Arrival in Geneva, on the border of France and Switzerland and make your way independently to Chamonix (there are shuttles that make it easy).  We’ll arrange a group transfer from Chamonix for the 2½ hr ride through the French countryside to Pralognan, your first stop.

Meet your guide in Pralognan. You’ll have a chance to enjoy dinner together and talk about the trip to come.

Our exploration of the Vanoise National Park with start with a hike to Petit Mont-Blanc above Pralognan la Vanoise, with beautiful views on the glaciers of Vanoise.

The ascent begins in a larch and spruce forest on a beautiful winding path, then leads out of the forest into alpine pastures, up to an old mountain chalet. From there, we climb steeper to the Col du Mône, and the scenery changes for the final ascent to the Petit Mont-Blanc, hight in the world of limestone and gypsum.

Return to Pralognan for a 2nd night.

A short transfer from Champagny-le-Haut brings us to our trailhead.  We’ll hike to Rosuel via refuge de Plaisance, col du Plan Séry and refuge entre le Lac.

Hike beneath the rocky spires of the north face of Vallaisonnay, enjoy the meandering streams, the la Plagne lake and keep an eye out for ibex along the way.  There are number of quaint huts along the way to stop for a break. Finish with a walk through alder and larch forests to Rosuel, with a short transfer to Val d’Isere.

Today we’ll explore the Grande Sassière nature reserve – a wild and unspoiled valley filled with views and marmots.  The hike begins on an easy trail at the bottom of the valley leading to Lac de la Sassière, then the slope becomes steeper until reaching the Rhêmes-Golette glacier.

The descent begins along the same path, offering a view of the lake from above. At the lake, branch off to the Col de Picheru, then descend directly to Val d’Isère via a switchbacked trail.

Leaving Val d’Isere, you’ll hike up through the beautiful Vallon des Fours valley, surrounded by magnificent peaks.  Continue past the refuge du Fond des Fours and you’ll head up to the steep Col des Fours at 2976 meters.  From here we descend past the striking lac du Grand Fond to the Col de l’Iseran.

Transfer to the traditional mountain village of Bonneval sur Arc.

A beautiful balcony trail with views of the peaks of Haute Maurienne, followed by a descent through alpine pastures to the unspoiled hamlet of L’Écot.  The path, clinging to the hillside, offers magnificent panoramas of the Pointe de Charbonnel and the Albaron. Further on, the trail skirts the Ouille des Reys and passes near Lac du Pys. It’s possible to continue to the Carro refuge and lakes for a picnic or lunch at the refuge.

The descent through alpine pastures leads back to the valley floor and the high-altitude hamlet of L’Écot, known for its traditional architecture and timeless atmosphere.  Stop for a drink and return by shuttle to Bonneval, or walk back down to the village, in 1 hour 30 minutes on an easy path.

A beautiful, challenging hike leads us into a stunning glacial cirque, then into a rocky landscape leading to the Grand Méan glacier and its famous lake. The hike begins at the Ecot parking area. and climbs the mountainside in switchbacks, then crosses a pass, revealing the Cirque des Evettes, formed by an ancient glacier tens of thousands of years ago. We can stop at the Refuge des Evettes, or continue towards the Roman bridge: a small stone bridge spanning the stream.

Now we head off on a hint of a path, more or less well-defined, that climbs the mountainside until we reach a moraine, more rocky slabs, and we’ll soon discover the Grand Méan glacier and its lake, formed about 50 years ago following the glacier’s melt.

We’ll start with a short transfer to Bellecombe, where we start our hike around the Pointe de Lanserlia, in the heart of Vanoise National Park.  This hike is highlighted by lakes and scenic views, in a fairly wild area. Most of the day will be on unsigned trails, away from the crowds.

We’ll stay in Termignon in the Val Cenis.

We’ll finish with a classic mountain trek through the heart of the Vanoise.  Starting from the refuge Entre deux Eaux, enjoy the grandiose landscapes and a high-mountain setting. Enjoy the numerous glaciers, lakes and waterfalls as you cross the Col de la Vanoise.

From the pass, we’ll descend back toward Pralognan, where we started, hiking through meadows of colorful flowers at the foot of the giant vertical peaks.  Enjoy a final night together.

After one final breakfast at your hotel, you’ll have a group taxi transfer to Geneva, a 2½ hr drive.  Let us know if you need help with a hotel in Geneva.  Alternate private departure taxis are available if you need to leave early or finish your tour elsewhere.