Hiking the Vanoise
Courchevel sits on the doorstep of France's oldest national park. Six routes that cover everything from a post-lunch lake loop to a full ridgeline traverse.
Six routes worth doing
Lac de la Rosière
Easy · 1 h · 80 m gain
The canonical introduction. Flat forest path to a glacial lake with picnic tables and a small refuge that serves tarte aux myrtilles in season.
Petit Mont Blanc
Hard · 6 h · 1,100 m gain
The Courchevel skyline summit at 2,677 m. 360° view over the Trois Vallées, Mont Blanc massif and the Vanoise glaciers. Start early.
Col de la Loze
Moderate · 3 h · 600 m gain
Follow the famous Tour de France climb on foot, crossing the wooden bridge between Courchevel and Méribel valleys at 2,304 m.
Refuge du Grand Plan
Moderate · 4 h · 500 m gain
High alpine pastures, marmots almost guaranteed. Lunch at the refuge — fondue and génépi, traditional Savoyard service.
Saulire ridge from the top station
Easy · 2 h · 200 m gain
Take the cable car up, walk the ridgeline. Mont Blanc visible the entire way. The shortest path to the most spectacular view.
GR55 traverse · Pralognan
Multi-day · Hut-to-hut
The classic Vanoise crossing. Three to five days through the park, sleeping in CAF refuges. Booking essential July–August.
Frequently asked
Do I need a guide?
For the lake walks and ridge paths, no — signage is clear and trails are well-trafficked. For Petit Mont Blanc, glacier approaches or off-trail routes, a UIAGM-certified mountain guide is recommended.
When is hiking season?
Mid-June once the snow melts off the high passes, through late September. July and August are warm and busy; September is the locals' favourite — stable weather, larch turning gold, no crowds.
Can I take a lift to a trailhead?
Yes. Saulire, La Vizelle and Ariondaz lifts run a reduced summer schedule. A summer hiking pass (Pass Été) covers all of them across the Trois Vallées.