Guided & Independent
Guided & Independent
T his independent or guided holiday in the beautiful Vanoise
National Park is a back-packing trek which circles the huge glacial plateau of the Vanoise. The tour allows you to be at close quarters with elegant high mountain peaks and stunning alpine glaciers. Less frequented than the Mont Blanc range, this stunning alpine region in the Savoie( Savoy) offers a quieter but no less spectacular alternative. Designated a National Park, the Vanoise is a natural, unspoilt wilderness where souring alpine peaks with pristine glaciers rise majestically above wild, remote valleys. You’ ll start & finish at Pralognan, a traditional alpine village, unspoilt by modern development. Don’ t forget your binoculars, as there are a host of protected species including the famous alpine ibex, chamoix, bearded vulture and the golden eagle as well as many rare plants.
Walks: day-by-day
Day 1: Arrival – Welcome at hotel in Pralognan
Day 2: Pralognan- Refuge col de la Vanoise This is a great first day ' s walk which starts by passing the impressive waterfall " Cascade de la Fraiche ". Your route then climbs an ancient route used to carry salt, trekking around the base of the stunning rock spire aiguille de la Vanoise sculpted and polished by ice. At the Col de la Vanoise( 2517m), you’ ll come face to face with the Grande Casse, a true giant of the French Alps, with its glacier lapping at the crystal lake at its base. + 1100m, 4.5hrs
Day 3: Refuge col de la Vanoise- Refuge de l’ Arpont After passing a couple of lakes, the trail descends before contouring the valley slopes. The landscapes are dramatic and beautiful. You can follow a trail from the Arpont hut to the lac d ' Arpont for close up views of the glacier coming from the plateau. + 300m,-450m, 5.5hrs
Day 4: Refuge de l’ Arpont- Refuge de la Dent Perachée Your day ' s trek follows alpine meadows covered in wild flowers and rocky slopes below the impressive peak- La Dent Parachée. Keep your eyes open for ibex and marmots. You ' ll cross numerous streams as the path ascends and descends in turn before the trail heads north above the reservoirs Plan d ' Amont and Plan d ' Aval. + 770m,-585m, 6hrs
Day 5: Refuge de la Dent Perachée- Refuge de l’ Orgère Your day ' s trek is a relatively easy day and takes a balcony route traversing the mountain sides. After reaching the Col du Barbier, a small descent takes you through high sloping pasture and then forest before reaching your rustic stone mountain refuge, located below the Aiguille Doran. + 350m,-860m, 5hrs Also option of a 6 night holiday going via Col de l’ Aussois and then staying at Refuge de la Peche before a wonderful final day with great views and amazing waterfalls via the Col de Grand Marchet. This is a more difficult option.
Day 6: Refuge de l’ Orgère- Refuge de Peclet-Polset At almost 2800m the Col Chavière is the highest mountain pass on the circuit and early in the season has snow on its slopes. This pass offers great views across the Vanoise peaks as well as the other great alpine ranges. Your route descends to the refuge through screes and small pools. At the Peclet Polset you can enjoy a short excursion to the beautiful Lac Blanc located in a wonderful setting below the Col du Souffre. The mountain hut is in a lovely spot surrounded by beautiful alpine peaks rising on all sides. + 900m,-300m, 5hrs
Day 7: Refuge de Peclet-Polset- Pralognan Your final day ' s walking descends a lovely valley below the imposing mountain walls of the Pointe de l ' Echelle, Point de l ' Observatoire and later the Roc de la Valette. You ' ll pass through alpine meadows as you descend gradually towards civilisation.
Day 8: Departure- Holiday ends after breakfast
Trekking Tour of the VANOISE
♦ Trekking through relatively quiet and unspoilt region of the French Alps
♦ Exciting walking between amazing alpine peaks rising majestically above wild, remote valleys
♦ The Vanoise has a rich fauna and flora including the largest population of Alpine Ibex in France
♦ A real alpine trekking experience taking in high passes and 5 nights in high mountain huts( refuges)
At a Glance
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT Price: Grade: Profile:
See Price List
Dates: 15 June— 15 Sept
Price p / p See Price List or Web Site for details
Accommodation
38
Walking Profile
Holiday Profile
Included
What’ s not included
5 or 6 days trekking moving between mountain refuges, carrying your own gear for the week( back-packing). A day ' s walking on this trekking holiday average between 500m to 1000m of ascent and about 6 hours of walking. The difficulty of this holiday is increased due to carrying your own gear, which is why it is graded challenging. We will supply you with a kit list to ensure that you carry the bare minimum. The holiday is ideal for those with some mountain walking experience. You should be reasonably fit before you start the trek. The paths are generally good although they are mountainous in nature and often exposed. Early in the season you may encounter snow fields at higher cols.
6 or 7 nights: 5 or 6 days independent or guided trekking between mountain huts. Starts every day of week subject to availability.
6 or 7 nights ' full board accommodation( except lunch in Pralognan) in 3 *** hotel in Pralognan & refuges on trek. Full walking notes and maps or guiding.
Travel to Pralognan, France; drinks, lunches on arrival & departure days, plus on first days trekking, travel insurance
In Pralognan you ' ll be staying in a comfortable 3 star hotel or equivalent. Whilst on trek you ' ll be staying overnight in high mountain refuges or huts. They provide basic accommoda3on, sleeping in dormitory style rooms. The rooms vary in size from just a few people up to 50. Blankets are provided( so you don ' t need to bring sleeping bags). Tasty and filling meals are taken in a large dining room where a great atmosphere prevails as walkers and mountaineers share their stories and experiences.
Book now on + 44( 0) 7483 241 945 or visit www. highpointholidays. co. uk