Trekking through the Vanoise glaciers, between peaks and valleys

At the start of the season, it's important to be well-equipped and set off at the right time to cross the softened snow on the north face of the Col de Chavière . After a 15-minute walk, you enter the Vanoise National Park , which has its own specific regulations. The initial climb is steep, then the terrain becomes gentler until you reach Lac de la Partie (2502m), an ideal spot for a break. The ascent then resumes to the Col de Chavière (2796m), the highest point of the day, from where the valley opens up towards Pralognan . The steep descent down the north face requires caution, especially in snowy conditions, before reaching Plan des Cairns . After passing the Refuge de Péclet Polset (2430m), the long descent continues via the Refuge du Roc de la Pêche (1903m) and Les Prioux (1711m), where you reach the valley floor. It then remains a 1 hour 15 minute walk to reach Pralognan-la-Vanoise .

Elevation gain/loss : +920m / -1440m — Distance : 22km — Duration : 6h45

Depending on your chosen accommodation, you can stay overnight in Les Prioux , thus shortening the stage. A free shuttle also connects to Pralognan (timetable in your travel documents).

Today's stage unfolds in a forest setting quite different from the previous days. You'll progress in the shade, along beautiful old paths connecting several hamlets, far from the hustle and bustle of the classic routes. After a gentle start, the switchback climb through the Ravin de Leschaux and then the Couloir des Rossets leads you to Mont Chevrier (2000m), an ideal plateau for a break. The change in atmosphere is striking: after the hot, dry south-facing slope, the descent plunges into the cool, damp north-facing slope , punctuated by the magnificent Cascades de la Vuzelle . You'll then continue with a series of ascents and descents to traverse the valleys flowing from the Grand Bec to the Mollard (1570m). A final climb takes you to the foot of the Tour du Merle (1941m) before descending into the Champagny en Vanoise valley . The descent via the Enclos du Seil (1690m) and then the traverse above the Gorges de la Pontille gently leads you to the valley floor. From there, a pleasant path leads to Champagny le Haut (1468m).

The day begins with a gentle climb along the Doron de Champagny river to the hamlet of Laisonnay d'en Haut (1580m). The real ascent then begins at the foot of the Cascade du Py waterfall , before the trail levels out to reach the Refuge de Plaisance (2176m). You then traverse the vast, peaceful landscapes of the Montagne de Vallaisonnay , up to the Col de Plan Séry pass (2609m). The view opens up to the other side of the mountain with a remarkable vista of Mont Pourri . A steady descent then leads you to the Refuge Entre le Lac (2151m), nestled beside the vast Lac de la Plagne . The path becomes almost level, runs alongside the lake, then crosses the Plan des Eaux to the Pertes du Ponthurin (2068m), where the stream briefly disappears under scree before reappearing further down. All that remains is to descend gently towards the upper Peisey-Nancroix valley to reach the Porte de Rosuel (1555m).

Today you ascend the valley you traversed yesterday, but on the opposite bank, via a more rugged route. After crossing the Ponthurin stream , you continue in the sunshine, at the foot of the Nant Putors waterfalls . The climb gradually eases before briefly rejoining yesterday's route to reach the Pertes du Ponthurin (2068m), where you definitively cross to the other side of the valley. The path becomes gentler, traversing small climbs and large plateaus. You cross the Plan de La Plagne , then reach the Cabane des Mindières (2224m), which overlooks Lac de La Plagne on the opposite side. You then continue via the Plan de la Grassaz , the Plan de Janin , and then along the shores of Lac du Grattaleu before arriving at the Refuge du Col du Palet (2590m). One last effort takes you to the Col du Palet (2652m), before a crossing of the ski slopes which leads you to Tignes (2107m).

Even starting from a large resort, the atmosphere can quickly become more natural as you move away from the center. You soon enter the Vanoise National Park and make gentle progress to the Col de la Leisse (2758m), facing the Grande Motte Glacier , in the heart of vast open spaces. The descent begins at Lac des Nettes , Plan des Nettes , and the Refuge de la Leisse (2590m). The Vallon de la Leisse , dominated by the cliffs of the Grande Casse , sometimes still bears the marks of winter avalanches in summer. You reach Entre Deux Eaux (2043m), at the confluence of the Leisse and Femma rivers. At the end of the day, a final effort is needed to climb to Plan du Lac (2375m) and then to Bellecombe (2335m). Along the way, you gradually discover the Vanoise ice cap , the backdrop for your next stage.

The return to Entre Deux Eaux (2043m) offers a breathtaking view with the Grande Casse reflected in the Lac du Plan du Lac . After crossing the confluence, a single climb takes you to 2400m to join a superb balcony route beneath the Vanoise glaciers and the Dôme de Chasseforêt (3586m). You then cross the Lacs des Lozières (2418m) before a series of short climbs and long traverses above the Doron de Termignon gorges , reaching a high point close to 2500m. The descent begins with a tricky traverse on a steep slope, leading to the Refuge de l'Arpont (2309m). After a more rolling section, you descend into the valley to the Pont du Châtelard (1347m), then follow a flat path to Termignon (1290m). An appointment with your taxi is scheduled for 6pm for your transfer to Modane .