Pralognan - Leisse Refuge

(S) In Pralognan, follow the road between the Hôtel de la Vanoise and the Hôtel du Petit Mont Blanc and continue straight ahead.
Pass through the villages of Barioz and Bieux. You will then rejoin the^GR®55, which you should follow to the hamlet of Les Fontanettes.

(1) Turn left onto the^GR®55trail marked in red and white, and reach the bridge over the Glière. Cross the bridge.

(2) When you reach the chalets at La Glière, continue straight ahead, leaving the path to Moriond on your right.
Further on, cross the Chanton bridge. Shortly afterwards, you will reach Lac des Vaches.

(3) Cross it over the rocks.
The elevation gain during this section is quite significant, around 1,100 metres, but the view of Lac des Vaches and Grande Casse alone are worth the detour.
At the end of the lake, the path veers slightly to the left. At a small crossroads, turn right towards Lac Long.

(4) Go around it on the right. Then reach the pass.

(5) Then to the Refuge du Col de la Vanoise.

(6) Continue on the^GR®55. A good stretch of trail with little elevation gain goes around Lac Rond.

(7) Continue south-east, along Lac du Col de la Vanoise.

(8) Pass a cross further on. Begin a fairly steep 300 m descent. Continue left at the junction of^{the GR®55}and^GRP® du Tour de Haute Maurienne. Reach the Croé-Vie bridge.

(9) Cross it and turn left, heading north, onto the^GR®55, following the left bank of the Leisse.

(10) Continue eastwards, then slightly north-eastwards on the left bank of the Leisse to reach the refuge - today's stop (E).

Bring IGN 1/25000 map(s) or GPS, as well as a good sleeping bag with a hood and possibly a groundsheet for cool nights.
A water bottle!