Immersion in the Vanoise: marmots, high-altitude lakes and nights in mountain huts
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationVal-Cenis / Vanoise Massif
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions13.82 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
Spanish
In a few words
Succumb to the charm of the Haute Maurienne valley during a rejuvenating 3-day break in the heart of the Vanoise National Park . This gentle hiking trip is a perfect introduction to mountain trekking, combining contemplation with an educational approach to the alpine environment.
From the Bellecombe parking area, your route leads you to the La Femma refuge , a haven of peace where you'll stay for two nights. Accompanied by a passionate local guide , you'll explore unspoiled landscapes shaped by glacial valleys , high-altitude lakes , and verdant alpine pastures. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about wildlife observation : you'll learn to spot marmots, decipher animal tracks, and understand the fragility of alpine flora.
Designed for lovers of wide open spaces seeking to disconnect, this mini-trek prioritizes an accessible pace and deep immersion. A refreshing and friendly experience, perfect for enjoying a true nature break without tackling technical challenges.
The highlights
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Observe the marmots and learn to decipher the tracks of alpine wildlife.
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Two nights at the La Femma refuge, in the heart of the glacial valleys
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Discover multi-day hiking in an accessible and magnificent setting.
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
- You walk 4 to 6 hours a day with 300 to 700m of positive elevation gain on alpine trails and alpine meadows.
- You sleep 2 nights in a comfortable mountain refuge, no total self-sufficiency required.
- You will be traversing easy paths and rocky sections, with no glacial or technical sections.
- You are comfortable with regular climbs and sometimes windy high-altitude landscapes.
- You carry a 5-7 kg bag with your personal hiking equipment and your belongings for the night at the refuge.
In figures
Hiking
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 444 m
- Average daily descent: 437 m
Management
French
English
Spanish
I'm Christelle, a passionate explorer of the mountains and human connection! A mountain guide, anthropologist, and science and social mediator, I love moving from group to group, exchanging ideas, learning, and sharing experiences. Nothing excites me more than guiding you through majestic peaks and hidden corners of paradise. Together, we'll discover the local wildlife, flora, culture, and history with curiosity and wonder. So, are you ready for an adventure?
Program
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Day 1
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 9:00 AM in the Bellecombe parking lot in Haute Maurienne. The hike begins in Vanoise National Park, France's first national park, with a day designed to gradually immerse you in the alpine atmosphere. The group crosses alpine pastures, skirts the Lanserlia rocks, and traverses varied terrain, a mix of trails and rockier sections. The first breaks offer opportunities to observe marmots, spot signs of animal presence, and learn to interpret the landscape. After descending into the Rocheure valley and passing by the first lakes, the route reaches the La Femma refuge, where the group will stay for two nights.
Day 1 -
Day 2
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From the refuge, this second day offers a deeper exploration of the wild landscapes of the Vanoise, without having to change accommodations. The pace remains leisurely, with regular breaks to observe marmots, search for animal tracks, and understand the workings of alpine environments. Depending on conditions, the group progresses towards the surrounding glacial valleys, between high-altitude meadows, streams, rocky slopes, and sweeping panoramas of the peaks. Christelle shares her knowledge of the fauna, flora, local history, and how to interpret the terrain. Return to the La Femma refuge for a second convivial evening in the mountains.
Day 2 -
Day 3
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 330 m
- Negative elevation 360 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For the final day, the route heads towards the Col de Pierre Blanche, one of the highlights of the trip. The landscape becomes more rugged, with sweeping views of the glaciers and peaks of the Vanoise massif. The ascent is gradual, at the group's pace, with further stops for observation and explanations of the scenery. After enjoying the panorama, the hike descends back into the valley and then gradually returns to the Bellecombe parking area. The return is scheduled for around 4 pm, after three days of gentle immersion, learning, and disconnecting in one of the most beautiful protected areas of the Alps.
Day 3
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 de la Femma.
Access
We'll meet at the Bellecombe car park at 9am.
Go to the starting point
From the train station to Bellecombe (summer only):
- Step 1 (Regular bus): From Modane bus station, take bus line S52 or S53 (Réseau Cars Région / Haute Maurienne Vanoise) to the "Termignon - Maison de la Vanoise" stop (approximately 25 minutes).
- Step 2 (Summer Shuttle): During the peak summer season (July and August), a free shuttle (Line 2) runs directly from the center of Termignon to the Bellecombe car park. The bus stop (No. 350) is located directly at the car park.
- By taxi: Allow approximately 35 minutes for a direct journey from Modane train station (estimated fare between €65 and €90 ).
It is possible to drive there and leave it in a parking lot for the duration of your stay.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be led by an experienced mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the terrain.
- Accommodation in a typical mountain refuge
- All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3.
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Day 1 picnic
- Drinks and personal expenses
- 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 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.
