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Hiking The glaciers of Savoie





Level 1: You have never practiced.
Level 2: You have some initial experience.
Level 3: You practice occasionally.
Level 4: You practice regularly.
Level 5: You have a sustained practice.
This itinerary, in the center of the Vanoise National Park, allows us to explore the highlands of two legendary valleys in Savoie, Maurienne and Tarentaise.
There is no doubt that you will have the opportunity to encounter ibex and chamois, or for the keenest observers, to admire the flights of the bearded vulture or the golden eagle.
Benefit from the knowledge of our mountain leaders without worrying about the logistics. You carry your weekly belongings in your backpack to fully enjoy the mountains. Accommodation in hostels or refuges. Nights in dormitories. We use the local transport for the transfers and supplies are obtained in either the mountain villages or at the accommodation.
The collective formula associates several people who do not necessarily know each other. It allows for a planned program to benefit from an attractive price on fixed dates. This formula is ideal for people looking for the friendliness of a group.
Dates : See below for the group booking module
Price 2024 : 995€ per person - based on a minimum of 6 participants.
This price includes :
- the organization and supervision by a state qualified trekking guide
- half-board accommodation in refuges sleeping in mixed dormitories
- picnic lunches
Not included in the price :
- drinks and personal expenditure (souvenirs…)
- repatriation insurance (compulsory)
A private engagement is the historical relationship that binds a mountain leader to their clients. It allows you to be alone or in your own group with your mountain leader who will meet your specific needs.It is undoubtedly the ideal formula realise your projects because it guarentees you a maximum amount of comfort. You are free to choose your departure date (subject to the availability in the accommodation). Depending on the weather conditions, the proposed route can be adjusted according to your level and expectations, the professional can suggest alternatives to the itinerary.
Prices for 2024 :
1 person : 4680€ per person | 7 people : 1190€ par person
2 people : 2645€ par person | 8 people : 1115€ par person
3 people : 1965€ par person | 9 people : 1060€ par person
4 people : 1625€ par person | 10 people : 1015€ par person
5 people : 1420€ par person | 11 people : 975€ par person
6 people : 1285€ par person | 12 perople : 945€ par person
The price include :
- the organization and supervision by a state qualified trekking guide
- half-board accommodation in refuges sleeping in mixed dormitories
- picnic lunches
Not included in the price :
- drinks and personal expenditure (souvenirs…)
- repatriation insurance (compulsory)
In this section, find all the information about this activity. For further information, please contact our advisor (contact details above).
Meeting point : Meet at 7.00am at the Compagnie des Guides office, 190 Place de l’Eglise, 74400 Chamonix or at 9am at Aussois.
Level : 5/5 - The Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise is a demanding and strenuous hiking route. With more than 3,200 feet of elevation gain and an average of 7 to 9 hours of walking per day, it involves long and challenging stages that can take place at high altitudes. Typically, you'll need to be self-sufficient and carry your own gear for the duration of the trek. This hike takes place on mountain terrain that can be difficult, with challenging sections requiring extensive experience in alpine hiking. The program is designed for highly experienced hikers in excellent physical condition.
Guiding policy : minimum 6 and maximum 12 people per guide. The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix's guiding policy is one of the strictest in the mountain guiding business. It guarantees the most balanced groups as possible as well as high-quality personalised advice.
Important: Registration possible from 16 years of age. Registration is not permitted to anyone under the age of 18 without a legal guardian.
Accommodation :
- During the trip : 5 nights half board in mixed dormitories. No shower at Vieux Emosson mountain hut. Each hiker carries all their personal belongings and picnic for the entire trek.
- Before & after the trip : benefit from preferential prices from our partner hotels in Chamonix. If you wish to receive information just ask the Randonnée department.
Documentation :
- Participants must have sports insurance with repatriation cover. We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover. You can take out insurance offering both of these types of cover when you sign up.
- Participants must also take valid ID with them.
Preparing for the trip : There is an information meeting with your mountain leader the day before departure at 6pm at the Compagnie des Guides Office.
Documents available for download
We recommend that you take special care in choosing your equipment because it contributes greatly to the success of your trip. As alpine conditions can be highly variable with sudden changes, it can get very cold in altitude, it is preferable to have numerous layers rather than one thick piece of clothing. It is not uncommon to have snow in the middle of summer, do not skimp on warm clothes even if the weather seems favourable. Contrarily, the sun can be scorching hot. Without weighing too much, you should always have sufficient equipment in your backpack to deal with the capricious and severe weather.
Equipment
- A backpack with a capacity of at least 40 litres (better too big than too small). Make sure you have enough space for the picnic. A small tip in case it rains : even if you have a backpack cover, always protect your belongings in a plastic bag (a big rubbish bag) inside your backpack.
- A pair of top-quality hiking boots with Vibram soles. For new shoes, we strongly suggest that you wear them beforehand to mold them to the shape of your foot. If you are prone to blisters : talcum powder applied to dry feet and in your shoes before you start your days hiking.
Clothing
For added comfort regarding underwear, (t-shirts, boxers, socks), avoid cotton which is heavy, cold and dries very slowly. Opt for synthetic technical fabrics or wool, which is making a comeback. They are warmer and dry quickly.
