First family hike in the Alps
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationVanoise Massif / Savoy
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AgeFrom 4 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions10.74 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Give your children their first alpine adventure with this 3-day family hike in the Alps , specially designed for younger children. This loop trail , starting and finishing at the same location, follows easy mountain paths , perfectly suited for children aged 4 and up . The short stages allow for a relaxed pace , while enjoying spectacular alpine panoramas and excellent opportunities for observing local wildlife .
Each day ends in the warm atmosphere of comfortable mountain huts : the Archeboc Refuge and the Ruitor Refuge . There you will enjoy a hot meal , a well-deserved rest, and moments of sharing in the heart of unspoiled nature .
This trip is ideal for families wishing to discover mountain hiking at a gentle pace, while enjoying an immersive experience in the heart of the Alps . A rejuvenating, fun and memorable getaway, designed to pass on the joy of walking to the youngest members of the family.
The highlights
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Alpine hike accessible from age 4 with short stages and a pace adapted to children
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An easy loop trail for a successful first family mountain experience
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Nights spent in comfortable mountain huts with hot meals and a warm atmosphere in the heart of nature
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Enjoy a fully independent stay: you will have access to an emergency number, reachable only between 9am and 7pm.
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 2h
- Average distance/day: 5 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 264 m
- Average daily descent: 264 m
Management
You will receive access to our trekking app, which serves as a complete digital travel guide. Inside, you will find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your trip.
Program
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First gentle walk towards the Archeboc refuge
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 40 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You begin this family adventure at the Pierre Giret car park, near the hamlet of La Savonne , in the valley of the Clou stream , at the foot of the Pointe d'Averne, which rises to 2,554m. This first stage offers a short and easy hike, ideal for introducing children to mountain walking in complete peace of mind.
The trail leads into a peaceful alpine valley before crossing the Sassière stream and entering a pleasant wooded area. Halfway along, the path opens up to beautiful views of the surrounding valley, then continues through verdant meadows . With a little patience, you might spot marmots or cows grazing in the alpine pastures. As you approach the refuge, you'll pass a small chapel and a hamlet with a fountain, a sign that the end is near.
The stage ends at La Motte , where the Archeboc refuge is located. Surrounded by hills and soothed by the sound of streams, this comfortable refuge offers an ideal setting for a first night in the mountains , with spaces conducive to relaxation and games.
Day 1 -
Crossing the Montséti pass and descending towards the Clou Valley
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h15
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 480 m
- Negative elevation 470 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This second day offers an accessible mountain crossing , with slightly more elevation gain, ideal for giving children the feeling of experiencing a real adventure. The stage remains short , but alternates between ascents and descents , offering a fun and progressive challenge.
From the refuge, you begin a steady climb on a trail winding through rocky alpine terrain . As you gain altitude, your gaze naturally falls upon the Clou Valley and the surrounding peaks. The path crosses several mountain streams , adding a touch of exploration to the hike. Reaching the Montséti Pass , at 2,520 meters, marks a highlight of the day. Nearby, Lac Noir appears in an open, rocky landscape, offering an ideal setting for a break to admire the panorama.
The route continues with a winding descent towards the gentler, greener Vallon du Clou . You then reach the Ruitor refuge , nestled in the heart of the alpine pastures, near the ruins of La Sassière . This peaceful setting, surrounded by high peaks, is perfect for a quiet evening and another night in the mountains.
Day 2 -
Ruitor Refuge - La Savonne
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 1h10
- Distance 3 km
- Positive elevation gain 10 m
- Negative elevation 280 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
For this final day, the route offers a gentle and pleasant descent , ideal for concluding the hike effortlessly. After breakfast at the refuge , you pack your bags before setting off towards the hamlet of La Savonne .
The trail begins on a wide mountain path , then gradually winds its way through grassy slopes and pine forests . The going is smooth and allows you to fully appreciate the surroundings. As you reach the valley , you walk alongside several streams , whose murmur accompanies the descent. Depending on the season, the trail is lined with wildflowers , and it's not uncommon to spot a marmot on the surrounding hills for a final moment of observation.
