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The Grand Traverse of the Alps: GR 5 (self-guided)

Chamonix to Pralognan-la-Vanoise
Self-Guided Hut-to-Hut

The Trip

Much like a European version of the Appalachian Trail, the Grande Randonnee 5 (GR 5) is a spectacular long distance hiking route that runs the length of Europe beginning on the North Sea and ending on the shores of the Mediterranean. The section of the GR 5, which begins at the base of the Mont Blanc Massif and traverses the French Alps south to the Mediterranean, is referred to as the Grande Traversee des Alpes (GTA). If you are looking for a classic hut-to-hut hiking experience we recommend Part 1 of the Grande Traversee. This is a rewarding and immensely varied journey

Part 1 of this journey begins at the foot of the Mont Blanc range in Chamonix, Haute Savoie. There are 7 days of hiking from the highest peaks in Europe south, through the Haute Savoie, Savoie and the Vanoise National Park, to the pleasant mountain village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise.

Established in 1963, the Vanoise is France's first national park. A wonderfully remote and expansive area, the Vanoise massif encompasses 82 kilometers of pristine peaks and glaciers, captures a vast array of alpine wildlife, and preserves the essence of French rural existence. A classic alpine hut-to-hut route, this is a perfect overture to this long distance hike.

Part 1 of the GR 5 offers mostly remote alpine hiking while staying at wonderful mountain refuges. The route is often wide open and the vistas are expansive..

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Geneva, Cointrin International Airport. Travel to Chamonix. Chamonix is home a dazzling array of many of the highest peaks in the Alps including Mont Blanc (15,860').

Day 2: Short transfer by bus to Les Houches and cable car to Bellevue (5,610'). Begin today's hike passing by the foot of the huge Glacier de Bionnassay then up through lush meadows to the Col du Tricot (6,995') with spectacular views of the Aiguille du Bionnassay, Dome du Gouter and the entire Chamonix Valley. After a steep descent from the col you arrive at the refuge.

Day 3: Departing from Les Contamines in the mid morning, hike up the Mont Joie Valley, past a 15th century mountain church, Notre Dame de la Gorge, cross a small ancient Roman bridge and continue up this broad alpine valley to the overnight stop.

Day 4: You begin a steady climb to the Croix de la Bonhomme (8,200'). The route from the Refuge de la Croix Bonhomme follows the narrow ridge of the Crete des Gittes, built by the French Military and then drops down to the col de Sauce and to the Plan de la Lai (6,000') and up to the Refuge Maya. Views of Mont Pourri dominate the scenery.

Day 5: The hike today leads high above the Roseland Dam to the col Bresson flanked by dolomite-like arretes and aiguilles including the bold Pierra Menta. From here, the hike down to the refuge is spectacular. This simple refuge has a calm and remote setting.

Day 6: Hike to the quiet village of Velezan continuing into Parc National Vanoise. The hiking is stunning as you emerge on to a high broad valley surrounded by rocky peaks and waterfalls fed by the high snowfields and glaciers. From here you will get your first glimpse of the huge Grande Motte.

Day 7: The morning part of the hike climbs up to the col du Palet (8,750'). The ever-widening valley is flanked by the Dome de Platieres and the tapered peak of Aliet. Up ahead lies the Grande Motte (12,500') draped with huge glaciers. In the early morning witnesses to dozens of marmots, chamois and perhaps some ibex. The refuge is perched on a small knoll looking down the remote valley.

Day 8: The route continues to follow the quiet, beautiful valley and the Torrent de la Leisse down to the Pont (bridge) de Mon Croe Vie to the col de la Vanoise. Rounding the very prominent Aiguille de la Vanoise, you hike down to the mountain village of Pralognan. Pick up in the village in the afternoon and transfer back to Chamonix. Overnight in Chamonix.

Day 9: Depart Chamonix

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Additional Information:

Included in the cost of the trip:

2 hours of general consulting regarding hiking dates and abilities, travel information, maps covering the route, detailed trail notes. We make and prepay all overnight accommodations, breakfasts and most dinners. We make and pre pay all private taxi transfers as detailed in the final itinerary.

Not included:

Air fare, lunches, travel to and from starting/ending point, transfers or excursions on trains, lifts, buses, taxis, extra charges due to changes in itinerary, dinners in Chamonix, items not on set dinner menu, beverages except what is served at breakfast, bottled water, insurance, items of personal nature.

What if weather is a problem or I get delayed en route?

In the final information we offer detailed directions and instructions about what to do if you must skip a day of hiking due to bad weather or for some other reason and how to rejoin your itinerary.

Accommodations and Facilities:

In Chamonix you stay at a family run hotel located within easy walking distance to the town center. Breakfasts are served at the hotel.

The mountain huts are remote and located in spectacular settings. The shared facilities are simple, but most have hot showers. Most accommodate 20 to 40 hikers, sometimes more. Breakfasts and dinners are served at the refuges and lunches are picnic style along the trail.

Travel:

It is easiest to fly to Geneva. However, there are frequent trains from Zurich or Paris just be sure to allow for extra travel time.

How to register for a self-guided trip:

Call or email us to discuss location, dates and level of difficulty. We can modify the above itinerary to meet your time frame and abilities. Once we agree on an itinerary and the dates we require a $375 deposit per person. Please see information about how to book your self-guided trip.

For a more detailed itinerary or to register please call.