Trekking in Vanoise, along the 3000
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationBourg-Saint-Maurice / French Alps
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions47.76 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
The highlights
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High Altitude Trekking
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A wild route chosen off the beaten track
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Discovering the Vanoise National Park
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Autre
- Average duration/day: 7h
- Average distance/day: 12 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 850 m
- Average daily descent: 770 m
- Maximum altitude: 3052 m
Management
French
Jean Luc and his team
Qualified guides and lovers of the great outdoors, Jean Luc and his team design immersive itineraries in the Alps and beyond. Attentive, skilled teachers, and mindful of each individual's pace, they guide you on a profound exploration of the mountains: hiking, nature, culture, and connecting with the environment. Powerful human experiences, designed to blend exertion, serenity, and wonder.
Program
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Bourg Saint Maurice (73700) - Col des Fours - First 3000
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 50km
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Maximum altitude 3052 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 8:30 am at the Funicular parking lot in Bourg Saint Maurice to travel together by carpool or minibus (for those arriving by train) to Val d'Isère. The journey is short, but the scenery you'll see along the way will give you a taste of what awaits you.
Once there, we begin our hike on a high-altitude trail that will quickly lead us into the Vanoise National Park. You'll be amazed by the glaciers of the Haute Maurienne valley, which are an integral part of the landscape, and the path we follow is bordered by snowfields and rocks. The climb to the Col des Fours is steady, with a steeper incline at the pass itself. But once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Vanoise peaks and the summit of Gran Paradiso. If you wish, we can even climb the Pointe des Fours, which rises to 3,072 meters.
After this epic hike, we descend towards our refuge, located in the heart of the Vanoise National Park at an altitude of 2,500 meters. Along the way, you can admire marmots and cool off in a cold stream. Upon arrival, the warden will have prepared a delicious meal for us to enjoy before spending the night in a cozy dormitory in a charming chalet.
Day 1 -
Objective 3000 - Rocheure Pass
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The second day of our trek begins with an ascent to the Col de la Rocheure, marking our entry into the heart of the Vanoise National Park. With Méan Martin at 3,330 meters, Barmes de l'Ours at 3,147 meters, and Pointe de la Sana at 3,436 meters, we have a breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks. If weather conditions are favorable, we can climb one of these summits and enjoy the view of the Grande Casse. Depending on the group's choice and mountain conditions, we may also climb Pointe de la Sana, the highest peak in the region. The ascent is quite long but easy off-trail. For the more adventurous, the climb to Méan Martin is more technical and offers a stunning view of a small glacier. The peaks of the Barmes de l'Ours are easier and quicker to reach, but also exceed 3,000 meters. The descent takes us into the Femma Valley, where we spend the night in a refuge surrounded by pastures and marmots.
Day 2 -
Haute Maurienne - Vallon des Evettes
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 50km
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We will descend into the Marmot Valley, hoping for good weather to see many marmots. This valley, a vast alpine pasture, is also home to herds of cows and sheep, accompanied by their famous Pyrenean Mountain Dogs (Patous) tasked with protecting them from wolves. We are in the heart of the largest protected area in Europe and France's first National Park.
Upon arrival at Plan du Lac, we will take a transfer to Termignon, then on to Bonneval-sur-Arc. At the small village of L'Écot, we will resume our hike, ascending to the Évettes valley, where we will have the opportunity to admire the Évettes glacier, framed by the majestic peaks of Albaron (3637 m) and Petite Ciamarela (3465 m), true jewels of this corner of paradise. The ascent will take place via the famous Reculaz pass, equipped with chains to facilitate our progress. Your guide will be there to assist you in the tricky sections.
We will continue our ascent to discover magnificent lakes and streams, before spending the night at the summit of a small mountain at 2600 meters, in a charming mountain refuge. The view over the Haute Maurienne valley will be exceptional. After a delicious meal, we will have the opportunity to admire the starry sky, free from any light pollution in these high valleys.
