GR5 from Chamonix to Albertville Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Chamonix and Start of the Trek

After arriving in Chamonix, you will meet up and transfer to the charming hamlet of Le Buet. Once there, you will begin your alpine crossing in the magnificent Bérard Valley, situated in the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges! In the evening, you will have plenty of time to get to know your guide and the other hikers better while at the refuge.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 3h, 650m ascent
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Head Towards the Fiz Massif

Day 2 of the tour will begin with a walk towards the magnificent Col de Salenton (2525 m). You will then enter the Haut Giffre mountain range for a beautiful crossing in the Passy nature reserve. Finally, you will arrive at the heart of the Fiz massif, a fantastic reward for your efforts!
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 6h, 600m ascent/1150m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 Trek to Beaufort

Today you will descend to Lac Vert for a transfer to Les Contamines, then make your way to Signal by gondola. Afterward, you will enjoy a magnificent trek in the Grande Pierrière Valley, before arriving at the Beaufortain Massif via the east pass of the Gittaz (2320 m). Here, you will be able to take in the beautifully scenic views of the Gittaz mountain pasture.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Beaufort
Distance: 6h + 20 min transfer, 500m ascent/900m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 Views of Pierra Menta

Day 4 of the tour will see you first climb the Combe de la Neuva towards the Col du Grand Fond (2671 m). After, you will arrive at the foot of the Pierra Menta, a famous monolith of Beaufortain, where you will enjoy incredible views of the surrounding area. Finally, you will cross the Col du Bresson and descend through serene mountain pastures to arrive at your accommodation.
Overnight Location: Inn/gîte along the route
Distance: 6h + 30 min transfer, 800m ascent/1200m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 Explore Vanoise National Park

Today you will explore Vanoise National Park, a paradise for marmots and other wildlife in the area! While in the park you will climb towards the Col du Plan Séry via the Lac de la Plagne, eventually arriving on the heights of Champagny-en-Vanoise at the end of the day. Here, you will be able to take in some truly breathtaking views!
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 6h, 1050m ascent/1050m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 Trek to the Grand Bec Refuge

Passing through the Champagny Valley discovered the day before, today’s trek will bring you to the resort of Tignes before continuing on a wild route through the mountains. Here, you will be able to traverse the Pointe de Méribel (2790 m) and sleep at the Grand Bec refuge, which is arguably one of the most beautiful sites in the Alps!
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 7h, 1350m ascent/500m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 Traverse Three Mountain Passes

After taking in the pristine landscape views around the Grand Bec refuge, you will set off in the direction of another refuge: the Col de la Vanoise. To get there, you will cross not two, but three mountain passes! Do not worry though, as the reward is well worth the effort! Finally, you will arrive at the foot of the Grande Casse, the highest peak of the Vanoise Massif!
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 6h, 900m ascent/700m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8 Final Day and Departure

This last day of your trekking tour will take place on the heights of Pralognan, as you cross two mountain passes. Here, you will be immersed in the heart of the magnificent Grand Marchet circus.

Afterward, it will be time to make your way down to the valley for a transfer to the end point of the trek: Albertville, where you will say goodbye to your guide and the group for an individual departure.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 7h, 1000m ascent/1800m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch