GR5 Alps Crossing

GR5 Alps Crossing

13 Views
9 Days From

$2384

GR5 Alps Crossing

9 Days Starting in Briancon, France and ending in Saint Gervais les Bains, France

Visiting: Briançon, Nevache, Savoie, Vanoise National Park, Tignes, Roseland Lake, Saint Gervais les Bains, Saint Gervais Le Fayet

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

GR5

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 14

Physical rating:

moderate to challenging

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Mountain Biking

From: $2384

NB: Prices correct on 13-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an exhilarating journey with the GR5 Alps Crossing, traversing the majestic high Alps from Mont Blanc to Briancon. This adventure offers breathtaking views from high mountain passes and the camaraderie of like-minded walkers. Experience the charm of the region by staying in mountain refuges and small hotels, and savor regional specialties with included breakfasts and dinners. Guided by a qualified mountain guide, you'll explore the stunning landscapes of Ecrins National Park, Vanoise National Park, and more. With luggage transfers and internal transfers provided, this tour ensures a seamless and unforgettable alpine experience.

Highlights

  • Traversing the high alps from Mont Blanc to Briancon in the heart of the southern Alps

  • Appreciating the sweeping views from high mountain passes

  • Transfer to the Claree river region, ascend the Aiguilles Rouge peak and descend to the Etroite Valley

  • Cross the Etroite pass and enter the Savoie region

  • Walk in the Vanoise National Park with spectacular views of the Vanoise glaciers and the south face of La Grande Casse

  • Ascend the Palet Pass and walk to Peisey Nancroix

  • Walk via the Croix du Bonhomme pass on the TMB trail to Saint Gervais les Bains

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Briancon

Location: Briançon

Accommodation Name: hotel

Make your way to Briancon and the hotel. An arrival briefing will be held in the early evening with your guide. The group will likely head out for an optional dinner together (not included).

Day 2 : Transfer To The Claree River Region, Ascend The Aiguilles Rouge Peak (2545M) And Descend To The Etroite Valley (5Hrs)

Location: Nevache

Accommodation Name: multishare hut

Meals Included: Dinner

We will firstly take a transfer (45mins)to the Clarée river region, or Nevache, a splendid, remote part of the Alps then climb to the Thures plateau (2100m) and onwards to the Aiguilles Rouge Peak (2545m) with amazing views of Ecrins National Park, Vanoise and Mont Blanc. Descend to the Vallée Etroite, stay in a multishare hut with dinner included.
Distance 12km/7.5mi, +680m/1900ft, -870m/2850ft

Day 3 : Cross The Etroite Pass (2434M) And Enter The Savoie Region (5Hrs)

Location: Savoie

In the morning you will cross the Haute Maurienne border at the “Vallée Etroite” pass (2434 m) and leave the Hautes Alpes county to join Savoie area. Distance 16km/9.9mi +670m/2200, -860m/2820ft

Day 4 : Road Transfer, Walk In The Vanoise National Park And Overnight In Hut (4Hrs)

Location: Vanoise National Park

Accommodation Name: La Leisse

Meals Included: Dinner

After a 1 hour transfer to Bellecombe car park, you will enter the Vanoise National park, the first national park created in the French Alps. You will get spectacular views of the Vanoise glaciers and the south face of La Grande casse (3855 m) and stay in the La Leisse (2487m) with delicious food for the night (shared accommodation).
Please note that luggage is not delivered to tonight's accommodation - you must pack your overnight gear in your daypack.
Distance 12km/7.5mi, +470m/1540ft, -330m/920ft

Day 5 : Sweeping Alpine Views As You Ascend To The Foot Of The Grande Casse Mountain (6.5Hrs)

Location: Vanoise National Park

Accommodation Name: hotel

This stage will offer probably the most dramatic views and best alpine ambiance of the whole trip. You will leave the hut this morning and walk at the foot of the huge “Grande Casse” mountain. After some time you enter the Vanoise National Park where we hope to spot some wildlife such as the Alpine ibex and marmots . Descend to the ski resort of Tignes for your overnight hotel.
Distance 18km/11mi, +650m/2130ft -1080m/3540ft,

