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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
