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Col du Grand Marchet walks
Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise starting from Modane
Visorando member 
106.24 km
+7,291 m
-7,290 m
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 
12.35 km
+1,189 m
-1,266 m
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 Col du Grand Marchet
Pralognan - Leisse Refuge
Visorando member 18.24 km
+1,496 m
-424 m
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 du col de la Vanoise - Refuge de l'Arpont
Visorando member 
13.91 km
+349 m
-560 m
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.
Refuge de l'Arpont - Refuge de la Fournache
Visorando member 
17.10 km
+772 m
-721 m
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 des Lacs Merlets – Refuge de la Valette
Visorando member 
16.45 km
+1,376 m
-1,194 m
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.
Refuge du Bois - Pralognan
Visorando member 
18.31 km
+1,581 m
-1,633 m
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.
Leisse refuge - Col du Palet refuge
Visorando member 13.22 km
+814 m
-709 m
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.
Peclet-Polset Refuge - Merlets Lakes Refuge
Visorando member 
14.90 km
+949 m
-1,010 m
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
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.
Refuge de la Fournache - Refuge de l'Orgére
Visorando member
9.52 km
+712 m
-1,143 m
4h 45
Difficult
Departure from Aussois (Savoie)
The final stage of this fabulous route from the Refuge de la Fournache to the Refuge de l'Orgére, via the Col de la Masse. The ascent of this pass is difficult due to the steep gradient. The end of the ascent and a good part of the descent are very technical. The view from the pass is absolutely exceptional; you will be able to see the Écrins and the Thabor massif.
Refuge du Col du Palet - Refuge du Bois
Visorando member 
14.40 km
+91 m
-1,204 m
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.
The Col de la Leisse from the arrival point of the Aéroski cable car
Visorando member 9.67 km
+261 m
-849 m
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Tignes (Savoie)
A beautiful hike to admire the mountains around Tignes, with views as far as Mont Blanc. Lovely view of the Grande Motte glacier. Little elevation gain when taking the cable car.