Trekking at the foot of the glaciers in Savoie - story, advice, and equipment AlpinStore

To you who are passionate about mountains, you have surely passed through Haute-Maurienne with a stop at the village of Bonneval-sur-Arc, or even at the hamlet of l’Écot, haven’t you?

But yes, you know, this little corner of the world where you quickly find yourself transported back to the time of our grandparents, or even great-grandparents...

Paved streets, slate roofs, stone houses of yesteryear: it is from the hamlet of l’Écot that the adventure at the foot of the glaciers often begins. You put on your shoes, check the trekking pole equipment, pack your snack, and off you go.

Head towards the Évettes refuge by passing through the pass of the same name. We make a stop to catch our breath and admire the 180° view facing the tongues of ice. Wow! It’s beautiful after all.

Contemplative in front of the Évettes cirque and the peaks that make you want to return, the ascent continues. Plan des Évettes, glacial moraines, meanders, high mountain flora well present: everything invites you to open your senses.

After crossing a Roman bridge, a path marked by cairns will lead you to the Grand Méan lake. Altitude 2,855 meters: we are there. This glacial lake owes its color to mineral particles, the famous "glacier flour". Magnificent. Fragile too.

Cradled by the cracking of the active glaciers and observing some floating blocks that persist at the end of summer, we realize that we are lucky to admire this with our own eyes. We will be tempted by the respectful observation of an open breach on the right bank, without getting dangerously close.

These images transport you. After a few hours of vacation at the foot of this giant of ice, it is already time to descend into the valley. The loop through the gorges of Reculaz offers a descent full of contrasts and refreshing shadows.

A realization but not only...

Nevertheless, it must be noted that the glaciers are retreating, it is visible and it is a sad reality: twenty years ago, this lake didn’t even appear on the IGN map. Today we talk more, we read more, but acting requires coherence and consistency.

I do not claim to be a hardcore activist, but like many, I strive for more responsible consumption. We love these mountains; they are our playground in summer and winter. So we pay attention. We consume better. We choose sustainably.

On the ground, equipment matters: trekking backpacks from the best brands will follow you for a long time if you know how to choose them and take care of them. We also recommend high-performance rain covers to protect the contents when the weather goes awry. Don’t forget safety: you can now easily find trekking compasses online, handy for reviewing your basics before heading out.

Do you want to reduce your impact but not your pleasure? Think about buying quality mountaineering equipment when it comes to crampons or protections, and if your budget is tight, we also offer affordable trekking gear, reliable for starting without burning the planet.

And for your feet: if you want to be comfortable on moraines and névés, it’s time to buy hiking shoes suited to your use. Comfort, support, grip: you need to weigh the pros and cons. Among the tested models, Black Diamond hiking shoes impressed me with their support and precision, but choose according to your foot and your practice.

Do you want us to help you choose? We explain how to choose your hiking accessories: material, weight, versatility. You’ll see, investing a little more in durable products pays off: less replacement, less waste.

Here’s an important reminder: respect the trails, take your waste back, do not pick flowers in protected areas, and remain discreet for wildlife. Our mountains only ask to be respected.

The Évettes refuge, the Grand Méan lake, the moraines: these are landscapes that must be preserved for the next generation. So yes, we talk about personal commitment: limiting water and energy consumption, sorting waste, mastering purchases. But also: sharing this message with climbing buddies.

We often receive practical questions: what bag for a day in the Alps? We sometimes recommend a Cotopaxi backpack for hiking if you’re looking for a comfortable volume, but the important thing remains the fit and robustness. And for the rain? Get covers or jackets that have proven themselves.

Do you want to manage your budget? Check the offers on the site and compare categories: from basic to very technical. The right compromise exists for everyone. The intrepid enthusiasts as well as the contemplatives deserve gear that holds up without falling apart at the first storm.

• Before leaving: check the weather, itinerary, and your equipment.
• On the ground: respect the environment, leave nothing behind, protect water points.

A little word on responsibilities: the author of these lines disclaims any responsibility regarding the ascent of this route. Mountaineering and high-altitude climbing require respect, training, and sometimes professional guidance.

Friends who love the mountains, whether you live there or only enjoy it for a few weeks a year: respect these environments. It’s simple, effective, and it’s part of the pleasure. And if you want to gear up, think about little finds: compasses, lamps, compressible bags. We have everything you need to prepare for your outing.

In the end, these landscapes invite us: to contemplate, to reflect, to act. And then to return, again and again.

CHARLES Chloé

trekking glacier savoie outdoor brand