The hike ends at the hamlet of La Savonne , near the Pierre Giret car park , the starting point of the trip. This return to tranquility marks the end of your first family alpine adventure , with the feeling of having shared an accessible and immersive mountain experience.
Day 3
Note
For a fully independent stay, we recommend that you take out the multi-risk insurance offered when you book.
Accommodation
The Archeboc Refuge is a mountain refuge located at approximately 2,030 meters altitude in the hamlet of La Motte, near Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise in Savoie, France. It offers around 30 beds in private rooms and a dormitory, each with a shower and toilet, and welcomes hikers in the summer on numerous mid-mountain routes. Conveniently situated on multi-day circuits (such as the Alta Via Glaciale, the Via Alpina, or the Grand Tour de Tarentaise), it provides a welcoming stopover for exploring the Haute Tarentaise region and its alpine landscapes, with a small nearby lake for relaxing after a hike .
The Refuge du Ruitor is a high-mountain refuge located at approximately 2,035 meters altitude in the middle of the Petite Sassière plateau in Savoie, France, at the foot of the Ruitor massif. It is a restored former alpine chalet offering around 39 beds and communal areas equipped for hikers and mountaineers. The refuge is staffed in spring and summer, with meals available on-site using local products, and remains open the rest of the year without a warden. It is a popular stopover for glacier hikes, alpine ascents such as the Tête du Ruitor, and even as a base camp for ski touring in winter.
Access
Go to the starting point
Take the train or bus to Bourg-Saint-Maurice station. From there, continue by local bus or taxi to Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise and then to the hamlet of La Savonne / Pierre Giret parking area. The trailhead is directly adjacent to the parking area.
Price details
The price includes
- The digital travel guide
- Accommodation in mountain huts and dormitories
- Half-board accommodation in mountain huts
- Telephone support is available from 9am to 7pm.
The price does not include
- The journey to the place of stay
- Lunches
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Transfers
- The solo supplement (€70)
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Blankets are provided in the refuge
Equipment to bring
- A pair of lightweight sandals for the refuge or a pair of sneakers
- A toiletry bag (earplugs recommended)
- A quick-drying bath towel
- For sleeping in mountain huts or guesthouses: a sleeping bag liner
- A small flashlight (with spare batteries)
- Telescopic walking poles (recommended)
- A 1.5L water bottle or hydration pack
- A pocket knife
- An individual plastic container for lunch salads + cutlery and a cup
- Sunscreen cream (skin and lips) + after-sun lotion
- Toilet paper + small garbage bag
- Optional: camera, binoculars…
Warning: the mountains are unpredictable and unpredictable. We've tried to consider all the different weather conditions they can present. This equipment list will help you adapt comfortably to the mountain's moods!
Clothing to bring
- A cap or a hat
- A pair of sunglasses
- A hat or a headband
- T-shirt (carline type, quick-drying material)
- A warm shirt or a thin fleece
- A warm jacket (fleece type)
- A windproof jacket (like a K-Way or Gore-Tex)
- A closed rain cape with sleeves, without snaps, made of polyamide
- Lightweight canvas trousers
- Windproof trousers (like Kway or Gore Tex),
- Shorts or capri pants
- Socks (100% wool: warm, absorbs and wicks away moisture, prevents foot overheating; synthetic fibers: very good resistance, absorbs and wicks away moisture, but be careful if 100% synthetic as it can cause foot overheating; cotton: absorbs moisture but doesn't wick it away well)
- Trekking shoes: they're a hiker's best friend! They must have three qualities: sturdiness, good foot and ankle support (high-tops), and waterproofing.
- Choose shoes with non-slip, cleated soles that are relatively rigid. They need to grip the ground well. Vibram soles have a long-standing reputation; choose them if you have the option.
- A pair of long gaiters
- A pair of gloves
- Spare underwear
- A pair of lightweight canvas trousers and a spare pair of shorts
- Spare socks
