You'll set off on a varied route between forest and high mountain.
It's an easy start from the Fontanettes car park, and you'll soon take a small forest path that will lead you to the enchanted forest of the Bois de la Glière... This path winds its way between large moss-covered boulders, inviting you to look up at the treetops, walk through the fir cones or touch the bark of the trees.... Suddenly the forest comes to a halt and you come to a platform that invites you to look up at the summit of Pointe du Dard, from where avalanches can sometimes be quite impressive!
The path continues into the cirque de l'Arcelin, a natural amphitheatre offering a breathtaking view of the great vertical walls of Moriond, the Aiguilles de l'Arcelin and the Grand Marchet.
Then take the path known as "Les Arollets" to the right of Moriond. You will then quickly ascend, along a sometimes technical path, towards the Lac des Assiettes plateau and then the Col de la Vanoise refuge.
The refuge offers a unique view of the Grande Casse and its glacier, the Arête de la Réchasse, the Grande and Petite Glière... Here you can enjoy a good night's rest after tasting the keeper's delicious dishes.
- Sport
Tour of the Aiguille de la Vanoise - Stage 1 - Fontanettes car park - Col de la Vanoise refuge
A beautiful 2-day itinerary between glaciers and mountain lakes. Imagine jumping from rock to rock to cross Lac des Vaches in the majestic setting of the most beautiful peaks in the Vanoise.
About
Signs
Yellow signs
Map references
TOP 25 IGN 3534OT Les 3 Vallées
Topoguides references
PRALO RANDO hiking itineraries, sold at the Pralognan Tourist Office: 12 euros Topo to download from the website: https://www.pralognan.com/prestataire/lac-des-vaches-col-de-la-vanoise-874026/?r=456
Further informations
Stone, Ground
DAY 1 : From the Les Fontanettes car park to the Col de la Vanoise refuge
Time: 3h
Ascent : +858m
Descent : -5m
From the Les Fontanettes car park, take the 4x4 path that leads off to the right of the Genépi chairlift. After a few minutes' walk, take the path on the left, which leads into the Glières forest (the playful "lutin" path), as far as the Arcelin cirque. Then take the path known as "les Arollets", to the right of Moriond, which will take you to the Col de la Vanoise refuge (red path).
Prices
Free access. Fee-paying huts. During the period when the refuge is guarded, meals are available in addition to the overnight stay. When the hut is not guarded, the price of the night is compulsory.
Reception
Drinking water points in the Fontanettes car park, at the Col de la Vanoise and Les Barmettes huts.
Rules in the heart of the Vanoise National Park:
- Do not bring dogs, even on a lead
- Do not pick or take any flowers, fruit, insects or minerals
- Take away all your rubbish
- Do not disturb the tranquillity of the area or the wildlife by noise, shouting or sound equipment
- Do not camp or bivouac EXCEPT near certain refuges
- Do not light fires
- Stay on the paths and avoid cutting the paths when descending
- Do not practice paragliding or other aerial sports
- Do not mountain bike
- Do not use motorised vehicles
Period of practice
From 01/06 to 21/09.
This route is accessible outside the snow season and subject to favourable weather conditions. It is advisable to book huts in advance. Refuges manned at this time of year.
- Coach access
- Motorhomes allowed
- Restaurant
- Covered picnic area
- Car park
- Public WC
- Play area
- Picnic area
Contacts
Access
From Albertville, take the RN90 to Moûtiers, then follow signs for Bozel, then Pralognan-la-Vanoise.
Before entering the village, turn left towards the Fontanettes car park.
There is a free shuttle bus from the village centre to the car park in July and August.
