Refine your search for walks in Lac du Col de la Vanoise
Lac du Col de la Vanoise walks
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.
Circular route around the Grande Casse
39.92 mi
+13,061 ft
-13,045 ft
4 days
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
Four-day hike around the Grande Casse in the Vanoise National Park, starting from Pralognan. Highlights: crossing the rocks of Lac des Vaches, views of the Grande Casse and the Leisse Valley, all in an idyllic setting and in the company of marmots.
6-day Maurienne–Vanoise crossing, from Bonneval-sur-Arc to Modane
64.14 mi
+20,154 ft
-22,559 ft
6 days
Difficult
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
This 6-day hike from mountain hut to mountain hut will take you from Bonneval-sur-Arc back to Modane.
There are no particular technical difficulties; the walk follows good paths, partly along theGRP® Tour de Haute-Maurienne route and partly along theGR®55.
The scenery is magnificent and, if you’re lucky, you might spot bearded vultures, which are beginning to re-establish themselves in the area.
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.
From the Fond des Fours Refuge to the Col de la Vanoise Refuge
14.55 mi
+3,097 ft
-3,156 ft
9h 25
Difficult
Departure from Val-d'Isère (Savoie)
A long stage for this third day with very varied landscapes and terrain.It’s a shame that the road section after the Refuge de la Femma can’t be avoided, as it’s rather uninteresting. You’ll have to wait until the Refuge d’Entre Deux Eaux to finally get back on a trail.The difficulty is mainly due to the distance, as the elevation gains aren’t too steep and the trails are in good condition.
Walks near Lac du Col de la Vanoise
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 the Col de la Vanoise refuge to the Lacs Merlet refuge
11.38 mi
+4,829 ft
-5,167 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
Another great stage for this fourth day, culminating in the ascent of Petit Mont-Blanc (2,677 m), before finishing at the tiny Lacs Merlet refuge, tucked away in its lush green setting. The suggested route avoids the main roads and Pralognan as much as possible (Lac des Vaches is, admittedly, very pretty, but it’s a motorway all the way).
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.
Refuge de la Leisse- Refuge de Plan Sec
20.31 mi
+4,426 ft
-4,948 ft
13h 10
Difficult
Departure from Termignon (Savoie)
Étape de la Grande Traversée des Alpes traversant le Parc National de la Vanoise du Nord au Sud.
Refuge de la Leisse – Refuge de la Femma
5.28 mi
+1,214 ft
-1,667 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Termignon (Savoie)
This route follows an unmarked but useful path between the Refuge de la Leisse and the Refuge de la Femma, crossing the Col de la Pierre Blanche.
La Leisse – Tignes Val-Claret
6.01 mi
+892 ft
-2,142 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Termignon (Savoie)
A steady climb takes you to the Col de la Leisse (2,761 m), offering breathtaking views of the Grande Motte glacier, before descending to Tignes Val-Claret with, in the background, the Dôme de la Sache (3,588 m), the Pointe de la Grande Sassière and, to the left, the Col du Palet and the Pointe du Chardonnet.
Leisse Mountain Hut – Col du Palet Mountain Hut
8.21 mi
+2,671 ft
-2,326 ft
6h 05
Difficult
Departure from Termignon (Savoie)
Day4 of the Grande Casse circular loop, from the Refuge de la Leisse to the Refuge du Col du Palet, following theGR®55via Val Claret.
Leisse refuge - Col du Palet refuge
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 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.