Back hike

Vanoise pass and refuge hike

Val-Cenis

Get up close and personal to the glaciers of the Vanoise, at altitudes of up to 2,500 metres. Embark on a journey along one of the National Park's most iconic routes. For the ultimate high-mountain experience, what better than passing through three refuges?

Description

To fully appreciate this hike, you'll probably want to spend a night in one of our
a night in one of the refuges along the way. Adventure in the land
of high-altitude meadows and wide-open spaces. As you approach the Plan du Lac refuge, you enter the world of marmots, chamois and lammergeiers. In the distance, the road ahead still seems long, and the glaciers seem to approach as you walk. Framed by La Grande Casse and Pointe de la Réchasse, follow in the footsteps of seasoned mountaineers. The sometimes steep climbs contrast with the long, welcoming valley that awaits you. A string of lakes - and the passage of many hikers in summer - announce your proximity to the pass. Another world opens up on the outskirts of Lac Rond. For those accustomed to the area, the retreat of the glaciers is obvious.

Additional welcome

The duration of hiking trails is calculated using reference paces: 300 m/h ascent, 500 m/h descent and 4 km/h on the flat.

As hazards may occur at any time on the routes, the GPX tracks provided are not contractual. They are given for information only. Riders use them at their own risk, depending on their level of technological proficiency and their understanding of the terrain.

  • Minimum age: 12

Environments

  • Close to a public transportation
  • Near shuttle stop
  • Lake view
  • Mountain view
  • Mountain location
  • Close to GR footpath
  • In a nature reserve
  • Presence of livestock and guard dogs

Rates

Free access.

Itinerary

  • Distance 23.2km
  • Route type Round trip
  • Elevation gain 950m
  • Negative gradient 950m
  • Daily duration 8:00 a.m.
  • Signposted itinerary Yes
  • Beaconing accuracy Parc National de la Vanoise (PNV) markers
  • Nature of the land Ground, Grit, Not suitable for strollers
  • Maximum altitude 2517m

Opening period

Daily from June 15 to October 1.

Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Additional opening

  • Subject to favorable weather

  • Subject to snow conditions

Labels

  • Listed on the PDIPR

Location

By bus: Line 2 - Parking de Bellecombe stop
By car: park in the Bellecombe parking lot (charge July-August).

Animals

Pets allowed : No

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

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

  • To guide you in the field, consult the "step-by-step" directional diagram provided in pdf.

Vanoise pass and refuge hike
Bellecombe Parking Lot Departmental Road 126 Termignon 73500 Val-Cenis
  • Distance 23.2km
  • Daily duration 8:00 a.m.
  • Elevation gain 950m
  • Negative gradient 950m
Prepare your hike
Documents