Around the Vanoise Glaciers

The first French national park, the Vanoise, is a haven of peace and nature where fauna and flora thrive. Our route passes by the most beautiful balcony paths with splendid points of view on several domes covered with glaciers. Edelweiss, marmots and ibex await us!

• Day 1/ Arrival Geneva, night in Geneva (Switzerland)
• Day 2/ Transfer Pralognan la Vanoise - Vanoise Pass hut
• Day 3/ Croe Vie - Arpont refuge 
• Day 4/ Plan Amont lakes, Aval, Aussois refuge
• Day 5/ La Masse pass, Orgère hut 
• Day 6/ Chavière pass - Peclet Polset - Roc de la Peche refuge 
• Day 7/ Les Prioux - Pralognan
• Day 8/ Transfer to Geneva for flight home.

In the middle of the Alps, between the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys, Vanoise presents a contrasted topography which finds its origins in the variety of its geological components. The lakes of altitude reflect majestic tops, of which 107 culminate at more than 10,000 feet, while a score of glaciers feed powerful torrents. Between rocky meadows and pastures, the valleys are broad and accessible. Although quite artic in the winter, the summer's warmth is due to the presence of the smaller alpine chain and the Belledonne mountain chain, which protect against the oceanic influence. The Tour of Vanoise, in the oldest French national park, created in 1963, circumvents the largest icecap of France, which we see from every angle, passing by splendid passes and near splendid summits, far from any civilization, finding a pure hike, close to nature.

Day 1/  Welcome at Geneva airport - Settle in at the hotel - Meeting your guide
Reception at Geneva airport with shuttle. Settle in at the hotel in the international city of Geneva for one night.

Day 2/  Geneva - Pralognan - The Fontanettes - Vanoise Pass
On the way towards the Vanoise National Park, through the French Alps and its lakes, we reach Pralognan, a typical mountain village, around noon. Time to grab our back pack and head to the heart of the park. An ascent via the cable car gives us access to Mount Bochor, an ideal place for a pick-nick with surprising sights on the valley, the mountains, the glaciers and the Arcelin cliffs. Our hike begins at an altitude of 6,512 feet along a splendid peak which leads to the first small pass, the Rosset pass (8,350 feet). In this wild space, you will encounter chamois and ibex. It is not rare to observe the flight of a "bearded Gypaète" either, a splendid raptor of 9 feet in scale. While following the hiking path, we descend into a splendid small valley where cows venture in the pastures during the summer. By circumventing the Vanoise Needle, a splendid much frayed limestone mass, you will also see the Grande Casse and its splendid corridors of ice. After having gone along the Long Lake, you will discover the Felix Faure refuge at the foot of the Vanoise glaciers.
4 H walk - Ascent: 1,804 feet - Descent: 984 feet

Day 3/  Vanoise Pass - Croë-Vie - The Lozières - The Arpont Refuge
We cross along the Vanoise brook between the Mathews and the Réchasse peaks. Then we branch off full south to pass above the Croe-Vie bridge. From the Lozieres Lakes (7,906 feet), our balcony path is overhung by the imposing Vanoise glacier. Crossing a summer zone for the ibex, we take time to observe fauna before arriving at the Arpont refuge (7,575 feet).
5 H walk - Ascent: 820 feet - Descent: 1,476 feet.

Day 4/  Arpont Refuge-Plan Amont and Plan Aval Lakes
A little altitude gain to reach the Aussois dams above the Maurienne region. Our balcony, dominated by the Parrachée Tooth, connects country cottages where some high mountain pasture shepherds maintain their pastoral activities. Very beautiful panorama on summits and passes at the Italian border. We finish our day returning to the small valley of the Plan d'Amont and Plan d'Aval lakes where we land upon our refuge (8,258 feet)
6 H  walk. - Ascent: 1,312 feet - Descent: 656 feet.

Day 5/  Plan Aval - Barbier and La Mass passes - Orgère
To reach the small wild valley of the door of Orgère, we have the choice between the Barbier pass (7,503 feet) or the La Masse pass (9,590 feet). The first continues as a balcony path and soon joins the forests of coniferous trees, whereas the second, gains altitude between the Doran Needle and the Rateau of Aussois and allows us a close approach to the ibex, which also enjoy this path. Arrival at the end of the day at the Orgère hut (6,348 feet).
3 to 6 H walk. Ascent: 492 to 2,461 feet. Descent: 1,969 feet to 3,445 feet.

Day 6/  Orgère - Lake of the Partie - Col de Chavière - Péclet-Polset - Roc de la Pêche Hut
We go up the small valley to the lake of the Partie (8,064 feet) where the mountain pastures gradually disappear and the green oases of a universe increasingly more and more mineral emerge. The Chavière pass (9,173 feet) is a small notch in the peak between the Péclet-Polset domain and the Pointe of the Echelle, glacial summits. We descend by the Péclet-Polset hut (8,310 feet). This lodging was destroyed by a fire during the 2005 winter. We continue on the path by some old country cottages which mark the exit of the National park at Chavière (6,562 feet) and we arrive at the Pont de la Pêche. Meal and night at the Roc de la Pêche hut (6,165 feet), sauna, hammam, jacuzzi.
6. 30 H walk. Ascent: 2,953 feet. Descent: 2,953 feet.