Day 6 : Ascend The Palet Pass (2653M) And Walk To Peisey Nancroix (6Hrs)

Location: Tignes

Accommodation Name: hotel

From Tignes this morning we hike to the Palet pass (2653 m). (The road here is classified as one of the worlds most dangerous roads due to its steepness in sections). We will then follow the long and captivating valley of Plan des Eaux where you will walk at the foot of the “Dome de la Sache” and the giant “Mont Pourri”. Overnight at your hotel in Peisey Nancroix.
Distance 20km/12.5mi, +600m/1970ft, -1380m/4500ft

Day 7 : To Roseland Lake Via The Bresson Pass (2469) With Overnight Stay In A Mountain Hut.

Location: Roseland Lake

Accommodation Name: gite or hut

Transfer from your hotel to the village of Valezan. From there you will walk along the valley of Ormettes to begin your climb up to the Bresson pass (2469 m), this is at the foot of a huge iconic rocky mountain called the “Pierra Menta”. You will then follow a balcony pass above Roseland Lake where you will stay in a gite or hut in shared accommodation for the night. Distance 22km/13.6mi +1670m/5500ft, -890m/2900ft

Day 8 : Walk Via The Croix Du Bonhomme Pass (2510M) On The Tmb Trail To Saint Gervais Les Bains (5.5Hrs)

Location: Saint Gervais les Bains

Accommodation Name: hotel

For your last day, you will will discover the incredible mountain trail along Gittes Ridge which was set up by the Alpine troops at the beginning of last century. Following this, walk up to Croix du Bonhomme pass (2510m) on the classic TMB trail. Complete your hike with a descent to Notre Dame de la Gorge and transfer to your hotel in Saint Gervais les Bains. Distance 16km/9.9mi +780m/2560ft, -1370m/4500ftS

Day 9 : Trip Concludes

Location: Saint Gervais Le Fayet

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip concludes after breakfast. From the Saint Gervais Le Fayet it’s possible to get to Geneva airport with a regular shuttle service. We can assist with an airport transfer if required.

What's Included

  • Meals

    8 breakfasts and 4 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea, and juices. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties.

  • Accommodation

    5 nights in comfortable hotels on a twin or triple share basis usually with ensuite, 3 nights in gites
    efuges multishare dorms with shared facilities.

  • Qualified Mountain Guide

    A qualified mountain guide will accompany the group.

  • Luggage Transfer

    Luggage transfer is provided except on day 4.

  • Internal Transfers

    Internal transfers as described in the itinerary.

  • Travel to and from Locations

    Travel to Briancon and from Saint Gervais les Bains.

What's Not Included

  • Meals and Drinks Not Listed

    Meals not listed as included and drinks are not provided.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.

  • Single Room Supplement

    A supplement will apply if you book a single room (available for 5 nights).

  • Storage of Luggage

    Storage of luggage is not included.

  • Transfers Not Listed

    Transfers not listed as included are not provided.

  • Hotel Taxes

    Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.

  • Personal Items

    Items of a personal nature are not included.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in a combination of dormitory style (multishare) in mountain refuges or triple or twin share in gîte hostels / B&Bs and hotels. In the dormitories, there can be up to 40 people in one room in some refuges but less on most nights (around 10-12). Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Blankets are provided but you will need to bring a sleeping sheet. The “Gites” used on this trip are certified “Gite de France” or equivalent with a solid reputation for cleanliness and food quality. Typically they have 2 person rooms, occasionally 4 max.

Grading

CHALLENGING – GRADE 4
The daily guided walks are around 5-6 hours (not including breaks). There are many challenging stages during the walk with steep uphills, descents, and sections of the trail which require care. Daily ascents are between 880m to 1200m whilst descents range up to 1450m. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need an excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, rain, strong sun and extreme winds. The route is subject to modification depending on the conditions.

