Vanoise National Park, the first national park created in France in 1963, is a sanctuary of preserved nature where majestic glaciers neighbour flowering valleys. Far from the bustle of ski resorts, it offers hiking routes that allow total immersion in the splendour of the Alps. We invite you to discover a 4-day trek starting from Val d’Isère, a wilder alternative to the classic Vanoise Glaciers Tour, to encounter abundant wildlife and breathtaking scenery. This route of approximately 55 km with 3000 m of elevation gain is an invitation to adventure, at the slow pace of walking and nights in mountain huts.
- Itinerary of our 4-day hike in Vanoise
- Vanoise, a concentration of wild life
- Our tips for preparing your Vanoise trek
Itinerary of our 4-day hike in Vanoise
This loop trek starting from Val d’Isère is a magnificent gateway to the park’s trails. It combines high-altitude passages, panoramas of the highest peaks, and nights in welcoming mountain huts.
Day 1: From Val d’Isère to Pointe des Fours (3072 m)
Starting from Val d’Isère, it’s in mid-August, under a gentle sun, that we take the GR5 trail for a 4-day trek in the heart of Vanoise National Park. With our hiking boots on, we leave the last traces of civilization and gradually distance ourselves from the ski resort to find ourselves face to face with mountain torrents, rocky cliffs and high-altitude plains.
On this beautiful August day, marmots run everywhere and their whistling cries accompany us on our hike. We quickly reach Fond des Fours Hut, where we’ll spend the night and leave some of our gear. After dinner, we cross the Fours valley to conquer a peak at 3000: that of Pointe des Fours, at 3072m. The wind blows and carries our gaze towards the glaciers of the Italian border, beyond Bonneval-sur-Arc. We can clearly see the blue lake formed after the melting of the Fond glacier, below us. We descend by the same path to enjoy a good meal at the hut, warmly welcomed by the keeper and her assistants, and we end this day playing cards with other hikers.
Day 2: From Fond des Fours Hut to Femma Hut
After a hearty breakfast, we walk southward along the Fours stream. The marmots got up early today and are heading toward the stream with their families.
We move through a lunar landscape, where only moss and a few flowers survive: we are, after all, between 2500 and 3000m in altitude.
In front of us, the Pointe de Méan Martin rises, and we hear the Fours glacier crumbling repeatedly. Arriving at the Rocheure pass, we see all the high-altitude and glacial lakes around us, the needle of the Grande Sassière, and even Mont-Blanc !
We descend from this wild area and return toward a zone with more greenery, where cows graze with the clashing of their bells. We enter a steep valley between the Sana peak on our right and the Châtelard peaks on our left. Torrents flow from the glaciers, and butterflies flutter off the mountain flowers.
Finally, in the middle of the afternoon, we cross an immense marmot colony that has made its home near the Femma shelter. In the evening, during dinner, we chat with a German family and observe a mother fox trying to hunt a few marmots to feed her new litter.
Day 3: From Femma to Leisse shelter
The trail takes us along the Rocheure torrent, and we gradually descend in altitude. In front of us, we can see the Pointe de la Réchasse and the Vanoise glaciers that surround it.
We find civilization again, with small scattered mountain pastures and a road that the summer shuttle uses to take hikers to the park entrance. We cross the torrent over a bridge, eat near the shelter between two waters, and continue our journey by taking the Via Alpina.
Now we move through the Leisse valley, with the Grande Casse, the highest peak of the Vanoise, dominating us on the left. From its ridges, streams flow that carve the cliff and create ravines, carrying with them scree and smaller sediments.
We come across another herd of cows that seem to appreciate the vegetation that has established itself on the other side of the torrent.
In the late afternoon, we notice the local shepherd’s dwelling: a tiny cabin nestled below the shelter, with room for a single bed and a small table. We arrive at the shelter and observe this magnificent valley as the day fades. The sheep herd, accompanied by its shepherd and three livestock guard dogs, returns to the valley to spend the night.
Day 4: From Leisse to Val d’Isère, returning to civilization
Last day of this trek in Vanoise National Park. We leave the shelter early and pass below the Grande Motte glacier, which looks pale in the middle of August. We pass by the sheep herd we had observed the day before.
We find a rather lunar landscape as we climb in altitude, but far less wild than that of the second day: we see the different ski lifts and cable cars around Grande Motte; and having reached the Fresse pass, we reach the Tignes ski resort.
The contrast is striking and almost depressing: having spent three days far from the world, in a flowered and preserved landscape, made us forget the impact of ski resorts and this activity on the landscape. We cross the Santon valley and find the national park again as we descend towards the valley below Charvet. The cows are bathing in the stream and seem very peaceful here. We find the GR5 again which brings us back to the start of our loop.
This is the end of our brief break in Vanoise, lasting 55km and 3000m of positive elevation gain. We will have seen marmots that fed well this summer, a vixen, a multitude of different peaks and glaciers, peaceful herds… But also kind and smiling hikers, with whom we loved to eat and share some moments in the evening, far from the classic route of the Vanoise Glacier Tour.
Vanoise, a concentration of wild life
Vanoise National Park is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. During this trek, encounters with wildlife are almost daily. The Alpine marmot is of course omnipresent, but with a little patience and discretion, it is possible to observe iconic animals.
- The Alpine ibex, saved from extinction thanks to the creation of the park, is often visible on rocky ledges.
- The chamois, more agile and timid, can be seen rushing down steep slopes.
- In the sky, keep an eye out for the golden eagle or the rare bearded vulture, an impressive vulture reintroduced in the Alps.
The flora is no exception, with great diversity of species adapted to altitude. Depending on the season, you can admire gentians, edelweiss and many other colourful flowers that carpet the mountain pastures.
Our advice for preparing your Vanoise trek
A mountain hike, even on well-marked trails, requires good preparation to ensure safety and enjoyment. For a successful adventure, discover all our advice for preparing your mountain hike.
When to go?
The best time for a Vanoise trek extends from mid-June to mid-September, when trails are generally snow-free and mountain huts are staffed. July and August offer milder temperatures but also higher visitor numbers.
What level of difficulty?
This route is suitable for hikers in good physical condition, capable of walking several hours a day with a backpack. The elevation changes are significant and the terrain can sometimes be technical, without however presenting major alpine difficulties in good weather.
Life in a mountain hut
Sleeping in a mountain hut is a unique experience. Remember to book your place in advance, especially in high season. Mountain huts such as Femma or Leisse offer simple but comfortable accommodation (dormitories, hot meals), and a friendly atmosphere conducive to socialising.
Exploring Vanoise National Park is a promise of disconnection and wonder. This 4-day itinerary offers immersion in mountains at their finest: spectacular landscapes, preserved wildlife, and the serenity of vast open spaces.
At Grand Angle, we have cultivated this passion for adventure since 1983. Whether you wish to discover these trails accompanied by our expert guides or in complete freedom with perfectly organized logistics, explore our treks in the Vanoise massif. For a custom project, do not hesitate to contact our travel advisors, they will know how to build with you the itinerary that suits you.
