Hiking The glaciers of Savoie

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.