The Alpage de Ritort and Péclet-Polset refuge

It’s not unusual to come across the numerous tarines on the Ritort mountain pasture, where Beaufort cheese is made, before taking the wide, easy path to the Peclet-Polset refuge. It’s a paradise for soft mobility…and marmots!

If you’re looking for easy access to the high mountains, you’ve come to the right place!

Between the whistling of the marmots and the distinctive sound of the tarines’ bells, you’ll be accompanied all along your journey by a soundscape that fades as you gain height, giving way to the soothing silence of altitude.

The valley in which you’re standing, an ancient salt route, is renowned for the production of Beaufort cheese in mountain pastures.

It’s an easy route to the Peclet-Polset refuge, a welcome stopover (a tarte on the terrace is a must!) before setting down your bag on the shores of Lac Blanc, just a few steps away.

The silence is broken only by the cries of the bearded vulture or the tichodrome échelette above you. The Vanoise glaciers can be seen in the distance.

On the way back, take a break at the La Bergerie restaurant to continue the experience with a wood-fired raclette, a uniquely tasty specialty that’s well deserved!

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step :

This valley, entirely dedicated to pastoralism, leads you to the Ritort mountain pasture, where a family of farmers and their workers spend almost a hundred days a year. Beaufort cheese is made on site.
In the heart of the Vanoise National Park, the trail to the Péclet Polset refuge offers a double panorama of the domes of the Vanoise and Polset glaciers.

Departure point: Pont de la Pêche parking lot
Take the pastoral road to the Roc de la Pêche refuge, then head up the valley to the Ritort mountain pasture (very easy access).
1/ The path climbs gradually along the Doron de Chavière and you enter the Vanoise National Park.
2/ The climb becomes steeper until you reach the Péclet Polset refuge.
Dogs are not allowed in the Vanoise National Park.