Col de la Chal (Vanoise) walks

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This second stage links the Peclet Polset Refuge to the Lacs Merlets Refuge via the Col du Soufre. You walk alongside the great Gebroulaz Glacier before reaching the Refuge du Saut. Next comes the ascent of the Col de Chanrouge and the arrival at the Lacs Merlets. This stage takes you off the usual route through the Vanoise National Park. The landscapes are very wild. You’ll find plenty of edelweiss here.

This route takes the Sentier des Girauds and then the Sentier des Teppes, before retracing its steps and ending with the Sentier des Girauds, which leads to the Roc 1 cable car arrival point. As the ski touring trail is not marked before the Christmas holidays and is impossible to find, it is still possible to take the footpath, which offers a beautiful, easily accessible hike, perfect for an introduction to ski touring.

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.

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.