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:
Tour code:
GR5
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
7 - 15
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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
1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Sunday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Book 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.