Lac des Vaches and the Col de la Vanoise from Pralognan

From the Parking des Fontanettes above Pralognan-la-Vanoise, a broad track climbs through the larches to the Refuge des Barmettes. The path goes on up the open valley under the Aiguille de la Vanoise to Lac des Vaches, crossed on a causeway of flat stones, then climbs past small lakes to the Refuge du Col de la Vanoise, at about 2,517 m, under the Grande Casse. Return the same way.

It is 12.5 km there and back with 856 m of ascent; allow about 6 hours. The grade is Hard: a long climb on a good track and mountain path, stony in the upper part.

This is high mountain ground. Snow comes to the col in autumn and can lie into early summer, and the weather turns fast around the Grande Casse, so check the forecast and carry warm clothes. The walk is in the core of the Parc national de la Vanoise: dogs are not allowed, even on a lead, fires and picking plants are forbidden, and bivouacking is only allowed by arrangement with a refuge.

The car park is at the end of the road above Pralognan, by the Fontanettes.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.