Day 3 -
Source of the Arc- Lac Blanc du Carroz
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 2 km
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Negative elevation 950 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day begins with a unique spectacle: a sunrise over the high plateau. After an easy descent into the valley, we'll begin our ascent towards the source of the Arc River. Depending on the weather conditions and your physical abilities, your guide may lead you along off-trail paths near the glaciers at the source of the Arc, or you can take a more accessible route to the Lac Blanc and Lac Noir du Carroz. We'll spend the last night in a mountain refuge located at 2,750 meters. The more adventurous can take a dip in the lakes before enjoying a delicious meal and relaxing in the comfort of the refuge.
Day 4 -
Col du Carroz (3122 m) - Balcons de Haute Maurienne - Bourg Saint Maurice
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 55km
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The following day, we climbed to the Col du Carroz without our packs, making the pleasant ascent to the summit of Gran Paradiso (4,061 meters), hidden just beyond the Italian border, much easier. It's a magical place at the confluence of the Italian Piedmont and Haute Maurienne valleys. The Grande Aiguille Rousse (3,482 m) and the Levanna (3,619 m) surrounded us, creating a superb high-mountain atmosphere. After descending back to the refuge to collect our packs, we began exploring the stunning balconies of Haute Maurienne.
All day long, the view of the Haute Maurienne glaciers is breathtaking. We take advantage of these plateaus for a final nap at altitude. The day is fairly easy, and we take transport to Val d'Isère, then on to Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
The journey is over, and everyone goes their separate ways... You can organize your transport from Bourg-Saint-Maurice from 6 p.m.
Day 5
Note
This program may be modified at the guide's discretion if mountain conditions, weather or the physical condition of the participants require it.
Accommodation
Nights spent in a mountain refuge, in a room or dormitory depending on availability.
Remember to bring a sleeping bag liner (sleeping bag liner).
The shelters provide the sleeping bunks.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a state-certified mountain guide from our team
- Nights in mountain huts with half-board as described in the program
- Picnics, from Day 2 to Day 6
- Mandatory transfers to the program
The price does not include
- Trip cancellation/interruption/loss of luggage insurance and emergency assistance
- Day 1 Picnic
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Additional nights not included in the program
- Tips
- Anything not listed under “ Price includes ”.
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 that 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 date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account 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 to bring
The backpack
If possible, choose a lightweight bag with good carrying comfort; the bag should not exceed 1.5 kilos.
- Small size: 45 liters max
- Large size: 50 liters max
Your backpack should have 10 to 15 litres of space for the picnics you will carry for lunch.
Essential:
- sleeping bag liner for the refuge (small sleeping sheet)
- a waterproof bag to keep spare clothes dry
- a plastic or waterproof bag for dirty clothes
- sunscreen SPF 30 to 50
- a pair of category 3 sunglasses
- a lightweight headlamp
- small pleasures like dried fruit, chocolate
- Cash and your valid ID card/passport
Toiletries:
- a lightweight, quick-drying towel, hiking type
- a body soap
- a toothbrush with a small tube of toothpaste or a partially used tube
- a small shampoo (small size - specialist stores sell small bottles that you can keep for your hiking life).
- a pair of earplugs for better sleep at night in a mountain refuge.
Meal supplies:
- a lightweight Opinel-type knife
- a fork and a spoon
- a nice specialty to share with the rest of the team, liquid or solid
Weight is the hiker's enemy, but a frozen or soaked hiker is a hiker without pleasure!
So take the time to pack your backpack properly.
Clothing to bring
Head-to-toe trekking gear:
- a cap or hat for the sun
- a hat for the cold
- A buff or neck warmer is optional but very welcome in bad weather.
- a Gore-Tex type jacket or equivalent for inclement weather
- a pair of gloves, preferably waterproof
- a pair of ski gloves for climbing Gran Paradiso
- A warm fleece or thick down jacket to withstand sub-zero temperatures
- Two sweaters: one light and one warmer; if it's cold, we'll wear all the layers.
- three technical t-shirts
- three pairs of underwear and 3-4 warm socks; you can wash them in the streams near the refuges (a solid soap for washing).
- warm pants
- tights
- lighter trousers, some of which can be separated to make shorts
- shorts
- Waterproof or Gore-tex type over-trousers for trekking and climbing.
- a waterproof bag protector
- spare clothes for the shelter
- A pair of hiking shoes with Vibram or equivalent good quality soles, if possible try them before the trek, for the ascent you need a pair of mountaineering shoes for the ascent of Gran Paradiso.
