4-Day Méan Martin Hiking Tour - Stage 2 - From the Vallonbrun Shelter to the Auberge de Bellecombe Shelter

Do you dream of escaping to the great outdoors? Take a walk through the heart of the Vanoise National Park and get close to the glaciers. This escape will delight hikers in good physical condition who are already accustomed to roaming the mountains.

Additional welcome

You are entering a protected area. Pets are not allowed in the Vanoise National Park.
Prior booking is essential for your overnight stay in a refuge.
Stay on the trails and follow the signs, and take your garbage with you.

Environments

• Mountain location
• Close to GR footpath
• In a nature reserve
• Panoramic view

Itinerary

• Distance 23km
• Route type One-way ticket
• Elevation gain 1100m
• Negative gradient 810m
• Daily duration 08h30
• Signposted itinerary Yes
• Beaconing accuracy Departmental markings (yellow), GR markings (red and white) and Vanoise National Park markings (blue - white - red).
• Nature of the land Stone, Ground, Grit, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 2962m

Opening period

Itinerary accessible outside snow periods and subject to favorable weather conditions. Check the local weather forecast in real time up to the day of departure. Information on trail and hut access conditions is available from the tourist office and the Vanoise National Park.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Subject to snow conditions

Location

Starting point at the Vallonbrun refuge

Documents

• 4-Day Méan Martin Hiking Tour - Stage 2 - From the Vallonbrun Shelter to the Auberge de Bellecombe Shelter

Animals

Pets allowed : No

Pets are not allowed on this hike in the Vanoise National Park.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• 2/ The GR5, on a ridge leading up to the Cuchet refuge (unmanned), offers some of the best views of the Mont Cenis side. After a brief stretch through the forest, tackle the day’s toughest stretch: a 600-meter climb over 2 km…promising some well-deserved breaks to cool off! The layered mountains will hold no more secrets for you as you arrive below the Turra ridge and the tip of the Grand Vallon. What a reward to come so close to the last remaining snows of spring. The herds are already grazing, and here you are, crossing a few late snowfields. At the start of the season, spring anemones line the trail’s edges, inviting you to take a contemplative break. Don’t forget to make a quick stop in front of the Piou chalet. Josseline, who used to be a shepherdess here 50 years ago, comes here regularly to recharge her batteries. She marvels at the calm that reigns here. The Clarines graze peacefully in front of the glaciers: “We used to stay here all summer. Everything has remained so wild on this slope.” A guaranteed immersion that ends when you enter the “Auberge de Bellecombe” refuge. If you’re a fan of TV series, perhaps you’ll recognize the “randonneuses” set? The refuge’s caretaker can share a few behind-the-scenes anecdotes... A warm and unusual evening in store...