Lake of the Cows – The Vanoise Pass loop from Aiguille de la Vanoise

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Hiking trails & Routes

Lake of the Cows – The Vanoise Pass loop from Aiguille de la Vanoise

Hard

4.8

(37)

357

hikers

Lake of the Cows – The Vanoise Pass loop from Aiguille de la Vanoise

05:55

13.5km

930m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Last updated: August 18, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that may be dangerous

A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.

After 10.1 km for 218 m

Waypoints

Start point

Get Directions

5.65 km

Lac des Vaches

Highlight • Lake

A pretty mountain lake, which can still be completely frozen in June. Bivouac prohibited!

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5.94 km

Lake of the Cows

Highlight • Lake

It is a very beautiful lake surrounded by peaks, located at 2,318 meters above sea level. A nice path in flat stones allows you to cross it.

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7.08 km

Long Lake

Highlight • Lake

It is a very pretty alpine lake, surrounded by glaciers.

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7.95 km

The Vanoise Pass

Highlight • Mountain Pass

The Col de la Vanoise is located at an altitude of 2,516 meters. It is a magnificent passage, where we are surrounded by imposing peaks.

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8.13 km

Col de la Vanoise Refuge

Highlight • Mountain Hut

The Col de la Vanoise refuge is located at an altitude of 2,518 meters and offers a spectacular view of the Grande Casse. The setting is amazing! It is possible …

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8.73 km

Lake des Assiettes

Highlight • Other

Mountain lake located at 2,517 meters above sea level, near the Col de la Vanoise. This lake is often dry in summer and populated by marmots.

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10.8 km

Ruisseau de l'Arcelin

Highlight • Other

The path through the valley of the Arcelin stream is an alternative to the GR 55 and allows a circuit around the Aiguilles de la Vanoise, recommended for the descent. …

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13.5 km

End point

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

8.20 km

3.90 km

1.38 km

Surfaces

7.50 km

4.59 km

1.38 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Thursday 8 October

7°C

0°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 4.0 km/h

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Comments

July 18, 2024,Tour de l'Aiguille de la Vanoise au départ du télésiège du génépi

The itinerary planned, after the skating rink lake, a return via the Col Rosset and the Col Noir but the still very heavy snow in the first pass made us give up. (no adequate equipment)

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