Refuge d'Entre Deux Eaux walks

This ninth stage takes place in the Vanoise massif. First along the GR® 5 to Val Claret and then via the Via Alpina, which crosses the Haute Vanoise before rejoining the GR® 5.From the refuge, the path joins the GR® 5 at Plan de la Grassaz. The view opens out onto a vast plateau. The path passes Lake Grattaleu, the Refuge du Palet and the pass of the same name. It descends towards Val Claret and leaves the GR® 5 for the Haute Vanoise variant via the Via Alpina and the GR® 55. It climbs towards the Col de Fresse but bypasses it to reach the Col de la Leisse. The trail descends beneath the Grande Motte glacier, skirting the Lac des Nettes, and reaches the Refuge de la Leisse. At the Croé-Vie bridge, the Via Alpina leaves the GR® 55, heads for the Refuge d’Entre Deux Eaux, and crosses the Torrent de la Rocheure to rejoin the GR® 5. It climbs towards Lac des Lozières and then, at the foot of the glaciers, runs along a ridge overlooking the Doron Termignon valley and reaches the Refuge de l’Arpont.

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.