Glière refuge and the Grassaz pass

The Vanoise National Park created in 1963 due to the disappearance of the ibex is the oldest national park in France. It offers a majestic space between the Maurienne and Tarentaise, guardian of fauna and flora carefully preserved.It runs an incomparable variety of scenery with its 53 000 hectares and 500 km of trails. The Vanoise National Park comprises two zones: the central zone and peripheral zone. The central area called "Coeur de parc" has a special attention as the protection zone. It is subject to specific rules. The peripheral zone covers 28 communes. It has a common border with the Italian National Park of Gran Paradiso. Twinned since 1972, they collectively cover an area of 1250 km2, the largest protected area in Europe.

In the heart of the classified valley of Champagny Le Haut, at the foot of the Py waterfall and a few meters from the Vanoise National Park, the Laisonnay refuge has been welcoming gourmets and hikers since 1963 in a unique and friendly atmosphere.Within its situation and exceptional services make the Laisonnay refuge accessible to everybody. All Hikings and walks are all possible from the refuge. Accessible by road or from the trails. The accommodation is comfortable and includes hot showers, electric appliances charging, satellite internet .. Traditional and non-stop meal service with local products from partner farms and producers. Half-day hikes: - Refuge de la Glière, 1h 45 - Lac de la Glière, 1h 45 - Lac des Echines, 2h 30 - Refuge de Plaisance, 1h 45. Full-day hikes: - Col du Palet, 5hrs - Col du Plan Serry, 5hrs. - Tour of the Pointe de la Vallaisonnay : Duration 2 days. Hike level: 1050 m of ascent and 450 m of descent. 1st day 4hrs walking. 2nd day: from the Entre le Lac refuge to the Laisonnay, 4hrs, 500 m of ascent and 1100 m of descent.

The refuge is guarded from 20/06 to 15/09/2020. Caretaking's end date to be confirmed. In the heart of the Vanoise national park, the guardian welcomes you in an old sheepfold rehabilitated in 1985. Just above the refuge, is the dry lake of La Glière. A lot of marmots. Country lunch, traditional lunch and dinner.Typical refuge (dormitories and rooms for 4 people) but comfort with toilets and hot showers. Outside periods of guarding, the refuge is partially open (12 beds). - Selective waste management and sorting. - Soundproof gas generating set. - Heating with wood stove. - Voltaic photo boards. - WC In this place isolated from everything, without modern energy means, we make every effort to offer you a simple but quality restoration. We use a maximum of local, regional products. Some also come from organic farming. In order to quench your thirst or to warm you, enjoy our selection of hot and cold drinks. If hunger takes you, do not panic, on request we will prepare varied omelettes, mixed salads, plates filled with regional products, soups, cheeses, cold meats. And if gluttony brings you here, let us make you taste our sweet tarts, Savoy cake, pancakes, white cheeses. All desserts are homemade. Starting point 1: Parking Laisonnay at the foot of the north face of the Grande Casse: Panorama, Aiguille de l'Epéna. 1h30 walk. Starting altitude: 1560 m. Arrival altitude : 2010 m. Drop: 450 m. Difficulty: None. Starting point 2: Peisey-Nancroix-Refuge de Rosuel, duration 8h, + 1100m drop - 600m. Crossing of the Grassaz pass with snow at the beginning of the season. Ski touring (knives are required). Not recommended in winter, very avalanchey, no sun, very cold. - IGN map: 3633 ET Tignes, Val d'Isère and 3532 ET, les Arcs, La Plagne, 3534 OT to 1/25 000. Didier Richard at 1/60000. Coach parking in Laisonnay. Possibility to ride, on horseback, with a donkey, mountain bike, joëlette, alpine skiing and touring, 4x4 only for rescue. Snowshoers, be careful of avalanches and when walking downhill on sloping terrain. Half day excursion: - Lake of the Echines: 1h30, + 400m drop, chamois, panorama. - Alpine chalet "Plan du sel": 1h, + 250m drop, cows processing, manufacture of beaufort. Day hike: - Tour du Vallaisonnay: 8h, + 600m drop - 1000m, panorama, wild animals. - Col du Palet: 3h, + 700m drop, flowers, chamois.

In the heart of Vanoise National Park, the guardian welcomes you to an old sheepfold refurbished in 1985. Just above the refuge is the dry lake of Glière. Lots of marmots. Traditional mountain meal, lunchtime and dinner.Continuous food service: Tartiflette and green salad from the vegetable garden. (Only served with demi-pension) Lunch, "repas de la Glière": Raw ham, Beaufort cheese, potatoes, omelette, green salad. Throughout the day: Crêpes with blueberry jam, old-style tartlettes and white cheese.

Located at the entrance of the Vanoise National Park, this info point provides information about footpaths, activities, etc.