Plan d'Amont lake and Fond d'Aussois refuge

This family hike, in the heart of the preserved environment of the Vanoise National Park, runs alongside the Plan d'Amont dam lake lined with rhododendrons. The itinerary continues on the peaceful plateau of Fond d'Aussois, where the refuge welcomes you.

Description

This is the ideal "warm-up" walk at the beginning of a stay in the mountains. A varied and easy hike for all the family, discovery of the fauna, the forest with lakes, forests, torrents, mountain pastures, marmots, ibex, chamois.
The path goes along the lake with its turquoise waters where the Dent Parrachée, the second highest peak of the Vanoise (3697 m) is reflected. The rhododendrons and stone pines give off sweet smells, marmots, squirrels, bearded vultures and ibexes watch you.
The Fond d'Aussois is a plain where a peaceful stream flows, where the alpagistes who spent the summer at altitude built the Notre-Dame des Anges chapel, a witness to their faith.
The new refuge, upstream from the old one, which was also called "le chalet de la Marie", offers a warm welcome and organic and local food.
Note that you can make this walk from the top of the Grand Jeu chairlift which is open all summer (except Saturdays).
You can vary the return journey by going on the other side via the Fournache and Plan Sec refuges.

Environments

• Lake view
• Mountain location
• Presence of livestock and guard dogs

Rates

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 8.5km
• Route type LOOP
• Elevation gain 420m
• Negative gradient 420m
• Daily duration 02h45
• Signposted itinerary Yes
• Beaconing accuracy yellow signs PNV
• Nature of the land Ground, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 2350m

Opening period

From 01/06 to 31/10.

Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Subject to snow conditions

Location

Departure from the dam car park 7km from Aussois.

Animals

Pets allowed : No

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• 0/ : Free parking at the dams 7 km from Aussois. Road forbidden to coaches.
  1/: Continue on the dirt road overlooking the dam to the Séteria bridge.
  2/ : Leave the GR5 (refuge de la Fournache) and turn left towards the Fond d'Aussois and the refuge du Fond d'Aussois.
  3/: Notre-Dame des Anges chapel built in 1886 by Louis Couvert
  4/ : The Chalet de la Marie, former refuge until 2003
  5/ : New CAF refuge, built in 2004. For the more sporty, the path continues over the Aussois pass and the Pointe de l'Observatoire at 3015m.
  6/ : Return via Fournache. Access trail to the Grand Jeu chairlift open all summer except Saturdays, passing by the Plan Sec refuge.