Hiking - Pointe de l'Échelle Circuit: 3-day high-altitude hike
The mountains in their full majesty await you on this trek with challenging ascents and descents, crossing 3 mountain passes! The itinerary begins near the emerald waters of Lac de Plan d'Amont. As you progress, the century-old forests and alpine pastures of the Orgère valley give way to alpine moorlands and rocky traverses. This 3-day journey offers continuous 360° panoramas of the Gébroulaz and Chavière glaciers, as well as the mythical domes and needles of the Vanoise.
Numerous variations are possible. Here are some suggestions from the Vanoise National Park:
- Stage 2: Once on the plateau, well before reaching Col de Chavière, don't hesitate to take a detour to your right towards Lac de la Partie.
- Stage 3: Once at Col d'Aussois, take a short break, then allow yourself to summit the nearby Pointe de l'Observatoire.
Trail Conditions: To largely avoid trails with late-lying snow, it is preferable to plan this hike between early July and mid-October. Be wary of crossing torrents, which can be delicate during snowmelt periods, and, as much as possible, prioritize crossing them in the morning. Refer to our suggestions in the description to bypass them.
Equipment: Early in the season, you may cross snowfields. In addition to all necessary mountain safety equipment, we advise you to take a pair of poles per person and at least one ice axe.
Huts and Reservation: In the heart of the National Park, bivouacking is only permitted in the immediate vicinity of certain huts. The proposed circuit includes stages allowing for comfortable overnight stays in the following accommodations:
1st night: Refuge de l'Orgère or Refuge de l'Aiguille Doran
2nd night: Refuge de Péclet-Polset.
We recommend booking your accommodations and your packed lunches in advance, as some huts can quickly become full during peak tourist seasons.