Refine your search for walks in Chalet inférieur de l'Arcellin
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
Visorando Member 
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
Visorando Member 
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.
Valette Refuge - Col de la Vanoise Refuge
Visorando Member 
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
Visorando Member 
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.
The Col de Leschaux circular route
Visorando Member 
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
Visorando Member 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 l'Arpont - Refuge de la Fournache
Visorando Member 
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.
Refuge du Bois - Pralognan
Visorando Member 
11.38 mi
+5,187 ft
-5,358 ft
9h 45
Difficult
Departure from Champagny-en-Vanoise (Savoie)
Day 4 of the circular route around the Grande Casse, from Champagny-le-Haut to Pralognan via the Tour du Merle and the Grand Bec.
Refuge des Lacs Merlets – Refuge de la Valette
Visorando Member 
10.22 mi
+4,514 ft
-3,917 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Bon-Tarentaise (Savoie)
This third stage will take you from the Refuge des Lacs Merlets to the Refuge de la Valette.
This stage is undoubtedly the most challenging, with 1,400 metres of elevation gain. The ascent of the Petit Mont Blanc, a difficult descent to Les Prioux, followed by another beautiful and long climb (900m of elevation gain) to the Col de la Valette and its refuge, will make for a memorable day.
Leisse refuge - Col du Palet refuge
Visorando Member 8.21 mi
+2,671 ft
-2,326 ft
6h 05
Moderate
Departure from Termignon (Savoie)
Day2 of the Grande Casse circular route, from the Refuge de la Leisse to the Refuge du Col du Palet, following theGR®55via Val Claret.
Refuge du Col du Palet - Refuge du Bois
Visorando Member 
8.95 mi
+299 ft
-3,950 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Peisey-Nancroix (Savoie)
Day3 of the circular loop around the Grande Casse, descent to the charming Champagny-le-Haut valley from the Refuge du Col du Palet with views of the Grande Casse.
From the Refuge du Saut to the Refuge de l'Orgère via the Col du Soufre
Visorando Member 
10.24 mi
+3,576 ft
-4,196 ft
7h 50
Difficult
Departure from Les Allues (Savoie)
From the Refuge du Saut to the Refuge Porte de l'Orgère, the route passes close to the Gébroulaz Glacier via the Col du Soufre (2,817 m) before descending towards Lac Blanc and, via theGR®55, the Col de Chavière (2,796 m) and the Tête Noire rocks.
From the Entre le Lac Mountain Hut to the Arpont Mountain Hut
Visorando Member 
22.63 mi
+5,837 ft
-5,351 ft
15h 30
Very difficult
Departure from Peisey-Nancroix (Savoie)
This ninth stage takes place in the Vanoise massif. First along the GR® 5 to Val Claret and then via the Via Alpina, which crosses the Haute Vanoise before rejoining the GR® 5.From the refuge, the path joins the GR® 5 at Plan de la Grassaz. The view opens out onto a vast plateau. The path passes Lake Grattaleu, the Refuge du Palet and the pass of the same name. It descends towards Val Claret and leaves the GR® 5 for the Haute Vanoise variant via the Via Alpina and the GR® 55. It climbs towards the Col de Fresse but bypasses it to reach the Col de la Leisse. The trail descends beneath the Grande Motte glacier, skirting the Lac des Nettes, and reaches the Refuge de la Leisse. At the Croé-Vie bridge, the Via Alpina leaves the GR® 55, heads for the Refuge d’Entre Deux Eaux, and crosses the Torrent de la Rocheure to rejoin the GR® 5. It climbs towards Lac des Lozières and then, at the foot of the glaciers, runs along a ridge overlooking the Doron Termignon valley and reaches the Refuge de l’Arpont.