Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise starting from Modane

de fr

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.

Details

n°1780959
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 106.24 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 8 days 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 7,291 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 7,290 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,923 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,711 m

Photos

Vue de la descente du col de la Masse
Ascension du col de la Masse
Descente du col de la Masse
Vue sur la vallée et point finale de ce circuit

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

  1. S
    Refuge de l'Orgére - Refuge Peclet Polset

    Refuge de l'Orgére - Refuge Peclet Polset

    ↔8.73 km ↗910 m ↘357 m
    The first stage takes you from the Refuge d’Orgére to the Refuge de Peclet Polset. Although short, this first stage features a significant elevation gain, helping you get into your stride for the rest of the trek. The views above the Maurienne Valley are already splendid. You’ll cross your first pass, the Col de Chaviére, at nearly 2,800 metres. Views of the Écrins and the Thabor, reminding us of the 2018 route.
    View the route
  2. 2
    Glacier de Gerbroulaz (variante)

    Gerbroulaz Glacier (alternative route)

    ↔6.72 km ↗504 m ↘497 m
    Alternative route, starting from the Peclet-Polset refuge. This alternative can be taken at the end of the first stage. It allows you to get as close as possible to the gigantic Gebroulaz Glacier, at the foot of the Aiguilles de Peclet.
    View the route
  3. 3
    Refuge Peclet-Polset - Refuge des Lacs Merlets

    Peclet-Polset Refuge - Merlets Lakes Refuge

    ↔14.90 km ↗949 m ↘1,010 m
    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.
    View the route
  4. 4
    Refuge des lacs Merlets - Refuge de la Valette

    Refuge des Lacs Merlets – Refuge de la Valette

    ↔16.45 km ↗1,376 m ↘1,194 m
    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.
    View the route
  5. 5
    Refuge de la Valette - Refuge du col de la Vanoise

    Valette Refuge - Col de la Vanoise Refuge

    ↔12.35 km ↗1,189 m ↘1,266 m
    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.
    View the route
  6. 6
    Refuge du col de la Vanoise - Refuge de l'Arpont

    Refuge du col de la Vanoise - Refuge de l'Arpont

    ↔13.91 km ↗349 m ↘560 m
    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.
    View the route
  7. 7
    Refuge de l'Arpont - Les lacs et le glacier de l'Arpont (variante)

    Refuge de l'Arpont - The lakes and the Arpont Glacier (alternative route)

    ↔6.41 km ↗531 m ↘527 m
    This6th stage is a variation on the route starting from the Refuge de l'Arpont. We decided to spend two days on this hike to explore the Lacs de l'Arpont and its magnificent glacier. An exceptional hike that will allow you to get as close as possible to this glacier. The lakes are splendid. If you’re feeling brave, don’t hesitate to take a very refreshing dip.
    View the route
  8. 8
    Refuge de l'Arpont - Refuge de la Fournache

    Refuge de l'Arpont - Refuge de la Fournache

    ↔17.10 km ↗772 m ↘721 m
    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.
    View the route
  9. E
    Refuge de la Fournache - Refuge de l'Orgére

    Refuge de la Fournache - Refuge de l'Orgére

    ↔9.52 km ↗712 m ↘1,143 m
    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.
    View the route

Notes

We completed the route from 11 August to 19 August 2019, when there was still plenty of snow on the ground.
This route starts at the Refuge de l'Orgére.
We were able to top up our water supplies throughout the entire route.
You’ll need to pack warm clothing even in August. The lowest temperature we experienced was -5°C at night. It was 0°C on two mornings when we set off at 6.30 am. Otherwise, daytime temperatures averaged 20–25°C. However, even during the day, there were significant fluctuations.
Hiking boots are a must – you’re in the mountains!

We completed this route as a bivouac trip, eating our meals at mountain huts. I would still advise you to book your pitch, meals and snacks if required.
Bivouacking is strictly regulated along the route and prohibited in some places, notably at the Peclet Polset Refuge and the Col de la Vanoise Refuge.

You’ll need to be in good physical shape to complete this route.

