Wonders of Haute Maurienne - Trekking in Vanoise

You begin your first real stage from Bramans , a typical village in Haute Maurienne. The path climbs gradually towards the Saint-Antoine Oratory , offering beautiful views of the valley and the first high-altitude hills.

The steady climb allows you to find your rhythm while enjoying a wilder environment as you gain altitude. The alpine pastures gradually open up and the atmosphere becomes more mineral.

You then continue towards the Suiffet refuge , nestled in a pastoral setting perfect for disconnecting. This first day of trekking alternates between exertion and contemplation, with a 600m ascent and a 400m descent, ideal for gradually easing into the multi-day trek.

Settling into the refuge and free time to enjoy the peace and quiet of the mountains before the evening.

You leave the Suiffet refuge and gradually gain altitude. The path winds through an open landscape, between alpine meadows and rocky terrain.

You reach Lake Savine , a vast expanse of water with ever-changing reflections, nestled in a high-altitude environment. The walk then continues towards Lake Perrin , more secluded, nestled in a wild setting ideal for a break with views of the surrounding peaks.

The route crosses landscapes typical of the Haute Maurienne region , where alpine wildlife can sometimes be spotted. You then continue towards the Petit Mont Cenis refuge , the end of this stage, a perfect balance between exertion and contemplation.

This day features a positive elevation gain of 700m and a negative elevation gain of 350m , confirming your progression in altitude and your immersion in the heart of the mountains.

From the Petit Mont Cenis refuge , you begin a steady climb towards the Sollières pass . The path gains altitude in a rocky and open environment, offering sweeping views of the Haute Maurienne hills.

After the pass, you continue towards Fort Mont Froid , a military relic perched high in the mountains. This historically rich site overlooks the surrounding valleys and offers a remarkable view of the border peaks. This stop allows you to combine cultural discovery with an immersive mountain experience.

You then descend via a loop route towards the Petit Mont Cenis refuge , gradually returning to the alpine pastures crossed earlier in the day.

This stage features a positive elevation gain of 720m and a negative elevation gain of 720m , making for a full and challenging day in the heart of high-altitude landscapes.

You leave the Petit Mont Cenis refuge to reach the Mont Cenis dam area, a vast expanse of water that structures the plateau. The route winds through an open landscape, between high-altitude meadows and rounded hills.

You cross the La Cassa area, then continue towards Fort Ronce , another testament to the military heritage of the Alpine border. These structures punctuate the walk and recall the strategic history of the site.

The progression remains steady and accessible, with a positive elevation gain of 400m and a negative elevation gain of 400m , offering a balanced stage after the more demanding days.

At the end of the day you arrive at the Le Toët gîte d'étape , where you can enjoy some rest in a simple and friendly mountain atmosphere.

From the Toët gîte , you head towards the Mont Cenis pass along a gradual path offering sweeping panoramas of the plateau and surrounding peaks. The atmosphere remains open and bright, typical of the high-altitude landscapes of Haute Maurienne.

You then cross the Arcelle area before taking a pleasant singletrack that winds along the mountainside. This narrower, more playful section requires a bit of attention and adds rhythm to the descent.

Gradually, you descend towards Bessans , a village renowned for its traditional architecture and mountain character. The arrival marks the end of this high-altitude trek.

This stage features a positive elevation gain of 450m and a negative elevation gain of 600m , with a more pronounced descent to reach the valley.

Morning: End of stay after breakfast.