From Tignes-le-Lac to Polset (Modane), over 51 km.
1,250 m1,500 m1,750 m2,000 m2,250 m2,500 m2,750 m3,000 m0 km10 km20 km30 km40 km50 km123High point 2,784 m
Elevation profile: from 1,419 m to 2,784 m over 51.3 km.
The GR55 at a glance
The GR55 is the high variant of the GR5 in the Vanoise National Park. It leaves the GR5 above Tignes and rejoins it near Modane, in the Maurienne, staying at higher altitudes; MonGR in fact lists it among the high-mountain variants. It is one of the most direct ways to discover the glaciated heart of the massif.
From the Lac de Tignes, the route climbs the Leisse valley and crosses the pass of the same name (2,758 m), then the Col de la Vanoise, at the foot of the Grande Casse, the highest summit in the massif. It then descends to Pralognan-la-Vanoise, the route’s only foray into a valley, before climbing again to the Col de Chavière (2,796 m), the highest point of the route, and descending to the hamlet of Polset and Modane. High-altitude lakes, moraines, alpine pastures and mountain wildlife accompany most of the way.
Short but committing, the GR55 is walked in a few days at the height of summer. Snowfields can linger late in the season on the two highest passes, and high-mountain weather means you have to keep your plans flexible. It is for experienced, well-equipped hikers, and combines easily with the GR5 for a loop or a longer traverse of the Vanoise.
Highlights
A high-mountain route through the heart of the Vanoise National Park, among glaciers and high-altitude lakes.
Crossing the Col de la Vanoise, at the foot of the Grande Casse, the highest summit in the massif.
Two passes close to 2,800 m, the Leisse and Chavière, opening onto glaciers and great summits.
A stop in Pralognan-la-Vanoise, halfway along, to stock up and sleep in the village.
A short route, ideal for a few days in summer or to vary a GR5 traverse.
Public transport access at both ends, via Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Modane.
Practical information
Start
Tignes-le-Lac
Tignes can be reached by coach from Bourg-Saint-Maurice SNCF station on line S83, whose stop is right outside the station; check which days it runs in summer.
Finish
Polset (Modane)
Modane has an SNCF station on the Maurienne line, so you can return by train at the end of the traverse.
When to go
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The favourable period is from July to mid-September, while the refuges are staffed. Snowfields can linger late in the season on the Col de la Leisse and the north side of the Col de Chavière: check before setting off in early summer.
Difficulty
Hard
A variant rated as high mountain: passes close to 2,800 m, possible snowfields late in the season and long sections with no village, but no climbing.
Accommodation
6 refuges, 1 B&B, 23 hotels and 2 campsites
Refuges staffed in summer, including the one at the Col de la Vanoise, and a range of accommodation in Tignes, Pralognan-la-Vanoise and Modane. Refuge places are limited: book ahead in July and August. Bivouacking is only possible near certain refuges, by booking with the warden.
Rules to know
The route crosses the core zone of the Vanoise National Park. Bivouacking is only allowed there in the immediate vicinity of certain refuges, while they are staffed and by booking a pitch with the warden; any breach of the rules can be fined. Dogs are not allowed in the core zone of the park, except assistance dogs for holders of a “carte mobilité inclusion” disability card.
Water and supplies
Pralognan-la-Vanoise is the only village between Tignes and Modane: carry your food for each half of the route and rely on the refuges to top up. Stream water is not guaranteed safe to drink in grazing areas, and the mobile signal is patchy in the side valleys.
The GR55 on the map
The 3 stages
TrekGR stage plan: each stage ends where you can sleep. Actual walking time excluding breaks (DIN 33466 standard).
No current alerts for this GR (checked on 12 November 2026). All live updates →
Our advice
Before setting off in July, ask about the snowfields on the Col de la Leisse and the north side of the Col de Chavière.
Book your refuge nights, or your bivouac pitch, with the wardens before setting off.
Cross the passes early in the day to avoid the afternoon storms.
Make the most of passing through Pralognan-la-Vanoise to stock up on food.
Combine the GR55 and the GR5 to complete a tour of the Vanoise from Tignes or Modane.
Leave your dog at home: it is not allowed in the core zone of the park.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the GR55 start and finish?
It starts from Tignes-le-Lac; a second branch leaves the GR5 at the Croix de Lognan, below the Col du Palet, and the two meet just past Val Claret. It ends near Modane, at the hamlet of Polset, where it rejoins the GR5.
What is the difference between the GR5 and the GR55 in the Vanoise?
The GR55 is a high-mountain variant: it goes higher than the GR5, over the Leisse, Vanoise and Chavière passes, with more chance of snowfields early in the season.
Can you bivouac on the GR55?
Only near certain refuges, while they are staffed and after booking a pitch with the warden. Wild bivouacking is forbidden in the core zone of the park. See the Vanoise National Park page.
Can you walk the GR55 with a dog?
No: dogs are not allowed in the core zone of the Vanoise National Park, except assistance dogs. The park sets out the rules on its Coming with your dog page.
When should you walk the GR55?
From July to mid-September, when the refuges are staffed. In early summer, snowfields may still cover the Col de la Leisse and the north side of the Col de Chavière.
How do you get to Tignes by public transport?
By train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, then by coach on line S83, which leaves right outside the station and goes directly up to Tignes.
Route: OpenStreetMap contributors. Elevation: IGN’s RGE ALTI®, one point every 50 m. Text checked on 10 November 2026.
