2-day hike to the Fond d'Aussois Refuge - Stage 1 - From the Carrière parking lot to the Fond d'Aussois Refuge

This gentle escapade is an ideal way to try out roaming in the Vanoise National Park. Skirting the rhododendron-lined Lac de Plan d'Amont, it takes you into the heart of the Fond d'Aussois valley, where the refuge nestles.

Additional welcome

Refuge en Famille" label. You must book your overnight stay in a refuge in advance. Stay on the trails and follow the signs, and take your garbage with you.

Environments

• Lake view
• Mountain location
• Presence of livestock and guard dogs
• 30 - 40 min from bus stop by car

Rates

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 4.4km
• Route type One-way ticket
• Elevation gain 349m
• Daily duration 02h00
• Signposted itinerary Yes
• Beaconing accuracy yellow signs PNV
• Nature of the land Ground, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 2333m

Opening period

Itinerary accessible outside snow periods and subject to favorable weather conditions. Check the local weather forecast in real time up to the day of your departure. Information on trail and hut access conditions is available from the tourist office.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Subject to snow conditions

Location

Departure from the dam car park 7km from Aussois.

Documents

• Refuge du Fond d'Aussois - a wild valley in the Vanoise - 2-day hike_Aussois

Animals

Pets allowed : No

Pets are not allowed in the Vanoise National Park.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• 1/ From the dam parking lot, continue along the dirt road overlooking the dam. The path rises gently along the Lac de Plan d'Amont to the Pont de la Séteria. After crossing the torrent, continue to the crossroads, then leave the GR5 (refuge de la Fournache) to turn left towards the refuge du Fond d'Aussois. Once on the plateau, pass by the Chapelle Notre-Dame des Anges built in 1886 by Louis Couvert. The route then passes the Chalet de la Marie, which was the refuge until 2003. After a final climb, you arrive at the new Fond d'Aussois refuge (CAF), built in 2004. If you're feeling more sporty, you can venture up to the Col d'Aussois and the Pointe de l'Observatoire at 3015 m (beware, it's much more vertiginous): allow 3h15 round trip.