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported* you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc.
* Except Day 4 where you will need to carry overnight gear and requirements to the hut.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes internal transfers as described in the itinerary, including a transfer to the Clarée river region and a transfer to Bellecombe car park. Travel to Briancon and from Saint Gervais les Bains is also included.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    Accommodation is in a combination of dormitory style (multishare) in mountain refuges or triple or twin share in gîte hostels, B&Bs, and hotels. In the dormitories, there can be up to 40 people in one room in some refuges but less on most nights (around 10-12). Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Blankets are provided but you will need to bring a sleeping sheet. The 'Gites' used on this trip are certified 'Gite de France' or equivalent with a solid reputation for cleanliness and food quality. Typically they have 2 person rooms, occasionally 4 max.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners. Continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea, and juices. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties.

  • Will my luggage be transferred during the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer is included except on Day 4. On Day 4, you will need to carry your overnight gear and requirements to the hut.

  • What is the difficulty level of the tour?

    The tour is graded as CHALLENGING – GRADE 4. The daily guided walks are around 5-6 hours (not including breaks) with many challenging stages, steep uphills, descents, and sections of the trail which require care. Daily ascents are between 880m to 1200m whilst descents range up to 1450m. You will need an excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only.

  • What should I carry during the walks?

    As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone, etc. Except on Day 4, where you will need to carry overnight gear and requirements to the hut.

  • What happens on the first day of the tour?

    On the first day, you will make your way to Briancon and the hotel. An arrival briefing will be held in the early evening with your guide. The group will likely head out for an optional dinner together (not included).

  • What kind of views and experiences can I expect during the tour?

    You will traverse the high Alps from Mont Blanc to Briancon, appreciate sweeping views from high mountain passes, and enjoy the camaraderie of a group of like-minded walkers. You will also stay in mountain refuges and small hotels typical of the region.

  • What wildlife might I see during the tour?

    During the tour, especially in the Vanoise National Park, you may spot wildlife such as the Alpine ibex and marmots.

  • What happens on the last day of the tour?

    The trip concludes after breakfast on the last day. From Saint Gervais Le Fayet, it’s possible to get to Geneva airport with a regular shuttle service. Assistance with an airport transfer can be provided if required.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews of this operator

Katharine McLennan (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks is awesome. My...

13-Jun-2024

UTracks is awesome. My Assisi trip was one of the most beautiful trips I have taken in my 56 years. I wanted to walk by myself, and Utracks teamed up with a local Italian travel company to do everything for me—book the hotels and move my bags from hotel to hotel as I walked the track. The app was AMAZING. It showed the daily itinerary, and the interactive map told me metre by metre where I needed to go and whether I was on track or not. It was far more accurate than Google Maps, and I loved all the commentary on what to look for and what not to. The places I stayed were known as "agriturismo places." They are hosted by families on working farms. Those gorgeous families had farms and accommodations that sometimes dated back to 800!!! But all of them had done a fantastic job updating them to be modern, beautiful rooms. I loved how warm the hosts were and how much they appreciated my stay. There were seldom more than 5 people staying each night. The walk was fabulous -- and incredibly well-researched and noted. I was often the only one on the trails, but I always felt safe and looked after by UTracks in their 24-hour cover. I never had to use it - but as a single woman walking on her own through the Italian hills -- it is great to know that people know where I am. The preparation pack sent to me was also incredibly organised with equipment lists, hotel directions-- with all the contacts, and the contacts of the lovely fellow who would be taking my bag from place to place. He was fantastic -- and I also felt supported by him if things were to go wrong. I will definitely be working with Utracks again and can't wait to plan my next adventure.

Kate (Google Reviewer)  

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking...

31-Oct-2024

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking the Lycian way. It was unhurried, with beautiful scenes and access to nature. The accommodation was excellent with (truly) amazing home cooked Turkish food throughout. We felt a lot calmer, fitter and healthier afterwards.

Addy K (Google Reviewer)  

Great hike to sample some...

04-Oct-2023

Great hike to sample some of the best locations along the Tour Du Mont Blanc. Our guide Sara was great at maintaining pace and knew the route very well. The scenery was amazing especially the tall mountains close to our accomodation. The accomodation provided great 3 course dinners, and we got to sample French, Swiss and Italian food. This is not an easy hike, but as long as you are able to do 1000 mtr elevation gain hikes, this is thoroughly enjoyable.

