How do I get to the Vanoise Glacier Tour from Val Cenis
Val Cenis access toVal Cenis
By train + shuttle
It's easy to get there if you're not driving
- Direct TGV trains from Paris reach Modane station in 4 hours and 30 minutes
- From the train station, a shuttle bus takes you to Termignon – Val Cenis
It’s a convenient starting point for a hassle-free hike.
By car
You can get to Termignon and park depending on your chosen starting point:
- In the center of the village, take the free shuttle that will take you to Bellecombe
- At the Châtelard parking lot
- Or directly at the Bellecombe parking lot (main starting point)
Please note: Parking at Bellecombe is subject to a fee during the summer and is limited to a maximum of 7 days.
When is the best time to leave from Val Cenis
The best time to hike the Vanoise Glacier Circuit is from mid-June through September.Please note:
● Snowfields may be present early in the season
● Conditions vary depending on snow cover
● Crossing streams can sometimes be tricky during the snowmelt in June
Be sure to check the conditions with the various mountain huts before you leave.
Where should I start the tour of the Vanoise Glaciers from Val Cenis
From Val Cenis, there are several options available for starting your hike.
It is accessible by a free shuttle bus from Termignon. You can park there, but parking is subject to a fee in the summer.
As soon as you arrive, you’ll find yourself surrounded by mountain scenery, with vast alpine meadows and towering peaks stretching out before you.
It’s a great option for a first-time experience on the glacier tour and for quickly reaching the first mountain huts.
This section is more challenging, with an elevation gain of about 1,000 meters and a nearly 3-hour climb to reach the Arpont mountain hut.
It’s a more athletic option, but one that offers a quick and intense immersion in the world of high-altitude mountaineering.
- Clockwise: Head toward Aussois, passing by the Plan Sec or Fournache mountain huts. This route offers a gentler climb, ideal for a gradual start.
- Counterclockwise: head toward the Col de la Vanoise mountain hut. You’ll gain altitude more quickly, with steeper sections often right from the start.
The choice depends on your skill level and the kind of experience you're looking for: a gradual progression or a quick immersion in the high mountains.
Is camping allowed on the Vanoise Glacier Tour?
Camping is regulated in Vanoise National Park:
● Permitted from June 1 to September 30
● Only near certain mountain huts
● Set up between 7:00 PM and 8:00 AM
Reservations are required at the relevant mountain huts: please note that spots are in high demand and fill up quickly!
Discover the best ways to access the Tour des Glaciers in Haute Maurienne
Book your mountain huts from Val Cenis
The mountain huts are in high demand during the summer, so reservations are required. This will save you from any unpleasant surprises if they’re fully booked!You can:
- Book online on the Vanoise Mountain Huts website
- Please contact the caretakers directly if you need further information
🛈 Tip : Avoid the peak travel season from July 15 to August 15
Meeting a Patou: what are the right things to do?
The Vanoise Glacier Tour
