Intermediate Vanoise Hut-to-Hut Trek

Duration: 4 days
Trails: T3 trails
Distance: 10 - 15 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day

> Wake up to glacier views and golden alpine light
> Follow ancient trails through the wild heart of the Vanoise
> Feel the quiet power of the French Alps in every step

The Intermediate Vanoise Hut-to-Hut Trek captures the pure magic of the French Alps. Each day brings a new discovery — from emerald valleys and shimmering glaciers to the echo of cowbells in distant pastures. It’s a place where nature still feels untouched, where time slows, and every summit feels earned.

After long days on the trail, you’ll arrive at cozy mountain refuges like Grand Bec, Col de la Vanoise, and l’Arpont. Over a hearty dinner and a glass of wine, stories are shared and the mountains glow under the last light of day — the true magic of hut-to-hut trekking in the Vanoise.

Itinerary

Day
1

Champagny - Refuge du Grand Bec

Duration: 05:00 h
Distance: 10.5 km
Ascent: 1390 m
Descent: 190 m

Your Vanoise adventure begins in the peaceful village of Champagny-en-Vanoise. The trail leads you deep into the heart of the French Alps, gradually climbing through forested paths and alpine meadows. As you gain elevation, the views open up towards the towering peaks of the Vanoise Massif.

This first stage is a real leg stretcher, with about 1,390 meters of ascent. Along the way, you’ll pass through beautiful high-mountain terrain where chamois and marmots often make an appearance. The final push to the Refuge du Grand Bec rewards you with breathtaking vistas over the valley and surrounding glaciers.

Once at the hut, settle in for the evening with a hearty mountain dinner and enjoy the tranquility of your first night in the Alps.

Refuge du Grand Bec

Info
Refuge du Grand Bec
Refuge du Grand Bec
Day
2

Refuge du Grand Bec - Refuge du Col de la Vanoise

Duration: 05:00 h
Distance: 10.9 km
Ascent: 770 m
Descent: 640 m

After a filling breakfast at Refuge du Grand Bec, you set off on a magnificent crossing toward the Col de la Vanoise. Today’s route takes you along rolling high-altitude trails, offering sweeping views over the glaciers and rocky ridgelines of the Vanoise National Park.

The path alternates between moderate climbs and smooth traverses, making it a rewarding day for those with good fitness. You’ll likely spot herds of ibex and hear the distant whistles of marmots as you approach the legendary Col de la Vanoise beneath the Grande Casse, the highest summit in the region.

At Refuge du Col de la Vanoise, dinner awaits—a warm and convivial evening surrounded by rugged alpine beauty.

Refuge du Col de la Vanoise

Info
Refuge du Col de la Vanoise
Refuge du Col de la Vanoise
Day
3

Refuge du Col de la Vanoise - Refuge de l’Arpont

Duration: 05:15 h
Distance: 13.9 km
Ascent: 350 m
Descent: 570 m

After breakfast, you leave the Col de la Vanoise behind and continue east toward the Arpont sector. The path gently contours along the mountainside, revealing ever-changing perspectives of the glaciers and turquoise lakes below.

This is a stage to savor—less demanding in ascent but long and panoramic. The trail passes through moraines and alpine pastures where the sound of cowbells echoes in the distance. It’s the essence of the Vanoise: wild, vast, and serene.

When you reach Refuge de l’Arpont, you’ll be welcomed with dinner and perhaps a view of the sunset over the Grande Casse—a perfect end to the day.

Refuge de l'Arpont

Info
Refuge de l'Arpont
Refuge de l'Arpont
Day
4

Refuge de l’Arpont - Val Cenis

Duration: 03:25 h
Distance: 8.61 km
Ascent: 20 m
Descent: 1010 m

Following breakfast at Refuge de l’Arpont, you begin your final descent toward Val Cenis. The path drops steadily through alpine meadows, offering open views of the Dent Parrachée and the surrounding peaks of the Haute Maurienne.

This last stage is shorter and mainly downhill, giving you time to soak in the scenery and reflect on your journey. Wildflowers line the path, and the valley gradually opens up as you approach civilization once more.

Arriving in Val Cenis, you complete your 4-day hut-to-hut trek—filled with mountain air, glacier views, and the simple joy of moving through one of the most stunning corners of the French Alps.

Included

  • Full travel guide

    You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Vanoise. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.

  • Full board (where possible)

    Full board is included on most days where available. In huts where meals are not provided, there is a small shop and a guest kitchen where you can comfortably prepare your own food.

  • Half-board in Huts

    Accommodation at the huts includes dinner and breakfast. We will arrange this for you as well. This allows you to travel lighter and have one less thing to worry about. Bear in mind that lunch is not included, but it can be purchased at the huts. Here you can also buy an array of snacks and bottled water.

  • Accommodation

    During your Vanoise, you will spend your nights in mountain huts. You'll sleep here in dormitories, as the booked mountain huts don't have any private rooms.

  • Navigation support

    Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport.

  • Transfers

    Should you need any form of (public) transport on location, this is not part of the trekking package. This includes the use of taxi, bus, cable cars, gondolas, ferries, etc.

  • Lunch

    Half-board is included in the price of this trek. Lunch, however, is not. You can get something to eat at the mountain huts along the way.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses on such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.

FAQ

  • What if the dates I want are not available?

  • If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?

  • How do I know if this trek is right for me?

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy

Packing List for the Vanoise

  • Information

  • Essentials

  • Extras