Trekking in the Heart of the Vanoise
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationBourg-Saint-Maurice / French Alps
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions27.95 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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Wild trek in the Vanoise National Park
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Accessible by train
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Small shelters
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average daily elevation gain: 770 m
- Average daily descent: 750 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 - Rosuel - Refuge
- Transportation Bicycle - 01h - 15km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 950 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 9:00 am at the Bourg-Saint-Maurice funicular station, where you can park your car for free for the duration of the trek.
We'll start from the Rosuel Valley, one of the gateways to the Vanoise National Park. Although we're close to the Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry ski areas, we'll feel far removed from the hustle and bustle. The scenery, offering views of the Mont Pourri and Dôme de Sache glaciers, is magnificent. We might even encounter flocks of sheep with their shepherd and Pyrenean Mountain Dogs protecting them from wolf attacks.
We will reach the refuge, where the team will welcome us. This place is ideal for your first night in the mountains. The refuge is well known to hikers and mountaineers, some of whom set off earlier than us to undertake the ascent of Mont Pourri, which rises to 3779 meters, across the snowy slopes and ridges of the Geay Glacier.
Day 1 -
Mont Pourri Refuge - Lac de la Plagne - Plaisance Refuge
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We'll take a balcony trail offering views of the glaciers and the slopes of Mont Pourri. After a few hours of hiking, we'll stop for lunch near Lac de la Plagne, where the more adventurous can take a dip if the weather is nice. Then, we'll continue our trek towards Montagne de Vallaisonnay to reach the Refuge de Plaisance.
The refuge wardens will give us a warm welcome. This refuge is one of the many in the Vanoise National Park. A park ranger may be present to explain life in this protected area, which has been protected since 1960.
Day 2 -
Plaisance Refuge - Pointe des Bouquetins - Plaisance Refuge
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a restful night, we'll start the day with lighter packs, knowing we'll be returning to the same refuge in the evening. Our goal will be to reach a spectacular viewpoint to admire the Vanoise National Park, with its magnificent alpine pastures and stark, rocky landscapes. We'll have the chance to glimpse the highest peaks of Savoie. At the end of the day, we'll return to the refuge to enjoy the last rays of sunlight.
Day 3 -
Plaisance Refuge - Gliere Refuge
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
On this new day, we left the Vallaisonnay mountain to reach the cirque at the foot of the highest mountain in the Vanoise National Park and the Savoie region: the Grande Casse. Before us lay its majestic glaciers and its impressive north face. Few mountaineers have dared to climb this summit from this side. We took the time to admire this high mountain landscape and perhaps we were lucky enough to spot some animals around us.
Day 4 -
Refuge de la Gliere - Rosuel - Bourg Saint Maurice
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 1100 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We'll begin our day by leaving the refuge quite early in the morning to enjoy the first rays of sunshine. The path climbs gradually to the Col de la Grassaz pass, from where the descent continues steadily until the end of the day. Crossing several valleys, we'll have the pleasure of discovering magnificent lakes nestled in this part of the park. We'll be hiking through a preserved and protected habitat, home to numerous wild animals. Respect and curiosity will be our allies in having the chance to observe them. In the late afternoon, we'll reach the Rosuel valley and return together to Bourg Saint Maurice.
The dispersal will take place at the Bourg Saint Maurice funicular station around 5:00 PM.
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 bag).
The shelters provide the duvets.
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, every day (except Day 1)
- Mandatory transport options included in the program (Funicular and Interstation Shuttles)
The price does not include
- Trip cancellation/interruption/loss of luggage insurance and mountain rescue insurance
- Day 1's picnic
- Drinks and personal expenses
- 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 treats like dried fruit, chocolate
- Cash and your valid ID card/passport
Toiletries:
- A lightweight, quick-drying, hiking-type towel
- 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 warm fleece or thick down jacket to withstand sub-zero temperatures
- Two sweaters: a light one and a warmer one; 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 (use a solid soap for washing).
- Warm pants
- Tights
- Lighter trousers, some of which can be separated to make shorts
- A short
- Waterproof or Gore-tex type over-trousers for trekking and climbing.
- A waterproof bag protector
- Spare clothes for the shelter.
