Lac de Plan d'Amont and Refuge du Fond d'Aussois

This family hike, in the heart of the Vanoise National Park, is an ideal warm-up for the start of your stay. Skirting the rhododendron-fringed Lac de Plan d'Amont, it takes you to the Fond d'Aussois plateau, where the refuge welcomes you.

Description

Did you know that the body of water you're walking along and its twin below have a curious function?

These hydroelectric dams power an aerospace wind tunnel where model planes and rockets are tested.

But you don't need such devices to admire the turquoise waters reflecting the Dent Parrachée.

Set off along the path lined with sweet-smelling rhododendrons and stone pines! Many animals inhabit this little paradise: marmots, squirrels, bearded vultures, ibexes... you're sure to come across one of them.

You come to a plain where a peaceful stream meanders. Follow it to the pretty Notre-Dame-des-Anges chapel, where a few fluttering jackdaws seem to stand guard.

Finally, you arrive at the refuge, overlooking the former "Chalet de la Marie". Tym's warm welcome and organic, local catering are sure to entice you to stop off.

The more courageous are invited to continue on a slightly steeper slope towards the Col d'Aussois. But your efforts will be amply rewarded by the breathtaking view over the Vanoise and all the surrounding massifs.

Environments

• Lake view
• In the mountains
• Presence of herds and guard dogs

Rates

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 8.5km
• Type of route LOOP
• Elevation gain 420m
• Negative elevation gain 420m
• Daily duration 02h45
• Marked itinerary Yes
• Accuracy of markup yellow signs PNV
• Nature of the land Earth, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 2350m

Opening period

From 01/06 to 31/10.

Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather conditions

• Subject to snow conditions

Spoken languages

• French

Location

Departure from the dam parking lot 7km fromAussois.

Animals

Animals accepted : No

Topo/step by step

• Departure: Free parking at the dams, 7 km fromAussois. Road closed to coaches.
  1/ Follow the dirt road over the dam as far as Pont de la Séteria.
  2/ Leave the GR5 (refuge de la Fournache) and turn left towards Fond d'Aussois and the Fond d'Aussois refuge.
  3/ Chapelle Notre-Dame des Anges built in 1886 by Louis Couvert.
  4/ Chalet de la Marie, former refuge until 2003
  5/ New Fond d'Aussois refuge (CAF), built in 2004. For the more athletic, the trail continues to the Col d'Aussois and the Pointe de l'Observatoire at 3015m.
  6/ Return via Fournache. Access trail to the Grand Jeu chairlift, open all summer except Saturdays, via the Plan Sec refuge.