How do I get to the Vanoise Glacier Tour from Aussois
Easy access to Aussois
By train + shuttle
It’s easy and convenient to get there without a car:
- Arrival by train in Modane on the TER or TGV
- Then a shuttle bus ( line S52) will take you to Aussois
- Stop right in front of the Tourist Information Office
The trip takes about 20 minutes.
By car
You can Aussois get to Aussois and park there:
- In the parking lot at the base of the slopes.
- For a quicker start at higher elevations, use the Plan d’Amont parking lot.
When is the best time to leave from Aussois
The Vanoise Glacier Tour is typically taken between mid-June and September.Note:
● Snowfields can still be found during the summer (crampons are sometimes necessary)
● Weather conditions are variable, and thunderstorms can be severe at high altitudes
● Streams can sometimes be difficult to cross during the snowmelt
Be sure to check the weather and conditions before heading out to the mountain huts!
Where should I start the tour of the Vanoise Glaciers from Aussois
From Aussois, there are several options available for starting your backpacking trip.
The Grand Jeu chairlift is the fastest way to reach higher elevations with minimal effort.
- Direct access to the mountain pastures and the first mountain huts
- Ideal for minimizing elevation gain on the first day
It's the perfect choice for your first time traveling.
For a more immersive experience:
- Departure from the village
- Take the opportunity to hike up through the forest to the Plan d’Amont Dam (allow 2 hours for the hike)
- The atmosphere gets wilder right from the start
As mentioned above:
- You reduce the elevation gain
- You'll reach the actual starting point of your hike and the Vanoise National Park more quickly
Did you know? You can hike around the glaciers in either direction:
- Clockwise: head toward the Orgère mountain hut, or for a shorter hike, toward the Roc mountain hut
Counterclockwise: head toward the Arpont shelter
Is camping allowed on the Vanoise Glacier Trail?
Camping is permitted, but it is strictly regulated in Vanoise National Park.Camping is regulated in Vanoise National Park:
● Permitted from June 1 to September 30
● You may camp only near certain mountain huts
● Check-in and check-out between 7:00 PM and 8:00 AM
Reservations are required at the relevant mountain huts.
I’m exploring the other starting points for the Vanoise Glacier Tour
Book your mountain huts when departing fromAussois
Several mountain huts are easily accessible right from the start of your hike:Reservations are required, especially in the summer when there are so many hikers.
You can make a reservation online on the mountain huts' website.
🛈 Tip : Avoid the period from July 15 to August 15 for a more peaceful experience.
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The Vanoise Glacier Tour
