit Mont Blanc on our way back towards Pralognan. (min descent 1100m, 5hrs)

Day 8: Departure

Transfer to Lyon after breakfast