Valmeinier 1800 – Refuge du Thabor

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The route begins on theGRP® Tour du Mont Thabor trail, starting from the Petite Station in Valmeinier 1800. You’ll pass the Col des Marches, Lake Bissorte, the Refuge des Marches, Lake des Batailléres, the pass of the same name, Lake Long and Lake Rond before arriving at the Refuge du Thabor.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: The Thabor Circuit in 5 days

Details

n°1414627
Creation:
Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.69 mi
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 10 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 5,079 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,690 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 9,144 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 5,820 ft
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Photos

Thabor Mountain Hut
Lac Rond
Marmot
Linaigrette

Description of the walk

Park in one of the car parks at the Valmeinier 1800 resort.

(S) Take the path that zigzags uphill alongside the ski lifts, leading onto a wide track (ski run). Turn left until you reach the signs for Col des Marches and Refuge des Marches.

(1) Turn right onto theGRP® Tour du Mont Thabor trail (marked in red and yellow). Stay on thisGRP® trail all the way to the Col des Marches. During this challenging ascent, you’ll pass beneath the Inversins chairlift line and catch sight of the Roche Noire on your right. Reach the Col des Marches: a breathtaking panorama with a magnificent view of the Ecrins.

(2) Begin the descent, then pass close to some small lakes. At the bottom of the valley, you’ll look down on Lac de Bissorte to your left. Continue to the right, cross the torrent to reach the Refuge des Marches.

(3) Continue due south along the GRP®. After a hairpin bend to the left, you’ll reach the beautiful Lac des Batailléres.

(4) Go round it on the left. Heading south-east, climb the Col des Bataillères. (On the right, the Cheval Blanc).

(5) Begin the descent. Then pass between Lac Long and the Lacs Marguerite to reach the Refuge du Thabor (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : mi 0 - alt. 5,820 ft - Car park at Valmeinier 1800
  2. 1 : mi 0.54 - alt. 6,171 ft - Junction with the GRP
  3. 2 : mi 3.37 - alt. 8,934 ft - Col des Marches - Col des Marches
  4. 3 : mi 5.65 - alt. 7,251 ft - Refuge des Marches
  5. 4 : mi 7.06 - alt. 7,936 ft - Lac des Bataillières
  6. 5 : mi 8.3 - alt. 9,137 ft - Col des Bataillières
  7. E : mi 9.69 - alt. 8,199 ft - Thabor Mountain Hut - Refuge du Mont Thabor

Notes

A difficult stage suitable only for experienced and fit walkers. The recommended kit is that for high-mountain hiking, as the altitude is often above 2,500 m. Thunderstorms are common at this time of year. We took numerous breaks, resulting in a 10-hour stage.
No need to worry about finding your way, despite the sporadic GRP® markings.
You’ll find water throughout the route.

Reviews and comments

4.2 / 5
Based on 2 reviews
Reliability of the description
4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
granmejanlou
granmejanlou

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 07, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Accurate description. Be very careful at the start of Valmeinier as the intersections of ski slopes and hiking trails can be confusing. Do not hesitate to keep your phone and GPS tracker with you for the first 30 minutes.
the climbs are steady and the trail is well marked, making the 1,500 m elevation gain manageable in good weather.

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JRANDONNE
JRANDONNE

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 28, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

Together with two friends who were not very familiar with mountain hiking, I completed the Tour du Mont Thabor. We did not follow the route shown on the Visorando website in its entirety: for the first stage, we did set off from Valmeinier, but from the Chenalette car park (at 9.20 am); from there, we climbed to the Col des Marches (11 am) via La Losa and Lac de La Roche Noire and, after walking alongside Lac de Bissorte, reached the Des Marches mountain hut (5 pm), where we spent the night.
A stage without any particular difficulties, just right for getting back into the swing of things.

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