Alert
Alerts
The Plan des Gouilles refuge by the Enclos du Seil
IGN cards
Description
Let yourself be carried away in the beautiful forests on the northern slope in the dale of Champagny. This itinerary takes you over the Pontille Gorges up to the Plan des Gouilles refuge.
Starting point: Champagny Le Haut, dam in La Couaz
Arrival: idem
Duration: 3:45 hrs
Longer and more difficult alternative route (red level) than the trail 8b : the Plan des Gouilles refuge.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Steps
Date and time
- From 01/05/2026 to 01/11/2026
Additional information
Contact
Phone : 04 79 55 06 55
Email : info.champagny@la-plagne.com
Website : https://www.la-plagne.com/champagny-en-vanoise
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/champagnyenvanoise?sk=wall
Open period
From 01/05 to 01/11 daily.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Environments
Mountain view
Mountain location
Type of land
Rock
Stone
Ground
Topo guides and map references
Topo guides references :
Sheet n°8 from the guide book.
Updated by
Office de Tourisme de la Grande Plagne - 06/08/2025
www.la-plagne.com
Report a problem
Reception complements
Safety and rules of good conduct :
- All routes are taken at the hiker's own risk, as they are not supervised.
- Choose your route according to your physical condition and the weather conditions.
- Check the weather forecast (posted daily in the Tourist Offices) and remember to bring warm, waterproof clothing. Mountain weather changes very quickly.
- Follow the signposting instructions.
- Never hike alone.
- Don't leave too late in the afternoon to make sure you're back before dark.
- In the event of bad weather or snowfall, some routes may not be practicable (for information, contact the Tourist Offices, slope services or guide offices).
- Do not use the cross-country or downhill ski runs. Crossing the pistes is only permitted on marked crossings.
- Take plenty of food and water with you. Mountain sports require a lot of energy. There is a refuge at the Plan des Gouilles.
Avoid hot weather and take appropriate sun protection.
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
0/ From the car park (alt. 1448m), cross the wooden bridge over the Doron. Take the path on the right which rises in the forest (sign) and crosses above the Gorges de la Pontille. Continue straight ahead, the itinerary crosses the stream and the Combe de Verdon in the direction of the meadows and chalets of the Enclos du Seil (alt. 1690 m).
1/ From there, at the two crossroads, turn left towards the Chalet de Méribel which is reached in about 30 minutes (alt. 2004 m.). The path crosses the grassy slopes of the Méribel mountain (alpine pasture) to the left and ends up under a rocky ridge.
2/ The path steepens after a slightly aerial crossing, it continues on the side between spruce trees and boulders (magnificent clear view). It is advisable to be careful as the path runs on slabs of rock that are slippery in case of humidity or rain.
3/ Further on, the path goes downhill and in a few hairpin bends, it leads to a large valley, which you cross to reach a large scree.
4/ Here, take the path which rises on the right, in a few hairpin bends on a final steep slope which allows you to reach the Plan des Gouilles refuge in 30 minutes.
The refuge offers a welcoming terrace: it's an opportunity to have a drink, a bite to eat or even spend the night in this exceptional site (tel: 06 08 98 19 02 / refugeplandesgouilles@ffcam.fr).
Superb viewpoint:
Towards the bottom, you can overlook the whole Champagny le Haut valley. Opposite, admire the Dôme de Bellecôte and the Mont Blanc ...
DESCENT :
Take the route up to the crossroads; here the path descends steeply along the line of a ridge, zigzagging to enter the forest below.
5/ At the crossroads (alt.1775 m.), turn left (sign) towards La Couaz. The path goes down into the forest, dips to the right and leads back to the dam (starting point).
Animals
Yes
Data author
