This guide offers readers all the inspiration they need for a multi-activity holiday in the Haute Maurienne, in the French Alps. With many suggestions for day walks, mountaineering routes, via ferratas, rock climbs, mountain biking, road cycling and long-distance treks, there's something here for everyone in your party.
The Vanoise massif is a beautiful range of mountains bounded by the valleys of the Maurienne and the Tarentaise. The Maurienne valley is over 60km long, towered over by peaks of staggering symmetry straight from a child's drawing of mountains.Many figures from history and mountaineering legend have trod throught its forests and along its ancient track; yet the valley is somehow forgotten, despite having been at the heart of the early days of Alpine exploration. Now is the time to rediscover the Maurienne.
The Haute Maurienne valley is perfect for a whole range of alpine adventures and activities. The routes in this guidebook range from short walks and cycle rides for the whole family to long mountaineering routes to the highest summits. Whether you and your holiday companions are adrenalin junkies or Alpine ramblers, or a mixture of both, theres plenty to keep everyone happy, day after day. Routes are clearly described and illustrated with maps, topos and profiles, as well as inspiring photos of mountain-lovers in action among the Alpine scenery.
The valley offers some of the finest modern via ferratas in France, routes specifically designed for sport, with reliable and well-maintained equipment taking direct lines up soaring cliffs and into the deepest gorges.
Walks and scrambles allow real summits to be reached from the valley in a day, with views reaching to the highestgiants in the distance, and mountaineering journeys allow the highest summits to be reached without tackling glaciers.
Cyclists will find themselves surrounded by Alpine giantsfamiliar to any Tour de France followe, Col ded l'Iseran, Col du Galibier and Col de la Croix de Fer amongst them.
Nor will mountain bikers be disappointed, with waymarked trails threading through forests and ski lifts to take the sting out of long climbs.
Plenty of rock climbing venues cater for everyone climbing from V Diff through to the higher E grades.
Activities
day walks, scrambles, treks, rock climbs, via ferratas, mountain biking and road cycle routes.
Seasons
passes open in late May with the season lasting through to early October.
Centres
Termignon and Val Cenis.
Difficulty
Routes range from short walks and cycle rides for the whole family to sustained or challenging mountain routes up to PD to reach the highest summits.
Must See
rocky summits towering over small Alpine villages and the highest cols guarding the valley's approaches; follow in the (possible) footsteps of Hannibal; reach the summit of Dent Parrachée; two-wheeled and roped adventures add adrenalin sport opportunities for a 'mix and match' visit!