Below is a list of what we packed in each of our rucksacks for our first attempt; it might be helpful:

Hiking rucksack (a 70-litre one for me and a 50-litre one for my wife) / Rucksack cover x1
Sleeping bag x1 / Mattress (self-inflating or foam) x1
Hiking boots x1 / Hiking socks x2 / Sandals or flip-flops x1
Underwear x2
Relaxation shorts x1 / Relaxation T-shirts x1
Hiking trousers x1 / Long-sleeved hiking T-shirt(s) x1 and short-sleeved T-shirts x2
3-in-1 waterproof jacket x1 / Pouch x1
Woolly hat x1 / Gloves or mittens x1 / Cap or hat x1
Head torch x1 / Emergency blanket x2 / Water bottles x1 / Water pouches x1 / Knife + spoon x1 / Mobile phone x1 / Phone charger x1 / Trekking poles x1 / Pole tips x1 / Sunglasses
Personal toiletries: Toothbrush x1 / Towel x1 / Wipes (feminine hygiene)
Shared equipment:

Hiking tent x1
Adhesive tape x1 / Thread and needle x1 / Safety pins x4 / Lighter x1 / Bin bags or plastic bags x2 / Spare batteries x1 / IGN map x1 / TOPO Guide / Map cover x1 / Compass x1 / First aid kit x1 / Shoelaces x2 / Portable power bank x3 / Pen x2 / Notebook or paper x1 / Camera x1 / Washing powder x1 /
Mountaineering rope x1 / Carabiners x2
Toothpaste X1 / Toilet paper X2 / Soap (biodegradable) X1 / Sun cream / Lip balm X1 / Comb X1 / Nail clippers X1 / Insect repellent X1
Cash / Cheque book X1 / Credit card X1

Worth a visit

For us, this route is the most beautiful we have ever done. One of the last places where you can get up close to the remaining glaciers of the Alps.

Must-sees: the Gebroulaz Glacier, the lakes and the Arpont Glacier, Lac des Vaches, the cirques of Grand Marchet and its pass (very technical descent), Grande Casse, Col de la Masse.

Mountain hut ratings:
1/ Excellent : top-rated huts , plus a mountain spirit and friendly atmosphere (welcome, meals, camping spots): L’Orgére, Les Macs Merlets, La Valette and La Fournache;
2/ Average : huts where the welcome was average but the meals were very good: Peclet Polset, Col de la Vanoise;
3/ Disappointing : a refuge where the welcome was very disappointing, with no kindness shown. An unsuitable camping spot on sloping ground. The Refuge de l'Arpont.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 2 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
le dd
le dd

Good evening,
We’re delighted that you enjoyed this route as much as we did when we walked it. I’d also recommend doing the GR 54 in 13 days (Viso route) if you haven’t already done so.
Kind regards

Machine-translated

turquetj
turquetj

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 25, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Today we’re finishing this superb route, which we’ve followed to the letter, at a mountain refuge. We’ve had a brilliant time; the scenery is magical and there are animals all along the way. We tackled the two alternative routes on the afternoons of days 2 and 6 without any trouble. We recommend a short detour to Lac de la Patinoire after Lac aux Vaches – it’s well worth it. We went for a swim in the lakes at Merlet and La Valette – pure bliss in this heat!!! We were well prepared physically, which allowed us to make the most of every day despite the distance and the elevation gain. Don’t change a thing about this fabulous route!

Machine-translated

brierea01
brierea01

Hello,
I’d like to do this route but in the opposite direction to the one indicated. Is it more difficult, or is the technical difficulty the same?
Kind regards
Ax

Machine-translated

DorianB
DorianB

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 21, 2021
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello,

We finally managed to do the hike, and it was brilliant! We loved the less-frequented section of the Col du Souffre and Lac Merlet. The flora and fauna are incredible throughout the whole hike!!

As for the snow, there was quite a bit of snow (especially on the Col de Chavière) but nothing too difficult if you followed the cairns and had walking poles.

However, we had snow on 14 July! This forced us to avoid a tricky section in the Cirques du Grand Marchet, according to the refuge warden, and to head back down to the valley floor.

Meanwhile, here are two quick suggestions for alternative routes:

During the rest day at Lac de l’Arpont from the refuge, it is possible to hike to Col de Chasseforêt and its lake (off-trail). You can ask the refuge warden for directions, who will tell you how to get there. The view from the top is lovely and the area is wild. Please note that access is not straightforward as it is off-trail, and please respect the natural environment – there are many ibex up there.

