Ski touring in Vanoise, on the glaciers of Haute Maurienne
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration4 days
-
LevelAdvance
-
DestinationVanoise Massif / Savoy
-
AgeFrom the age of 18
-
CO₂-Emissions25.81 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages
French
English
In a few words
Embark on a four-day ski tour in the heart of the Haute Maurienne valley , between alpine ridges and pristine glaciers. Starting from Bonneval-sur-Arc , you'll travel from mountain hut to mountain hut , without returning to the valley, for a total immersion in the high mountains . Each stage reveals breathtaking landscapes and the profound silence of the vast open spaces . You'll cross the Little Wall of Italy (3400 m), a secluded high-altitude route that leads you into the heart of a protected environment, far from the hustle and bustle. The highlight of this trip is the ascent of the Signal de l'Albaron (3637 m), offering a 360° view of the peaks of the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps . The glacial descent back to Bonneval concludes this spectacular traverse. A challenging alpine adventure, designed for experienced skiers seeking authenticity, altitude, and thrills .
The highlights
-
Wild crossing of the Little Wall of Italy at 3400m altitude
-
Four-day glacial trek in the high mountains with no return to the valley
-
Ascent of the Signal de l'Albaron with a 360° panoramic view of the Alps
Photos
Sport
Level
Ski touring
The expert's opinion
- This expedition is intended for people who already have prior experience in ski touring, with a minimum of 2 ski touring trips already completed.
- You are proficient in kick turns and skiing in all snow conditions, and you are ready to tackle steep slopes and glaciers.
- You will be riding at altitudes of over 3000m, with technical sections like the Little Wall of Italy.
- Are you ready to string together days with 5 to 8 hours of effort per day, with elevation gains of 800 to 1400m?
- You practice an endurance sport (running, cycling, trail running, swimming, etc.) on a weekly basis (min. 3 hours/week).
In figures
Ski touring
- Average duration/day: 7h
- Average daily elevation gain: 1125 m
Management
Hi, my name is August, and I've been a guide in the Norwegian Far North for over eight years. Skiing by the sea, under the Northern Lights, or simply enjoying nature—that's what truly inspires me. Guiding is first and foremost about sharing my passion and helping you discover places I hold dear, all within a safe environment. Experiencing exceptional moments in the heart of nature is my purpose, and that's what I promise you when I accompany you.
⚠️ For this expedition, August may be replaced by another equally experienced guide, depending on availability. All our guides speak English, and many also speak French, to guarantee you an equally enriching experience.
Program
-
Towards the Évettes refuge, a glacial balcony in Haute Maurienne
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We meet at 10am in Bonneval-sur-Arc (1800m). After being welcomed by the guide, there will be a safety briefing and equipment check.
The first climb takes us to the Évettes refuge (2590 m). This day serves as acclimatization: we find our rhythm while enjoying the landscapes of the Haute Maurienne.
Upon arrival, the refuge perched opposite the glacial cirque welcomes us with a warm atmosphere. In the evening, a convivial dinner, discussions about the mountains, and a night under a starry sky.
Day 1 -
Aerial crossing via the Little Wall of Italy
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave the French side to cross the border via the Little Wall of Italy (3400 m). This airy passage between ridges and passes offers panoramic views of the glaciers and border peaks.
A long descent then leads us to the Alberto Gastaldi refuge (2659 m), on the Italian side. The welcome there is simple and genuine, and the evening ends with a typical meal: polenta, local cheeses and an Italian atmosphere.
Day 2 -
Col d'Arnes and panoramic views of the Vanoise and Italy
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 1200 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We gradually ascend towards the Arnes pass (3012 m), on the border between France and Italy, gateway to the famous “Alta Via”.
From the pass, we can continue to Pointe Marie (3313 m). Up there, a panorama unfolds before us: Haute Maurienne, Vanoise and the Italian glacial giants.
The descent that follows alternates between gentle slopes and wild valleys before reaching the Avérole refuge (2229 m). Last night in the mountains, an opportunity to savor the journey.
Day 3 -
Ascent of the Signal de l'Albaron (3637m), an iconic summit
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Positive elevation gain 1400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Early morning departure to climb the Signal de l'Albaron (3637m), an iconic peak in the Vanoise.
The steady climb takes place in a high mountain atmosphere, and the summit rewards us with a 360° view of the French, Italian and Swiss Alps.
We finish with a descent on the Vallonet glacier, before returning to the valley and Bonneval-sur-Arc, where the adventure concludes with a well-deserved final drink.
Day 4
Note
The program for the stay is subject to change depending on weather conditions.
Accommodation
Access
We'll meet at 10am in Bonneval-sur-Arc.
Go to the starting point
It is possible to travel by train to Modane station. From there, you can take bus S53 to Bonneval-sur-Arc or a taxi.
You can travel to Bonneval-sur-Arc by car, where you can park your vehicle for free in the meeting place car park.
If you don't have a car, please note that we encourage carpooling among participants by creating a WhatsApp group 15 days before departure. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other before the expedition even begins!
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision: Throughout your stay, you will be supervised by a UIAGM High Mountain Guide.
- Accommodation: Every night you will sleep in a comfortable mountain refuge, where there is a good atmosphere and friendliness (dormitories).
- Catering: All meals are included from the first evening meal until the last picnic.
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to the meeting point.
- The picnic on the first day.
- Your potential personal expenses.
- Rental of ski touring equipment: skis, boots, skins, poles and crampons, avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe (available for rent when booking).
- Rental of technical equipment: harness, crampons, ice axe and helmet (available for rent when booking).
Options
- Ski touring package rental : CHF237.85 / person
- Mountaineering Kit Rental : CHF73.18 / person
- 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.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Touring skis and bindings (rental available)
- Ski touring boots (rental available)
- Ski helmet / ski touring helmet
- Telescopic ski poles (rental available)
- Lightweight crampons and ice axes (rental available)
- Safety pack: avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe (rental available)
- Pair of ski crampons (rental available)
- Water bottle (min 1.5L)
- Energy snacks (bars, dried fruit, etc.)
- Hiking backpack (35 L) with ski and ice axe attachments
- Lightweight silk sleeping bag liner/down sleeping bag
- Charged headlamp
- A picnic
- Reusable picnic kit (Tupperware, cutlery, fabric bag)
- Waterproof plastic for ID, phone, etc.
- Passport or ID
- Credit card and cash
- Insurance card
- CAF / FFCAM / Alpine Club card (if a member)
- Phone and charger
- External battery / power bank
- Book/notebook and pen
- Multitool / Swiss Army Knife
- Compeed or blister plasters
- Adhesive tape (repairs)
- Small personal pharmacy (ampoule kit, headache/nausea medication)
- Toiletries kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs)
- Microfiber towel
- Toilet paper / moist wipes (biodegradable)
- Earplugs
- Card game or small pocket game
Clothing to bring
- Ski touring pants (hardshell or goretex)
- Long-sleeved T-shirt(s) of “microfibre”/merino type
- Fleece (Consider layering)
- Waterproof jacket with hood, "Gore-tex" type
- Down jacket
- Lightweight gloves
- Warm gloves
- Balaclava / Buff
- Beanie (without pom-pom)
- Sunglasses (cat. 4)
- Ski mask
- Hat or cap
- Technical and warm underwear (Merino wool)
- Warm socks (wool)
- Running tights or long underwear
- Change of clothes
- Comfortable evening clothes + slippers