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

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.

Description

Did you know that the body of water you're walking along and its twin below serve a curious purpose? These hydroelectric dams power an aerospace wind tunnel where model airplanes and rockets are tested.
But you don't need such machines to admire these turquoise waters.
Set off along the path lined with sweet-smelling rhododendrons and stone pines! Many animals inhabit this little paradise: marmots, squirrels, bearded vultures, ibexes... you may even come across one of them.
You come to a plain where a peaceful stream meanders. Follow it to the pretty Notre-Dame-des-Anges chapel, where a few fluttering jackdaws seem to stand guard.
Finally, you arrive at the refuge, overlooking the former "Chalet de la Marie". The warm welcome from Tim and his team, as well as the organic and local food, are sure to entice you to stop by. This is your base camp for the evening.
The more daring will be tempted to continue up a slightly steeper slope toward the ColAussois. But their efforts will be amply rewarded by the breathtaking views of the Vanoise and all the surrounding mountain ranges.
The next day, we return to the other side of the lake, under the watchful eye of the legendary Dent Parrachée, at an altitude of 3,687 meters. Along the way, the Fournache and Plan Sec refuges offer you the opportunity for another gourmet break. There’s no doubt you’ll be coming back for more.

Additional welcome

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

Environments

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

Rates

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 9 km
• Route type One-way ticket
• Elevation gain 420m
• Negative gradient 420m
• Roaming time 2 days
• Signposted itinerary Yes
• Beaconing accuracy yellow signs PNV
• Nature of the land Ground, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 2350m

Opening period

This route is accessible outside of snow season and is subject to favorable weather conditions. Check the local weather forecast in real time up until 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 quarry parking lot between the dams, 7 km from Aussois.

Documents

• FondAussois Mountain HutAussois a wild valley in the Vanoise - 2-day hike_Aussois
• FondAussois Mountain HutAussois a wild valley in the Vanoise - 2-day hike_Aussois
• Flyer featuring the stages: TheAussois ValleyAussois 2 Days (PDF)

Animals

Pets allowed : No

Pets are not allowed in the Vanoise National Park.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• Start: Free parking lot at the dams, 7 km from Aussois. Road closed to coaches.
  1/ DAY 1: from "Parking des Barrages" to "Refuge du Fond d'Aussois" / Duration: 2 h / Ascent: + 349 m / From the "Parking des Barrages", continue on the dirt road overlooking the dam. The trail 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 Fond d'Aussois and 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 a 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.
  2/ DAY 2: from "Refuge du Fond d'Aussois" to "Parking des Barrages" / Duration: 1h45 / Ascent: + 144 m and - 463 m / From the refuge, retrace your steps to the crossroads. Turn left towards the Refuge de la Fournache. The route continues gradually downhill to the foot of the dam / Option to return via La Fournache. Access trail to the Grand Jeu chairlift, open all summer except Saturdays, via the Plan Sec refuge.