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Chalet inférieur de l'Arcellin walks
The Col de la Vanoise
Association / Club / Walk leader
7.34 mi
+2,828 ft
-2,828 ft
5h 50
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
Located in the heart of the Vanoise massif, this route is a good introduction to France's first national park and goes around the Aiguille de la Vanoise. In early summer (June), you'll easily spot ibex, marmots and maybe even chamois.
It is best to park at the Fontanettes car park above Pralognan-la-Vanoise, but you can also start from Pralognan.
Moderator's addition on 04/08/2021: Please note! For safety reasons, it is strongly recommended that you do this route in the opposite direction to the one suggested here. See the reviews at the bottom of this page.
The Col de la Vanoise via the Arcellin
Visorando Member
8.93 mi
+3,012 ft
-3,012 ft
6h 45
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
This is a classic route in Pralognan, which takes theGR®55"motorway" on the way back. On the way there, the climb through the Cirque de l'Arcelin and Lac des Assiettes is truly superb and fairly uncrowded.
The Moriond loop from Pralognan-la-Vanoise
4.91 mi
+2,110 ft
-2,110 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
Le Moriond is a small peak located on the Aiguille de la Vanoise ridge. This summit is an easily accessible viewpoint from Pralognan, offering views of the Aiguille de la Vanoise and the Grande Casse. Marmots are never far away.
Etymology of Moriond: round mountain. Seen from Pralognan, this name is entirely justified!
Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise starting from Modane
66.01 mi
+23,921 ft
-23,917 ft
8 days
Difficult
Departure from Villarodin-Bourget (Savoie)
This fabulous 8-stage route (+ 2 variants) is challenging and requires excellent physical fitness, as some passes reach an altitude of nearly 3,000m.
The first two stages deviate from the usual route, making this route even more appealing. The mountain landscapes, glaciers, pastures and flora are among the most beautiful in the Alps. Wildlife is particularly abundant, as in the Mercantour. Every day we saw marmots, ibex and chamois.
The Tour de l’Aiguille de la Vanoise via the lakes and the Col du Moriond
8.03 mi
+3,222 ft
-3,222 ft
6h 30
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
This hike requires a bit of fitness but is accessible. To make it easier, it’s best to do it in the opposite direction; however, with our children aged 8 and 12, we prefer the route described below.
Mountain trolls and marmots are sure to be spotted. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some chamois.
Valette Refuge - Col de la Vanoise Refuge
7.67 mi
+3,901 ft
-4,154 ft
6h 55
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
The 4th stage of this route, which will take you from the Valette refuge to the Col de la Vanoise refuge. One of the most challenging stages, featuring the ascent of the Col du Grand Marchet and its highly technical descent.
A balcony-like route above Pralognan, the Petit Marchet, the Grand Marchet cirque, and the pass of the same name, leading to the Lac des Vaches and its ford, with the Grande Casse and the Col de La Vanoise refuge in the background. A technical stage, but one of the most beautiful.
Walks near Chalet inférieur de l'Arcellin
Refuge du col de la Vanoise - Refuge de l'Arpont
8.64 mi
+1,145 ft
-1,837 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
Stage5 of this route between the Col de la Vanoise refuge and the Arpont refuge. A stage without any major difficulty. The scenery is extraordinary, as you walk alongside the Vanoise Glacier for the entire hike. You will catch sight of the Rechasse, Roche Ferran and Arpont glaciers. You will pass at the foot of the Grande Casse and its glacier, the Pointe de la Réchasse and Mont Pelve.
From Les Fontanettes to Les Prioux via the Col du Grand Marchet and La Valette
7.07 mi
+4,245 ft
-4,045 ft
6h 55
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
A very beautiful high-altitude hike, a bit challenging but probably one of the most stunning. It passes through several little-visited cirques and offers high-mountain views throughout the route.
This is a one-way hike, so you’ll need to organise your return journey (see practical information).
The Col de Leschaux circular route
5.42 mi
+2,113 ft
-3,996 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
An exposed hike requiring caution, offering a stunning view over the entire southern sector of Pralognan-la-Vanoise.
Pralognan - Leisse Refuge
11.34 mi
+4,908 ft
-1,391 ft
9h 30
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
Day1 of the Grande Casse circular route, from Pralognan to the Refuge de la Leisse, passing close to the impressive Grande Casse, all in a wild setting dotted with lakes.
Refuge de la Vallette via the Pas de l’Âne
5.80 mi
+3,789 ft
-2,989 ft
6h 00
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
A challenging hike that passes through the Cirque du Petit Marchet, crosses the Roc du Tambour to reach the Refuge de la Vallette and ends at the hamlet of Le Prioux.
Tip: only undertake this hike when there is no snow and in dry weather.
From the hamlet of Les Prioux to Lac du Rateau
6.02 mi
+4,019 ft
-1,617 ft
6h 15
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
First day of a 4-day route in the Vanoise massif.
A very pleasant climb along the ‘100-bend’ path to reach the summit of the Petit Mont Blanc and its orientation table. A lovely end to the day in the Combe du Rateau.
From Chalet Clou to Les Prioux
9.11 mi
+2,710 ft
-4,144 ft
6h 35
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
Fourth day of a four-day route in the Vanoise massif.
A very beautiful mountain route passing through the Petit and Grand Cirques du Marchet.
From the Refuge de l'Arpont to the Refuge de l'Orgère
17.46 mi
+3,816 ft
-5,043 ft
11h 20
Difficult
Departure from Termignon (Savoie)
This tenth stage completes the crossing of the Vanoise massif. From the Refuge de l’Arpont, the GR®5 descends to the hamlet of Le Mont, crosses the Combe d’Enfer, climbs the flank of the Crête de Belle Place and crosses the valley of the Ruisseau de Bonne Nuit to reach the ruins of the hamlet of La Loza. It follows the contour of a rocky ridge like a balcony and descends via a few hairpin bends towards a ravine, then continues almost level through the Bellecôte valley. The path passes beneath the chairlifts of the Aussois ski resort and runs alongside the Plan Sec and La Fournache mountain huts. It skirts around Lac du Plan d’Amont and runs along the upper edge of Lac du Plan d’Aval before crossing the Col du Barbier. It climbs towards the Barbier chalets and descends to the hamlet of l’Orgère to reach the Refuge de l’Orgère.
Refuge de l'Arpont - Refuge de la Fournache
10.62 mi
+2,533 ft
-2,365 ft
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from Termignon (Savoie)
Stage7 of this journey takes you from the Refuge de l’Arpont to the very welcoming Refuge de la Fournache. This stage skirts around the Dent Parrachée. This is the last time you will see the Vanoise glaciers. This trail, which is at times technical and challenging due to its elevation gain, overlooks the Maurienne Valley, Val Cénis and, on the other side, Italy. You will also catch a glimpse of the Thabor, before arriving at the bottom of Aussois, with its two lakes and the Aussois dam.
