In this page, you will find informations and advices we can give, based on our experience
Vanoise National Park
What to do if you have little time : Cows Lake - Pralognan la Vanoise
Advice : before hiking, get weather forecast because the weather can change quickly in the mountains. Bring warm clothing.
Pralognan la Vanoise : Cows Lake - Long Lake - Vanoise Pass
3h30 one way
1 day
Free
Superb hiking that leads successively to Cows Lake, Long Lake and the Vanoise Pass. It takes about 3h30 to go to the refuge of the Vanoise Pass. The ascencion is quite important (2950 feet). In summer, the Cows Lake can be crossed on a stone path.
Access : from the parking Fontanettes in Pralognan (start of the ski lift Genepy). Then follow the GR55.
Pralognan la Vanoise : Cirque of Genepy
2h00 one way
5 hours
Free
This hike is about 4 hours round trip with about 1800 feet of elevation. It leads close to the Genepy glacier. Nice because it is not very crowded and through beautiful landscapes. We can see waterfalls.
Access : departure is from "le pont de la peche" in Pralognan. Take the GR55 to Ritort.
Pralognan la Vanoise : White Lake
5 miles one way
5 to 6 hours
Free
Fairly long hike, about 10 miles round trip, with an elevation of 2300 feet, that leads to a pale green lake. The path leading to the lake is relatively easy, but the last part (ascent to the refuge) is the most difficult.
Access : from the parking "pont de la peche" in Pralognan. Then follow the left bank of the river on the GR55 to the Peclet-Polset refuge. Continue on the path down to the White Lake. The return is by the same route.
Copyright Magali and David BELLEC