Venture deep into the mountains in winter conditions with a snowshoe hike
Get away from the ski resorts and set off on a hike through the remote valleys of the Vanoise National Park, accompanied by a mountain guide. Travelling from mountain hut to mountain hut, this challenging trek with a Far North feel offers a whole new snowshoe hiking experience, far more exotic than a simple day trip. Discovering wildlife and the tracks it leaves in the snow, local stories and fascinating anecdotes will make your stay all the more memorable.
Starting in Tignes and ending in Val d’Isère, the Tour de la Sana is a magnificent 4-day trek around the peak of the same name (3,436 m above sea level). This trek will take you across vast plateaus once occupied by ancient glacial lakes, up the long Rocheure valley and over mountain passes at an altitude of nearly 3,000 metres.
➡ 4 days/ 3 nights stay - Tour de la Sana
Stay planned from Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th of April 2027. Other dates on request
🥾 THE ITINERARIES 🥾
Highlights:
- long, majestic valleys that we explore at the pace of a snowshoe hike
- crossing high mountain passes that open up to breathtaking panoramic views
- 3 nights in the heart of the mountains in staffed mountain huts
You’re the ideal candidate for this trek if:
- You’ve already been on a day-long snowshoe hike
- You’ve already walked in the mountains with a rucksack
- You have a taste for adventure
This trek is aimed at experienced walkers (6 to 8 hours’ walking per day, depending on snow conditions), capable of trekking with a rucksack containing essentials for the day and an overnight stay at the mountain hut.
The route may be adjusted depending on weather and snow conditions.
Day 1
Day 1 - An easy first day of hiking with a downhill route to get your legs going
Departure from the funicular > Col de la Leisse > Refuge de la Leisse
On the first day, we set off on snowshoes from the top of the Tignes funicular at an altitude of 3,030 metres. We descend towards the Col de la Leisse before crossing the Lac des Nettes and then the vast, dry plateau of the Plan des Nettes. We are already immersed in a vast expanse of white, far from any sign of civilisation. Perched on its small promontory, the Leisse mountain hut comes into view at the very last moment.
🌙 Night : Refuge de la Leisse
Day 2
Day 2 - Second day in the heart of the long glacial valleys of the Leisse and the Rocheure
Refuge de la Leisse > Col de Pierre Blanche > Refuge de la Femma
To reach the Femma refuge, the route crosses the Pierre Blanche pass which is reached by gentle slopes on the south side of the Grande Casse, the highest point of the Vanoise. The descent from the pass is equally gradual on the sides of the valley of the Rocheure.
🌙 Night : Refuge de la Femma
Day 3
Day 3 - Crossing a high mountain pass at an elevation of over 2,900 meters
Refuge de la Femma > Col de la Rocheure > Refuge du Fond des Fours
From the shelter, gradually ascend on snowshoes toward the Col de la Rocheure. The terrain is gentle, with a slight incline at the end of the climb before reaching the frozen lake. Then follow the ridge and traverse along a ledge toward the Vallon des Fours, a captivating stretch that is sure to take your breath away.
The descent into the valley is fairly flat before the final descent to the Fond des Fours shelter.
🌙 Night : Refuge du Fond des Fours
Day 4
Day 4 - Return to Val d'Isère
It’s time to go back to the valley after having explored the summits for 4 days. We reach Val d'Isère directly by the Manchet valley or by making a loop by the tip of Lorès South.
This snowshoe loop offers a nice balance between varied efforts and snowy landscapes, with refuges well adapted to winter conditions.
- Guidance from a mountain professional
- 3 nights in a mountain hut
- Snowshoes, poles and safety equipment
- Meals during the trip.
- The transfer back from Val d'Isère to Tignes.
- Insurances
- Personal gear
- Beverages and personal expenses
- Anything not listed under “the price includes”
( Don’t forget that you’ll be carrying all the things you take with you and that you’ll need to leave room for your midday picnic.)
- a long-sleeved thermal top
- a fleece
- waterproof hiking trousers with gaiters
- a hat, a neck warmer and a cap
- sunglasses (protection level 3 or 4)
- a pair of lightweight gloves and a pair of warm gloves
- a pair of warm, waterproof high-top walking boots
- a waterproof jacket with a hood
- a down jacket
- a pair of thermal tights
- a 40-litre rucksack fitted with a waterproof cover (or plastic bags to protect your clothes)
- a tube of sun cream and a lip balm
- a ski goggle
- a 1-litre water bottle and a thermos flask
- your personal first-aid kit, including a pocket knife, a survival blanket, a lighter and tissues
- cutlery and an airtight plastic container for your packed lunch
- a complete change of clothes
- a toiletries bag containing only the bare essentials
- a towel
- a sleeping bag liner and a head torch
- a small pouch containing your ID, emergency contact details and money (not all mountain huts accept credit cards)
- a pair of skis and poles
- an avalanche transceiver
- a shovel and a probe.
Nicolas works as a mid-mountain guide in the winter and a forest ranger in the summer. Passionate about nature, he enjoys helping the people he guides discover the mountains, landscapes, and wildlife. Thanks to his solid knowledge of the subject, he’ll help you understand and notice many details.
