Tour of Vanoise National Park

Park), in one of the most famous and iconic parks in Europe. The Vanoise National Park, located in the French Alps! , but just 2 hours away from Turin, it is the “Twin Park” of the Gran Paradiso National Park, in the Italian side. The mountains here are quite different though. How? Difficult to describe. Every mountain valley has its own vegetation, wildlife, geological peculiarity. The French Alps at this latitude are more “white” in terms of rocks and less foresty. The valleys are wider and the rock walls less dramatic, with the exception of the Ecrins Massif.

Tour of Vanoise: big tour of the most beautiful NP in France

This hike is quite specific compared with the other hikes offered here on Trekking Alps website. In fact, after the first day where we will hike up 1000 meters, the hike does not have any more big elevation gain of 1000 meters. Said so, the hiking stages are longer than any other hike of the Trekking Alps hikes proposed and a couple of day hikes are quite tough. Said so, the days are long in summer and we can take it easy making the full day of the hike, even the longest day(the fourth) is doable. In fact, once we reach the high altitude on the first day, we will not go much down. The whole hike develops between 2200 and 2800 meters before being back down in the civilization. The full Tour of Vanoise Hike is quite long and it develops in high meadows. This Tour of Vanoise is quite “fixed” but there are a few changes we can do to organize the hike according to your need. The hike is doable in summer only and because the huts are quite popular it is really important to book in advance to reserve our places.The Tour of Vanoise is a remarkable journey that unfolds amidst the pristine beauty of the French Alps. Imagine yourself standing at the trailhead, surrounded by majestic peaks that pierce the sky and glaciers glistening in the sunlight. As you set out on your hike, the air is crisp and fresh, carrying the scent of pine and wildflowers.

The trail meanders through lush alpine meadows adorned with a kaleidoscope of colors - vibrant wildflowers carpeting the ground in hues of purple, yellow, and blue. The gentle murmur of mountain streams accompanies your footsteps, inviting you to pause and drink from their crystal-clear waters.

As you ascend higher into the mountains, the landscape transforms, revealing rugged cliffs and towering peaks cloaked in snow and ice. Each turn reveals a new vista, more awe-inspiring than the last, with panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Along the way, you encounter a rich tapestry of wildlife - graceful ibex grazing on rocky slopes, curious marmots darting among boulders, and perhaps even a glimpse of a majestic golden eagle soaring overhead. The wildlife seems undisturbed by your presence, adding to the sense of harmony and tranquility that pervades the wilderness.

As the day draws to a close, you arrive at a cozy mountain refuge nestled in a secluded valley. The refuge, with its warm ambiance and hearty meals, offers a welcome respite from the rigors of the trail. Gathered around a crackling fire, you share stories and laughter with fellow hikers, forging bonds that transcend language and culture.

As night falls, you retire to your bunk, lulled to sleep by the gentle melody of mountain streams and the whisper of the wind in the trees. In the morning, you awaken to the soft glow of dawn illuminating the peaks, beckoning you to continue your journey deeper into the heart of the Alps.

With each step, you feel a profound connection to the land and a sense of reverence for the natural world. The Tour of Vanoise is not just a hike - it is a pilgrimage, a journey of discovery and self-discovery, where the beauty of the landscape mirrors the beauty within each of us.