The Great Crossing of the Beaufortain: between mountain passes, lakes and mountain huts
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationBeaufortain Massif / Savoy
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions26.84 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
A wild immersion awaits you in the heart of Savoy. For five days , this trek across the Beaufortain region takes you from Beaufort to the breathtaking panoramas of the Alps, far from the crowds of the main trails. Accompanied by a passionate mountain guide , you'll hike from mountain huts to traditional alpine pastures through a picture-perfect landscape.
The route takes you through a series of iconic high mountain passes—Véry, Joly, Bonhomme, Louze, and Bâthie—offering a physical challenge at each stage, rewarded by spectacular panoramas. You'll walk facing the majestic Mont Blanc , skirt the famous Lake Roselend , and admire the distinctive silhouette of the Pierra Menta .
This trek is for hikers seeking a complete alpine adventure , combining panoramic ridgelines with the convivial atmosphere of evenings at altitude. A total escape between a pastoral setting and pristine peaks.
The highlights
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A true tour of the Beaufortain region in 5 days, between mountain passes and summits.
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Admire Mont Blanc, the Pierra Menta and Roselend from the ridges
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Sleep in iconic mountain huts, including the legendary Presset refuge
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
- You can walk 5 to 8 hours a day
- You can do between 800 and 1200m of positive elevation gain
- Are you comfortable with a bag weighing 5 to 10 kg?
- You are comfortable on varied and technical terrain (rocky slopes, steep paths, off-trail)
- You are comfortable with aerial maneuvers and the occasional use of your hands
- Have you ever gone hiking in the mountains?
In figures
Hiking
- Average distance/day: 20 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1020 m
- Average daily descent: 1330 m
Management
French
English
As a mountain guide and ecologist by training, I experience the mountains as a true adventure. A passionate trail runner, I love following ridges, connecting valleys, and feeling the freedom of movement at altitude. Bivouacking is central to my practice: sleeping outdoors, living in harmony with the elements, and extending the immersion. Each outing becomes a human adventure, a space for shared learning and wonder.
Program
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Day 1
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 1300 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 9:00 AM in Beaufort, an iconic village in the Beaufortain massif, renowned for its traditional architecture and cheese. The hike begins gradually on typical Beaufortain trails, winding through forests, clearings, and alpine pastures, heading towards Hauteluce. The stone and wood chalets quickly set the tone: here, the mountains retain a strong pastoral identity. The group then climbs towards the Saisies ridge, with the first unobstructed views of Mont Blanc. The ascent continues to the Col de Véry, taking time to adjust the pace and cover the basics of multi-day hiking: reading the terrain, managing effort, and packing. Overnight stay in a mountain refuge.
Day 1 -
Day 2
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Negative elevation 1300 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After the first night in a mountain refuge, the trek continues through the open landscapes of the Beaufortain region. The day alternates between balcony paths, high-altitude pastures, and panoramic trails, offering sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. Mont Blanc often remains in the background, while the contours of the massif gradually reveal themselves. The group progresses across mountain terrain without major technical difficulties, but with a steady effort to maintain over the course of the day. The day allows participants to gain confidence with the pace of the trek, better manage the ascents, and fully immerse themselves in the wild and pastoral atmosphere of the trip. Overnight in a mountain refuge.
Day 2 -
Day 3
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 1500 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This third day marks a significant stage of the crossing, with a passage through one of the most renowned areas of the Beaufortain massif. The route joins high-altitude paths used by a legendary section of the Tour du Mont Blanc, while retaining the more secluded character of the massif. The landscapes become more rugged, the panoramas widen, and the Pierra Menta emerges as a spectacular landmark. The aim is to continue the crossing at a steady pace, taking advantage of breaks to observe the landscape and understand the structure of the massif. At the end of the day, we settle into a mountain refuge, in a simple and welcoming atmosphere.
Day 3 -
Day 4
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 22 km
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Negative elevation 1550 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The fourth day immerses the group in one of the most striking landscapes of the trip. Between high-altitude trails, rocky outcrops, and alpine lakes, the route offers a wilder immersion in the Beaufortain region. Passing near the Refuge de Presset, an iconic landmark of the massif, gives this stage a truly mountainous dimension. The views of the peaks, ridges, and high-altitude waters highlight the diversity of the Beaufortain: a territory that is at once pastoral, mineral, and profoundly alpine. After several days of hiking, everyone finds their rhythm and savors the feeling of moving through the heart of a pristine mountain range. Overnight in a mountain refuge.
Day 4 -
Day 5
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 23 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 2200 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For this final stage, the trek continues through the last high-altitude passes before gradually descending towards Beaufort. Depending on the conditions and the group's pace, the route offers further stunning views of the valleys, ridges, and alpine pastures that have been a constant companion throughout the trip. The pace remains brisk, but the approaching finish line gives the day a special flavor: that of having completed a true alpine trek. The return to Beaufort marks the end of these five days of exertion, mountain huts, and magnificent landscapes, offering a comprehensive view of the Beaufortain region and its high mountain passes.
Day 5
Note
Walking and activity times are given as a guide and may vary depending on the weather and the pace of the group.
Accommodation
Refuge of the Stone Cross.
Gittaz Refuge.
Presset Refuge.
Access
We'll meet at 9am in Beaufort.
Go to the starting point
From the train station to Beaufort:
- By bus (Savoie Region Bus Network - Line S04): From the Albertville bus station (next to the SNCF train station), take the regular bus line S04 (Albertville - Beaufort - Les Saisies). It drops you off directly in the center of the village of Beaufort in about 35 minutes (the ticket costs around €4 ).
- By taxi / private hire vehicle: The journey by road takes approximately 20 minutes from Albertville train station (estimated fare between €40 and €60 depending on the day and time).
It is possible to come by car and leave it in a parking lot for the duration of your stay.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be led by Jocelyn, a certified mountain guide.
- Accommodation in mountain huts and dormitories
- All meals are included, from dinner on Day 1 to the picnic on Day 5.
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Day 1 picnic
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Arrival the day before - extra night + breakfast : CHF123.50 / unit
- Additional night after the stay : CHF123.50 / unit
- 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.
