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Departure from Fontanettes, large car park. We always do this hike in this direction (counterclockwise). This is because the climb up the Cirque de l'Arcelin towards the lower chalets of Arcelin (ruins, altitude 2100) is much easier going up than down.
(S/E) Go around the start of the chairlift and follow the path heading east towards the Cirque de l'Arcelin. Pass a small EdF power station, then cross the stream a little further up on the Creuset bridge.
(1) Take the wide path on the left that climbs slightly into the cirque.
(2) At an altitude of around 1,730 metres, cross the Torrent du Dard (you will see a waterfall a little further to your right, at the exit of the Cirque du Dard). It usually flows over the crossing slab, but a few planks make it easier to cross.
Immediately after, (signpost), take the path on the right and continue climbing eastwards. You will enter a small valley between Moriond on your left and the Arcelin peaks on your right. When the slope becomes steeper, you will enter the Vanoise National Park (signs). A little further on, you will come to a T-junction.
(3). Leave the path to the Cirque du Dard and the Col du Grand Marchais on your right and turn left.
Continue along this well-marked path, heading north-east. Use the cairns to find your way and cross a few streams (in the morning, the water is not too deep).
The path approaches the Ruisseau de l'Arcelin, which you will need to cross. Don't do this too early. You are on the right bank at the waterfall flowing from Moriond.
You will arrive at a sort of plateau, with a trail on your left that leads to Moriond.
Note: This path towards Moriond can be used to return if you are on a longer hike or with young children. The summit or Col du Moriond are ideal places for a picnic. The trail continues on the other side, descending towards the Glière chalets and the Barmettes refuge.
(4) Leave the Monriond trail on your left, along with the chalets, and continue climbing, staying more or less close to the stream. The slope becomes steeper. You will reach a first flat area, followed by a short climb, and you will be overlooking Lac des Assiettes. In August, there is rarely any water, but it is easy to imagine what it looks like when the snow melts.
(5) A little more effort and you will come out at the Col de la Vanoise, where you will first see the buildings of the Refuge du Col de la Vanoise (formerly Félix Faure).
::6: You can continue to the right towards Lac Rond and Lac du Col de la Vanoise, looking for a picnic spot sheltered from the wind.
(7) To return, head back towards the refuge.
(6) Take theGR®55heading north. You will pass Lac Long on your right, dominated by the Grande Casse and Pointe Mathews.
(8) The wide path descends onto the moraine of the Grande Casse glacier.
(9) Before crossing Lac des Vaches, leave a path on your right that climbs towards the Chalet des Gardes and Lac de la Patinoire (no sign).
Cross the lake and take the traditional photo with the Grande Casse in the background. Continue along this wide path, dotted with shortcuts (to be avoided), which descends towards the Glière chalets.
(10) On your left, you will be joined by the path descending from Moriond, mentioned above. Cross the stream on the Glière bridge and arrive at the Refuge des Barmettes.
(11) At this point, the Genépi chairlift, which operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, is a good option for the return journey. It avoids a descent that is of little interest (especially as you will have already done it on the way back from other walks). The return journey by chairlift offers superb views of the valley.
If you choose to walk back, you can opt for the direct descent to the car park (marked on the map) (S/E).
the route is passable and was completed with hiking boots, but there is still a lot of snow between Lac des Assiettes (completely covered) and Lac des Vaches. We did not go as far as Lac Rond because the entire trail was covered in snow. Expect almost 3 km of uphill and downhill walking in the snow: follow the tracks of those who have gone before you. All in all, some beautiful views!
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