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Vanoise Self-Guided Trekking Tour

Discover the beauty of the Vanoise National Park on this 8-day self-guided trek

French Vanoise Alps
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Vanoise Self-Guided Trekking Tour Overview

The self-guided Vanoise Trekking Tour, in short, is the trek of a lifetime! Starting in Termignon (Val Cenis), in the French Alps, you’ll embark on a remarkable hut-to-hut trek through Vanoise National Park. Climbing thrilling passes to take in remarkable panoramas, you’ll stand in awe of glacial domes and alpine lakes. Ascend Petit Mont Blanc (2,680m) and gaze out towards the snow-capped peaks of Vanoise and the Grande Casse. Explore the ancient fortifications of the La Turra ruins (2,360m) as fascinating history weaves its way into your trekking experience.

Each night you’ll rest your head in cozy, rustic mountain huts filled with authentic character and charm—a true alpine trekking experience! If you’re looking for challenging trekking through one of France’s most beautiful landscapes, the Vanoise Loop is the adventure for you!

Please note that snow may still be present on the trails during early-season departures in June, making the trek more challenging. June departures are therefore recommended for experienced hikers.

Trip highlights

  • Enjoy incredible trekking in Vanoise National Park and put yourself to the test as you navigate lofty ridges and passes.

  • Admire the glacial domes of the Vanoise and the Grande Casse as you stand in awe of their size and beauty.

  • Trek wild valleys and reach phenomenal heights as you trek from one cozy mountain hut to the next.

  • Explore the ruins of Fort de la Turra, an abandoned high mountain fort featuring fascinating fortifications.

Day By Day Itinerary

Arrive in Termignon (Val Cenis), a charming alpine village in the French Alps, where your self-guided Vanoise trekking adventure begins. Settle into your comfortable hotel and enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere before your hiking journey begins tomorrow.

Overnight Location:
Hotel in Termignon
Distance:
None
Meals:
Dinner

Rise, ready to take on the alps as you first take a bus transfer to the Plan du Lac refuge (2,364 m), in the heart of the Vanoise National Park. From the refuge, climb to the Lanserlia pass (2,774 m). Magnificent panoramas of the Dent Parrachée (3,697 m) and the glacial domes of the Vanoise. Press on to reach the tip of Lanserlia (2,909 m), then descend by the same route or by the wild valley of the Grand Vallon.

Finally, return to the Plan du Lac refuge for the night where you’ll enjoy some much needed rest.

Overnight Location:
Dormitory accommodation in Plan du Lac Refuge
Distance:
4.5 hours, 630m of ascent
Meals:
Breakfast, dinner

Today’s beautiful route has you following the famous GR5 which leads high up in the valley of the Leisse. At the Croé-Vie bridge (2,099 m), the path branches off towards the Col de la Vanoise (2,517 m). The path along the lakes offers magnificent landscape contrasts and flourishing flora. You pass near the Col de la Vanoise refuge (2,516 m), then you begin the descent to Pralognan-la-Vanoise.

Overnight Location:
Accommodation in Pralognan-la-Vanoise
Distance:
5.5 hours, 600m of ascent
Meals:
Breakfast, dinner

Today is dedicated to the thrilling ascent of the Petit Mont Blanc (2,680 m), an exceptional belvedere over the glacial domes of the Vanoise and the Grande Casse. It owes its name to the white gypsum of its rounded top. Later, enjoy dinner and an overnight night at the Repoju refuge (1,720 m).

Overnight Location:
Dormitory accommodation in Repoju Refuge
Distance:
5.5 hours, 1240m of ascent with optional extension
Meals:
Breakfast, dinner

Climb up the Chavière Valley this morning to reach the Péclet-Polset refuge (2,474 m). Then you reach the Col de Chavière (2,796 m), a small indentation in the ridge between the Péclet-Polset area and the Pointe de l'Echelle, glacial peaks. Descend to the Orgère refuge, today’s welcomed destination (1,935 m).

Overnight Location:
Dormitory accommodation in Orgère Hut
Distance:
5.5 hours, 1,100m of ascent
Meals:
Breakfast, dinner

Another magical day awaits as you enjoy a beautiful balcony crossing above the Maurienne via the Col du Barbier (2,285 m), under the Aussois rake (3,124 m). Here, you’ll enjoy beautiful panoramas of the peaks bordering Italy. Dig deep, and continue to the Dent Parrachée refuge (2,517 m).

Overnight Location:
Dormitory accommodation in Dent Parrachée refuge
Distance:
5.5hours, 1300m of ascent
Meals:
Breakfast, dinner

The last stage of your trek has arrived, completing the tour of the Vanoise glaciers. Set off for a balcony hike from the Dent Parrachée refuge to the Plan Sec refuge (2,316 m), then to the ruins of La Turra (2,360 m) and the Croix de la Loza (2,377 m). Finally, you reach Montafia (2,180 m), the starting point of the final descent to Termignon (1,287 m).

Overnight Location:
Hotel in Termignon
Distance:
4 hours, no elevation gain
Meals:
Breakfast, dinner

You've completed your self-guided Vanoise Trekking Tour! Enjoy your breakfast reflecting on the memories from your trekking tour in the Vanoise National Park. Pack up and check out for departure.

Overnight Location:
None
Distance:
None
Meals:
Breakfast

Tour Map

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Inclusions

Included

  • 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners are included.
  • Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
  • This tour includes luggage transfers, however, personal transfers are not included and you will be in charge of organizing your own logistics, such as getting to the start of the tour. You can also exclude luggage transfers from your tour package to lower the price.
  • The roadbook (1 per 4 travellers)
  • Support hotline 24/7
  • Access to mobile application for GPS guidance

Not included

  • Lunches and any other meals not mentioned as ‘included’
  • Showers in mountain huts
  • Insurance
  • Guide services
  • Anything not mentioned as ‘included’

Optional Extras

  • Extra night in Pralognan la Vanoise before or after the tour

Reviews

These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.

Reviews

These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.

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4.60 (245 reviews)
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FAQ

We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. The distances are moderate; however, the elevation gain is significant, and this tour is not recommended for beginners.

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

7 breakfasts and 7 dinners are included.

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover (activity). Get your Travel Insurance.

The two major airports near Vanoise are Geneva (GVA) and Lyon (LYS). They both take about two to three hours to get to the Vanoise region in the summer. There are a few train and/or bus transfers to get into the park from either Lyon or Geneva and we recommend renting a car. The closest airport would be Chambéry Airport (CMF), which has much more limited service. In addition, it is sometimes challenging to find cheap transfers from this airport.

This tour is not guided, however, you’ll get all the necessary information provided to you in English.

The tour ends where it starts, in Termignon.

Check with your family doctor.

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

Last Updated: October 27, 2026

Why book Vanoise Self-Guided Trekking Tour with 10 Adventures?

Self-guided Specialists

Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.

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Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.

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Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.

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