Stage 5 of the Tour de la Vanoise covers 16.3 km from Refuge de Plan Sec to Refuge de l'Arpont, with 982 m of ascent and 961 m of descent. The highest point is 2,503 m. Allow about 6 hours of walking, plus breaks.
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
Refuge de l'Arpont (PNV)
National park refuge at 2,309 m in old chalets with dorms of 6 and 10, facing the Vanoise glaciers. Summer 2026 rates were 59 euros half board (6 June to 18 September); book online; bivouac only with a booking.
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "listed only" are on an official or map listing but could not be confirmed on their own website. Most refuges are staffed from mid-June to mid-September. Book ahead, mostly online, especially for July and August, and carry cash: several refuges take no cards.
Emergency: call 112 (medical: 15). Emergency & health guide
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.