For the day :
- 1 short-sleeved t-shirt
- 1 long-sleeved t-shirt (technical fabric)
- 1 polar fleece
- 1 light down jacket (or a second fleece)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 pair of hiking trousers
- 1 pair of hiking socks (technical fabric)
- 1 Goretex jacket (waterproof windbreaker)
- 1 poncho (large rain cover that fits over your pack) or 1 pack cover
- 1 pair of waterproof trousers (although light Gore-tex trousers are expensive, other types of light waterproof trousers will do)
- Sun hat or baseball cap
- 1 warm hat
- 1 pair of gloves
For the entire trip :
- At least 2 changes of clothes - t-shirt, underwear & socks (technical fabric)
- 1 pair of long underwear (technical fabric)
- 1 pair of ultra-light shoes (i.e. flip flops, slippers)
- optional : short gators (start of the season)
Accessories
For the day :
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream and lip salve
- 1 water bottle (minimum 1 litre but 1.5 litres is better)
- 1 knife
- 1 fork (type "spork")
- 1 pair of telescopic poles
For the entire trip :
- 1 sleeping bag liner
- Flashlight or headlight
- Personal pharmacy : elastoplast, (stretchable strapping tape), band-aids "second skin" kit, compresses, medicines for common ailments : diarrhea, constipation, sore throat, headaches, pain relief, allergies and any prescribed medication. The mountain leader always carries a first aid kit with them. Remember that packing light is essential.
- Toiletries, hand towel, earplugs
- Identification (passport or ID card)
- Money for your personal expenses
- A bit of soap for laundry
Our Rental Partners : You can rent your equipment with our rental shops partners and benefit from special price Sanglard Sports, Ravanel & Co & Concept Pro Shop
Our Equipment Partners : Millet, Dynastar, Julbo, Grivel & Monnet
Itinerary
The National Park, established in 1963, covers an area of 323 square miles; Grande Casse, at 12,651 feet, is its highest point. Its flora includes more than a thousand species, and its fauna includes 2,000 ibexes, 5,000 chamois, numerous marmots, several pairs of golden eagles, and bearded vultures... A real change of scenery!!
Day 1 : Aussois - Orgère Refuge
We depart from Aussois to ascend towards Col du Barbier. The ascent starts in a forest and then through alpine pastures, gradually revealing panoramic views. The balcony trail leads us to Barbier, from where we will begin our descent to Orgère Refuge, the gateway to the Vanoise National Park, where we will spend the night.
Elevation gain: 2,800 feet - Elevation loss: 1,500 feet - Distance: 6 miles
Day 2 : Orgère Refuge - Roc de la Pêche Refuge
From Orgère Refuge, the trail ascends in switchbacks through a Swiss pine forest. At the Estiva chalets, we cross through the alpine meadows, home to marmots. To reach Col de Chavière (9,169 feet), clearly visible, we must traverse a rocky meadow. The descent on the Tarentaise side starts in a scree field inhabited by ptarmigans. The trail gradually descends along the Lauzes stream and then the Doron de Valpremont. Night at Roc de la Pêche Refuge.
Elevation gain: 2,900 feet - Elevation loss: 2,900 feet - Distance: 9 miles
Day 3 : Roc de la Pêche Refuge - Pralognan la Vanoise
Shortly before Pont de la Pêche, the trail ascends steadily to Col du Mône. From there, the trail becomes steeper to reach Petit Mont Blanc (8,777 feet), with its unique atmosphere due to the exposed gypsum. It is an essential and exceptional viewpoint to admire the Glaciers de la Vanoise and the surrounding peaks. The descent can be done via Col des Saulces if we are tired or by passing through the west face of Aiguille de Mey via Col de la Grande Pierre. We will reach Pralognan la Vanoise by late afternoon.
Elevation gain: 3,000 feet - Elevation loss: 4,700 feet - Distance: 9 miles
Day 4 : Pralognan la Vanoise - Entre Deux Eaux Refuge
After taking the Mont Bochor Cable Car (6,594 feet), the ascent to Col de la Vanoise (8,261 feet) follows the path along Lac des Vaches and then Lac Long. From the col, the trail gradually descends, passing by Lac Rond and Lac du Col de la Vanoise. The view opens up to the Leisse valley, where we descend to cross the stream of the same name. We'll ascend again to Entre Deux Eaux Refuge, where we will spend the night.
Elevation gain: 2,400 feet - Elevation loss: 2,100 feet - Distance: 8 miles
Day 5 : Entre Deux Eaux Refuge - Arpont Refuge
This morning, we retrace our steps on the trail from the previous day to reach the path leading to the Lozières Lakes. Here, the geology is remarkable, and the ibexes are very close. We embark on a two-day traverse that will take us back to our starting point. In the afternoon, short ascents and descents allow us to cross scree slopes, moraines, and torrents. A final descent through rocky scree brings us to Arpont Refuge, where we will spend our last night.
Elevation gain: 2,000 feet - Elevation loss: 1,300 feet - Distance: 7 miles
Day 6 : Arpont Refuge - Aussois
The Dent Parrachée invites us to circumvent it on this last day of trekking. After passing near the Saint-Laurent Chapel, we cross the Combe d’Enfer. The trail, perched on the slopes of Dent Parrachée, offers a view that extends over the Maurienne valley and the Thabor massif. In the distance, we can see La Meije, Les Écrins, and Albaron. We descend from La Turra to reach the heights of Aussois by late afternoon, where we will rejoin civilization, marking the end of the journey. Depending on the group's level, it is possible to shorten this final day by 5 miles by ending the hike in Sassière with a transfer to Aussois.
Elevation gain: 1,500 feet - Elevation loss: 4,100 feet - Distance: 7 miles
This program may be adjusted at any time by the supervising professional based on weather conditions and/or the technical and physical levels of the participants.
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CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 60 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 60 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity
CO2 emitted per person for this activity & journey(s) = 0 kgIn order to limit global warming to +2°C by 2100, the COP-21 agreement stipulates that each human should emit no more than 2t of CO2 per year. According to the French Ministry of Ecology, today European citizens emit an average of 11t per year, and American citizens emit an average of 21t annually., or 6€The price for a ton of CO2 is currently 100€ in the European Union to offset.
Find out more about our zero impact strategy.