Trip Essentials
Whatever your level, whatever you are looking for, there is certainly the mountain of your dreams somewhere in the valley of Maurienne.
Along the 90 kilometers of what is one of the longest alpine valleys, a multitude of mountain areas wih very different specificities, are giving us the opportunity to find the perfect match for you.
To name only a few, you'll find some beautiful climbs on granite in the Lauzière, a family friendy peak and glacier at L'Étendard, an easy and iconic climb at the Aiguilles d'Arves, big glaciers in the Vanoise and around the Evettes, secret rock climbs in the vallon d'Étache...
It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or an expert, if you want to hike on a glacier, climb or simply hunt for the best view: we have it all!
La Dent Parrachée, 3697m
One of the highest and most iconic mountain in the Vanoise, the Dent Parrachée is massive, unmissable and makes an impression anywhere you look at her from! The normal route, from the hut of the same name, above Aussois, is easy and offers a lot of variation, from snowy slopes to rocky ridges and easy climbing. The view from the top is stunning, with the huge Vanoise glaciers on one side, and the green valley floor 2400m below to the other side.
This peak was climbed for the first time in 1862 by some mountain goats hunters from Modane, but some guides like Josué Damevin, aka « Josué de la Parraché » have played a big role in the history of the Dent Parrachée. Jean-Noël Roche, guide from Lanslevillard and Jean-Claude Poulain did the first ascent of the north face in 1973.
Starting point : Aussois and the Refuge de la Parrachée
Type: snow, easy climbing, ridge
Vertical meters : 1200m from the hut
Difficulty : Easy
Highlights: Variation & View
Dômes de la Vanoise
The Dômes de la Vanoise is the name of a massive ice cap, in the heart of the Vanoise National Park, spreading its glaciers from the Pointe de la Réchasse to the north and the Pointe de Labby to the South, with an average altitude around 3500m. This is one of the largest glaciated area in the french Alps and beyond.
The Dôme de Chasseforêt (see photo opposite), 3586m was first climbed on the 1st of septembre 1876 by Charles Maingot, Pierre et André Puissieux, starting from Termignon.
Starting point : Refuge de l'Arpont, or via a longer traverse from the Refuge de la Parrachée.
Type: snow & ice
Vertical meters : 1200m from the Refuge de l*Arpont
Difficulté : Easy
Monolithe de Sardières
The iconic Monolithe de Sardières can be seen as pure rock climbing, but it has a strong connection with the local alpine climbing scene. This 93m self standing rock needle is located in Val-Cenis, in the Vanoise National Park.
The climb starts in a nice pine tree forest, but as soon as you leave the ground the perspective becomes quickly more impressive...will you be able to stand on the top?
A few routes of different grades are equipped.
The historical one, « la Classique Paquier » was first climbed in 1957 by Michel Paquier.
In the same range of difficulty « le Dieu des Elfes » (6 a/b) offers a more modern style of climbing with steepness and good pockets!
The inauguration ceremony of the Vanoise National Park was held at the very bottom of the monolithe, on the 26th of june 1965.
Starting point : Sardières
Type: rock climbing
Vertical meters : 93m d'escalade
Grade : french 6 a/b
Pricing & Group Size
Depending on the difficulty, the group size can vary, from 1 to 6 persons with a guide.
6 persons with a guide is our upper limit, even on very easy peaks, to make sure you'll have the best possible experience with us!
How to plan and book ?
Alpinism wil never be standardized and therefore a conversation with your guide is more than necessary to plan ahead your adventure with us.
Get in touch to get all the informations and details!
What do I need to bring?
Technical equipment:
- alpinism shoes
- harness
- crampons
- ice axe
- helmet
Personal equipment:
- sun hat
- hat
- sunglasses
- gloves
- warm underwear (preferably wool)
- sport clothing wind and water proof
- a light down jacket
- headlamp
- waterbottle (plus a thermos)
Bivy equipmemt:
- foam matress
- sleeping bag
- thermos bottle
- small bowl, spoon and knife