Site Map © 2009 Ski Touring Info
Located in the region of ‘Savoie’, the Vanoise was France’s first designated National Park. By preserving the area from the development of ski lifts and resorts the area has maintained its sense of wilderness and provides a wealth of unspoilt ski touring terrain. The biggest mountain of the Vanoise is the Grande Casse (3852m), and being the highest point for over 50km, offers fantastic views across the Southern Alps, from Mt Blanc across through to Switzerland.
It is, however, the smaller, lesser known peaks that make the area more attractive to ski tourers looking for a quieter tour. A sense of solitude can often be found and untracked snowfields are easy to find. The area is well serviced with huts that allow for comfortable and rarely crowded bases to be made. For those who prefer to journey, several huts can easily be linked up to provide tours of differing levels of distance and difficulty.
There is a comprehensive guidebook specifically for the Vanoise National Park which provides many ideas and itinerary. The Vanoise National Park is divided into various sections some of which provide easier touring than others. For example the area known as the Vanoise Glacier and the Valloire region provides less serious and more amenable terrain than the Beaufortain area. The important thing to remember with any guidebook is that the routes they suggest are not the only ones and if you get hold of a map various other options and routes will become evident.
The Vanoise is a diverse but often overlooked area for ski touring. It may not have the highest peaks in France but it still has some spectacular mountains and it is a peaceful place with excellent touring options.