Another option is to head up to the Col de la Masse, from where you can easily climb up to the Petit Râteau; the view is splendid. The path is easy to follow by keeping an eye on the numerous cairns.

Happy hiking to all,
Dorian

Machine-translated

DorianB
DorianB

Hello,

Thank you for this superb route; we were looking to extend our tour of the Vanoise glaciers, so the suggested route is perfect!

Did the snowfields cause you any particular difficulties? Do you think crossing them with poles is sufficient?

Incidentally, we’ve found an alternative to your challenging section between the Merlets Lakes Hut and the Valette Hut by splitting it into two days:
Stage 1: Merlets Lakes Hut to Roc de la Pêche Hut
Stage 2: the following day, from the Roc de la Pêche refuge to the Valette refuge

Thank you,
Dorian

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

Walking Refuge de l'Orgére - Refuge Peclet Polset

Visorando Member
Refuge de l'Orgére - Refuge Peclet Polset
↔8.73 km ↗+910 m ↘-357 m ◔5h 05 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Villarodin-Bourget (Savoie)
The first stage takes you from the Refuge d’Orgére to the Refuge de Peclet Polset. Although short, this first stage features a significant elevation gain, helping you get into your stride for the rest of the trek. The views above the Maurienne Valley are already splendid. You’ll cross your first pass, the Col de Chaviére, at nearly 2,800 metres. Views of the Écrins and the Thabor, reminding us of the 2018 route.

Walking Col de la Masse, starting from the Refuge de l'Orgère

Visorando Member
↔14.36 km ↗+1,214 m ↘-1,215 m ◔7h 35 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Villarodin-Bourget (Savoie)
A hike at 2,900m: marmots, ibex, mountain pastures, scree slopes and forest – all in one.

Walking Lac de la Partie - Vallon de Polset

Visorando Member
Lac de la Partie - Vallon de Polset
↔12.56 km ↗+753 m ↘-753 m ◔5h 45 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Villarodin-Bourget (Savoie)
A good hike with an uphill route along the Povaret torrent, away from the usual trails. The uphill trail is well marked but there are hardly any signposts.

Walking Tour of the Forts d'Avrieux via the balcony trail and the Saint-Benoit waterfall.

Visorando Member
Tour des Forts d'Avrieux par le sentier balcon et la Cascade Saint-Benoit
↔7.38 km ↗+658 m ↘-652 m ◔4h 00 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Avrieux (Savoie)
A pleasant route using the stream and Diable footbridges to access Fort Victor-Emmanuel, Fort Charles-Felix and Fort Marie-Christine. On the way back, visit the pretty Saint-Benoit waterfall.

Walking Lac du Génépy

Visorando Member
Lac du Génépy
↔15.04 km ↗+901 m ↘-901 m ◔6h 50 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Aussois (Savoie)
Circuit above Aussois between pine trees and snowfields.

Walking La Pointe de l'Observatoire

Visorando Member
La Pointe de l'Observatoire
↔15.56 km ↗+987 m ↘-987 m ◔7h 15 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Aussois (Savoie)
Belle randonnée avec, au sommet de la Pointe de l'Observatoire, une vue à 360° sur la Xanoise (Pralognan, petit Mont Blanc, Peclet Polset) et plus loin le Mont Blanc lui même.

Walking Pointe de la Gorma

Tourism professional
Pointe de la Gorma
↔14.21 km ↗+1,375 m ↘-1,369 m ◔8h 00 ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Aussois (Savoie)
High-altitude hike beneath the imposing Dent Parrachée. The climb to 3,100 m is very pleasant, and there are several flat sections where you can rest. Things get tougher beyond that, after crossing the remains of the Labby Glacier, due to loose and unstable schist. Access to Pointe de la Gorma (3,396 m) is via an easy ridge.

Walking Loop of the four Aussois refuges

Visorando Member
Boucle des 4 refuges d'Aussois
↔10.95 km ↗+560 m ↘-569 m ◔4h 45 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Aussois (Savoie)
From the new car park at the Aussois dams, there is a fairly easy route around Lake Plan-d'Amont, which allows you to discover the four refuges in the southern part of the Vanoise National Park. You enter the heart of the park. In summer, there are many marmots and they are not shy. The landscapes are magnificent and varied, from the rhododendron bushes on the lake shore to the Labby glacier and the mineral deserts of La Fournache.

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.