• Trekking Tour of the Vanoise

• From mid June to mid September

• From £730 per person
• From €810 per person

• Please contact us

• + grade explained

• 7 nights, 6 days self guided back-packing trek from hut to hut 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)

• "My first time in the Alps. It was spectacular. Also loved the little booklet, made everything very easy. Also great to have a map as back up. Very good instructions." A.Quick, UK
• "Fabulous walking and staying in refuges in wild mountains. Best holiday we've had for ages." O & S Watts, UK
• "I have been to all sorts of places in the world and the general feel and hospitality of the various Refuges was tops. I am still in awe of the fine food they all served up and the lunches seemed at times as if the various refuges were competing with each other to excel. Your service and the trip was everything I expected and could ask for." G. Morris, NZ see more Testimonials

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

1. Full board accommodation in mountain huts whilst on trek, 5 lunches, 2 nights in hotel at the start of the holiday with one night half board, detailed walking notes and maps.

1. Transport to Vanoise, Alps France, Drinks, one evening meal, lunch on arrival and departure days plus during the first day's trekking, travel insurance

1. See also our trekking hut-to-hut tour around Mont Viso in the Piedmont of Italy

Walking profile

Your day's walking on this independent 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 gear, which is why it is graded challenging+. The distances on some of the days are quite short meaning that, if conditions are good, then you will have time once you reach the hut to undertake some additional walks up to lakes, glaciers etc without your rucksack. We will supply you with a kit list to ensure that you carry the bare minimum. The holiday is ideal for those with some mountain walking experience, and would suit both those looking for a first alpine holiday, as well as those more experienced. You should be reasonably fit before you start the trek.

The paths are generally good although they are mountainous in nature and sometimes exposed. They cross rocky ground and streams where you will need to be sure-footed. Early in the season you may encounter snow fields when crossing some of the higher cols.

The itinerary is detailed from Pralognan la Vanoise but it is also possible to book the tour starting from the Refuge Orgere above Modane. Please contact us if you would like more details.

Day 1: Arrival,

Travel 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". Your 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), you’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 you'll find your first night's refuge. (9km, +1100m, 4.5hrs)

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

Your 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. You can follow a trail from the hut to the lac d'Arpont for close up views of the glacier coming down from the plateau. (14km, +300m, -450m, 5.5hrs)

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

Your 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. You'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. (20km, +770m, -585m, 6hrs)

See below for description of 6 night / 5 day version of this walking holiday

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

Your day's trek is a relatively easy day and takes a balcony route traversing the mountain sides. Your 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. (12km, +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 early in the season 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. Your 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. (9km, +900m, -300m, 5hrs)

Day 7: Refuge de Peclet Polset - Pralognan la Vanoise

Your 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. You'll pass through alpine meadows as you descend gradually towards civilisation. (12km, -1060m, 5hrs)

Day 8: Departure

Departure after breakfast

6 night / 5 days walking

Day 5: Refuge de la Dent Parrachée - Refuge Roc de la Peche

Today’s trek climbs steeply to Col d’Aussois from where a short walk takes you to Pointe de l’Observatoire at over 3000m in altitude for great views. A long descent brings you down to the beautiful Chavière Valley and the Refuge Roc de la Peche. (+690m, -1120m, 5hrs 30)

Day 6: Refuge Roc de la Peche - Pralognan la Vanoise

The day starts by climbing away from the Chaviere Valley. After a pleasant traverse into the Cirque des Nants you’ll then climb to the Refuge de la Valette situated by the impressive cliffs of the same name where you can get refreshment.Great views. Afterwards you have a succession of climbs and descents often looking directly down on Pralognan. There are a number of waterfalls coming down from the plateau along this section. After a final climb to the dramatic Col du Grand Marchet you have a steep descent back down Pralognan. (+990m, -1260m, 6hrs 30)

Day 7: Departure

Departure after breakfast