Day 7/  Roc de la Pêche Hut - Prioux - Pralognan-la-Vanoise
Final stage for rejoining the valley in the middle of the mountain pastures, at the edge of the national park. Hear the last cries of the marmots; take your last steps along a splendid brook at the foot of the imposing Vanoise glaciers. Continuation on foot towards Pralognan. Hotel in the middle of the Pralognan Vanoise preserved village.
2 H  walk. Descent : 656 feet.

Day 8 /  Transfer to Geneva airport
Transfer to Geneva airport for flight back home.

This stay is conducted entirely within the national park of the Vanoise, no transfer vehicle is possible between huts. The circuit takes place entirely on foot.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior  notice.  

You carry all of your personal belongings with you throughout the duration of the trip, plus your daily picnic and energy food. Your bag contains the essential minimum for the circuit, and can not exceed 18 to 22 pounds.

The guide
an English-speaking certified professional French Mountain World Travel hiking guide (European Mountain Leader), native to the region.

This stay is conducted entirely within the Vanoise National Park.  No transfer vehicle is possible between huts. The circuit takes place entirely on foot.

In the cities, we book hotels, inns, or similar, of excellent standard, 3 stars, based on double occupancy and according to availability at the time of reservation. We choose these hotels, not only for the excellent price/quality ratio, but also for their cordiality and hospitality.
Mountain lodgings are selected for their comfort and hospitality or because they are unique in a given place. Generally, the more a trip is physically demanding and isolated, the less the comfort. This is all part of the adventure that beckons you!
Nights in mountain hut, shared dormitory accommodation.
Ability to take showers at the Arpont hut, Roc de la Peche hut.

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors. 

Downtown: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel restaurant.
We want to be able to provide you with well balanced/hearty meals to keep you well fueled during your exertions, but at the same time keep the weight in the bags that we carry to a minimum.
- Breakfasts and dinners are prepared by our hosts in the mountain refuges. The evening meals, warm and copious.
- Lunch: picnic, in the form of sandwiches, cheese, mixed salads and fruits. During the circuit, the guide can do grocery shopping.
- Energy food (an assortment of chocolate bars to accompany you in the effort) provided by Mountain World Travel.
Drinks: mineral water provided
Save a bit of room in your bag to split carrying some of our food supply.

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions – Limitations of Liability.

• International flights in/out Geneva (Switzerland)
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions /options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks (except mineral water at restaurant)
• Personal expenses.
• Tips for guide
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Geneva, Switzerland
-  Swiss, the national company, operates daily to Geneva in cooperation with Star Alliance
-  Skyteam (Delta, Northwest, Continental, Air France - KLM), operates daily flights from anywhere in the States to Geneva, through Amsterdam or Paris.
-  StarAlliance (United, Lufthansa) operates daily flights from anywhere in the States to Geneva, through Frankfurt or Munich
-  Oneworld (American, British) operates daily flights from anywhere in the States to Geneva, through London.

Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passport travelers: a valid passport; US citizens are admitted to France, Italy and Switzerland for up to 90 days.
US citizens, please check with the US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements
France     Switzerland
For other nationalities, please contact the French and Swiss embassies in your country.

No vaccine is obligatory. We advise you, however, to be up date for traditional vaccinations: Diphtheria - Tetanus - Poliomyelitis, Typhoid fever. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B is recommended.

Health hazards
- Heat: protect your eyes and your skin against the sun, as it is more intense with altitude.
- Cold: plan on packing protective clothing against the cold (jackets, fleece, gloves, hat), especially in relevance to the activity.
- Dehydration: drink and nourish yourself sufficiently and correctly throughout the effort.
- Small wounds: blisters, tendonitis...bring along band aids, an antiseptic and another cream for muscle aches. They will take up a bit of room, but well worth the space.

- Altitude sickness: can be felt at around 8,000 feet and above and can come on quickly (after just one night spent in altitude). Hard to predict and varies completely from one person to another. Good hydration is necessary, progressive altitude acclimatization and Aspirin can all help in preventing the unpleasant side effects of altitude sickness.
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

LEVEL 4
3 months prior:  Hike 10 to 12 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days OR if you are regularly committed, on an annual basis, to another sports activity that develops stamina (jogging, cycling or swimming) for a cumulative duration of 2 to 3 hours per week (without excessive shortness of breath or exceptional fatigue), you should be up to speed.  

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Light ventilated hiking shoes with a good traction on different type of terrain, for people with fragile ankles: waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- Gaiters
- Head lamp
- A pair of telescopic walking

Sleeping
- A bed sheet only (blankets are provided by the huts)
For all of the night (s) in hut (s), Mountain World Travel provides a new recyclable bed sheet to each participant.

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).