Mike Burke (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks did everything they promised,...

23-Oct-2024

UTracks did everything they promised, but it is what they did above & beyond that stands them apart. We were caught in the fires in Portugal & they arranged transport to get us out of danger, changed hotel bookings to accommodate the new circumstances & made us feel very safe. We were more than impressed with the level of communication & service. I won't be looking anywhere else when I book my next trip.

Lisa Kibeiks (Google Reviewer)  

Fantastic trip! Well organised and...

18-Oct-2024

Fantastic trip! Well organised and everything went smoothly. Would probably split the two big 30+ days if I were to have my time again. The heat adds another level of difficulty. Accommodations were all different but all clean and welcoming. Meals were varied as we walked into different regions the food changed to what was local. We never had a bad meal or a bad stay anywhere. Highly recommend this trip through France. A nice quiet Camino compared to the Frances but far more challenging. Very enjoyable.

Patrick Shum (Google Reviewer)  

Hassle free self guided tour...

26-Jul-2023

Hassle free self guided tour around the most scenic Austrian hills and lakes. All our heavy baggage taken care of from hotel to hotel. Hiking not difficult at all, instructions are v clear. I recommend use online GPS map. In case someone want to shorten the walking, various options (bus / boat) provided.

Amanda Liddell (Google Reviewer)  

300km in 12 days from...

15-Jun-2023

300km in 12 days from Porto to Santiago de Compostela where a Cathedral stands as the most beautiful ‘Welcome’ imaginable. The accomodation arranged by UTRACKS was consistently excellent & the ease of only having to worry about carrying your backpack and what you’ll have for lunch is perfect. Yes, most days at breakfast you can make up your own bread roll and filling. Notes and directions were included but once you arrive in Spain you just need to look for the ‘shell’ and ‘yellow arrow’ to find your ‘way’. I am 67 years old & consciously chose to walk alone however I met some fabulous people along the way and finally had hours on end with ‘no headchatter’. There’s healing which catches you unaware & makes every step very worthwhile.

Kerry Andersen (Google Reviewer)  

We used UTracks to organise...

13-Jul-2023

We used UTracks to organise our self guided Portugal Coastal Camino walk. We were very happy with information provided for our walk and accommodation picked.

Ian Freestone (Google Reviewer)  

Recently two trips with utracks....

26-Aug-2024

Recently two trips with utracks. Mont Blanc self-guided and Austrian hike-bike. In summary, the experience is only as good as the local partner. In Austria, Helmut was amazing! Met with us prior - went over every detail of the trip, answered his phone if we had a concern. Mont Blanc, the partner would only communicate by text, did not meet us on arrival, and would not return calls even when we had an emergency. Other concerns we raised with utracks staff were not responded to adequately leaving the feeling that they had our money, job done.

Amanda Fairley (Google Reviewer)  

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local...

24-Sep-2024

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local agent’s documentation needs immediate updating to include current accommodation used and their locations. I also had to uncover (it was not proactively disclosed to me) a double up in accommodation location booking (same town over two nights but different accommodation 160 metres apart) by the same local agent which resulted in me having to walk two days of distance in one day, back track for accommodation on the second night and be charged for a 160m bag transfer! UTracks did apologise and the local agent covered my dinner one night as compensation, but the situation would not have happened if either UTracks or their local agent had reviewed their itinerary which would have called out quite loudly to them the messy issue, before finalising it and providing it to me. I was later contacted by UTracks to acknowledge my post trip feedback, but stating that both UTracks and their local agent had been in contact with me THROUGHOUT my walk. To be clear - I had one phone call initiated by UTracks after I had identified the issues and emailed them, and the only contact with the local agent were two emails and one phone call that I initiated to inform them of the issues they created, that I had to uncover. I wouldn’t describe that as anyone from UTracks or their local agent being in contact with me throughout my trip. It is important to not over state the service or support that people provide to a client.

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Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025
$2384

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Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025
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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.