Dent du Villard

The forest of the Dent du Villard is crossed by many paths and its summit offers a magnificent view on the Vanoise. There is a pine forest of hooked pines on gypsum very rare in Europe.The forest of the Dent du Villard was classified as a biological reserve in 1999. It is part of the Natura 2000 zone of the Vanoise and shelters fragile protected habitats. Historically, the forest was acquired by the State at the end of the 19th century because of the erosion of the gullies which was causing damage to the communes downstream. (Source: ONF). When going to this forest, make sure you are well equipped and do not use the paths in case of storms. The forest being a protected area, it is also necessary to respect the regulations specific to this site to preserve the environment. In particular, mountain biking is forbidden.

In the valley around Lac de la Rosière, a small chalet awaits you for a meal made on the spot with market produce. Or simply a delicious all-organic crêpe with a cool drink.In summer, the chalet is accessible from the shuttle/parking stop (distance: 200m). In winter, access is on foot along the snow-covered road (2km, D-150m). We offer simple meals based on products from local producers: salads, buckwheat pancakes, Beaufort cheese or market vegetable tarts, wheat crepes, tartiflettes, homemade ice creams. Shaded terrace by the torrent in summer. In winter, indoors only. Bring cash for easy payment, as credit cards don't always work.

At the bottom of Les Avals valley, Le Lac de la Rosière is the departure for many walking path. A via ferrata for beginners is available.New: this summer, a nature guide will be on site and will offer activities in a “forest school” spirit to children and adults.

Designed as an introduction to via ferrata, this unusual itinerary overlooks Lac de La Rosière and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Children under 40 kg must be accompanied by a guide.The left-bank cliff begins with a passage overlooking the lake, then continues via a monkey bridge and an ascending traverse. After crossing the valley on a 65m-long Himalayan footbridge over the dam (a possible escape route), you enter the 2nd cliff on the right bank. An aesthetic, aerial route leads to the "pont des tafones", then, after a final traverse, the via ferrata ends on a bucolic flat on the edge of the gypsum pine forest. 550 m of ropes, 2 Nepalese bridges and a footbridge. IMPORTANT Before embarking on a via ferrata, you must : - know and apply the safety instructions - know the main via ferrata hazards - ascertain the expected level of difficulty and your current physical abilities - Equip yourself with warm clothing and the appropriate technical equipment (and use it correctly). - make sure that no components are part of products recalled by manufacturers Rental equipment available on site: from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in July and August, on weekends in June and until September 15. Please note that rental equipment is not suitable for people weighing less than 40kg. In case of doubt, don't hesitate to ask a professional mountain guide to accompany you.