Summer mountaineering in Haute Maurienne

Whatever your experience, whatever your expectations, the summit of your dreams is certainly here, in the Maurienne.
Along the 90 kilometers of what is one of the longest Alpine valleys, a multitude of massifs with very different characters allow us to find the climb, and the adventure, that will suit you.
The choice is vast, from routes on the magnificent granite of the Lauzière, the glacier and summit of the Étendard, perfect for families, to easy climbing in the grandiose setting of the Aiguilles d’Arves, the glacial peaks of the Vanoise and the Évettes, the secret climbs of the Étache valley, and much more !
Whether you’re a beginner or very experienced, whether you’re looking for glacier hiking, climbing or simply the best views, we’ve got just what you need in Haute-Maurienne !

The Vanoise massif offers a variety of itineraries for all levels, both on rock and on glaciers, and the great summits of the Haute Maurienne are a fascinating playground, both wild and varied, with multiple itineraries. Our guides are brimming with ideas, and their favorites are sure to be little great !

Learn or improve your mountaineering skills, by the day or over a few days, and discover the key elements of mountaineering :
– safety: how to use mountaineering equipment, how to progress safely on high-altitude routes
– route preparation: learn how to read a map, and choose your route to reach your goal safely, taking into account weather conditions, fitness …
– technique: how to have fun and be efficient in different situations, and adapt your choices on the ground to suit the conditions

One of the highest and most iconic peaks in the Vanoise, the Dent Parrachée is massive, unmissable and impressive from every angle! The normal route, from the refuge of the same name, reached from Aussois, is easy and allows you to sample every facet of mountaineering. The view from the summit is incredible, with the imposing Vanoise glaciers on one side, and the valley and its palette of greens 2400m below on the other.

The summit was first climbed in 1862 by hunters from Modane, but men such as Josué Damevin, nicknamed “Josué de la Parraché”, have also attached their names to the Dent Parrachée. Other guides who have opened routes include Jean-Noël Roche, a guide in Lanslevillard, and Jean-Claude Poulain, who completed the first ascent of the north face in 1973.

Starting points : Aussois (les barrages) and Refuge de la Parrachée.
Type : snow, easy rock, ridge
Ascent : 1200m from the refuge
Difficulty : PD inf
Highlights : variety and views, as well as one of the warmest refuges in the Alps.

The Dômes de la Vanoise form a majestic ice cap in the heart of the Parc National de la Vanoise, stretching between the Pointe de la Réchasse and the Pointe de Labby, at around 3,500 meters altitude. This is one of the largest glacial expanses in the French Alps, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a unique alpine ambience. The massif offers itineraries to suit all levels: from novice hikers to experienced glaciers, there’s something for everyone. More experienced climbers can tackle superb ridge climbs such as the Génépi ridge or the Sun ridge at Pointe de Labby.

Dôme de Chasseforêt lies at an altitude of 3586m.
The first ascent was made on September 1, 1876 by Charles Maingot, Pierre and André Puissieux, from Termignon.

Departure point : from the Refuge de l’Arpont or by crossing from the Refuge de la Dent Parrachée.
Type : snow, ice
Ascent : 1200m ascent refuge Arpont/Dôme de Chasseforêt
Difficulty : beautiful glacial day.

3637 m!!! the Albaron, one of the mythical peaks of the border range. The breathtaking views and aesthetics of the Ascension make it one of Savoie’s classic peaks.

Day trip
Starting point : from Bessans,
Type : snow, easy rock
Ascent : 1300m from car
Difficulty : PD inf

Cross-country
Starting point : from Evettes hut
Type :  snow, easy rock, ridge
Ascent : 11500m
Difficulty : PD inf

The iconic Monolithe de Sardières is located in Val-Cenis in the Vanoise National Park. Although its ascent is more rock climbing than mountaineering, its history gives it a special place in the hearts of local climbers.
At 93 m high and surrounded by a coniferous forest, the lines of escape quickly become more pronounced as you climb higher. At the summit, will you be able to stand up?

There are two main routes.
The “Classique Paquier”, the route first climbed by Michel Paquier in 1957, follows the monolith’s natural lines of weakness.
“Le dieu de Elfes” offers a climb of the same level, but more modern, with steep 6a/b lines.

It was here that the inauguration ceremony of the Vanoise National Park took place on June 26, 1965.

Starting point : Sardières
Type : rock climbing
Level : 93m of climbing
Difficulty : 6 a/b

Groups :

Depending on the difficulty, group size may vary.
Even on very easy climbs, we limit our groups to 6 people per guide, in order to offer you the best possible experience with us.

Some climbs, due to their length and/or difficulty, may have a higher rate. Guide expenses are not included here, and will be shared between group members.

Mountaineering cannot be standardized, and a conversation with your guide is more than necessary to prepare your trip.