PROPOSED BY THE GUIDE
iWhat does it mean?

Lac de Grand Méan: A Spectacular Trek in Vanoise National Park – Hike Amongst Glaciers and Alpine Lakes!

Susa, Torino · Piemonte•1 day•Hiking · 2,870 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
INTERMEDIATE
Where?
Torino, Piemonte
On your own?
No problem
Points
+19
Lac de Grand Méan: A Spectacular Trek in Vanoise National Park – Hike Amongst Glaciers and Alpine Lakes!
Community photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE

A wild lake at 2548 meters in the heart of the National Park

If you're looking for a hike in the Vanoise that truly captures the essence of high mountain terrain, the trek to Lac de Grand Méan is one of those experiences that leaves a lasting impression. Here, you'll find more than just an alpine lake: you'll discover a mineral-rich, glacial, and incredibly powerful environment, where the landscape changes step by step, eventually revealing one of the most breathtaking views in the Vanoise National Park, in Savoy, near the Val Cenis and Haute Maurienne area.

Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

This itinerary is perfect for those who love treks with real panoramic views, progressive trails, altitude, silence, and that sense of accomplishment that only certain places can provide. Lac de Grand Méan, with its intense color and a setting dominated by moraines, scree, and glaciers, is a destination with something rare: it's scenic, authentic, and still capable of surprising even frequent hikers. It's the classic trek that Guidders will love for its balance between effort, beauty, and ultimate satisfaction.

Lac de Grand Méan is striking not only for the beauty of the lake itself but for everything that surrounds it. It's an excursion that leads into a much more severe, open, and "glacial" high-altitude landscape compared to many other classic alpine treks. The presence of moraines, stone, streams, and the glacier creates an almost Nordic atmosphere, rarely found on such an accessible day trip.

It's the right trek for those who are not just looking for a summit or a scenic walk, but a place with a strong identity, photogenic, powerful, and memorable

If you want to experience one of the most beautiful and authentic treks in the Vanoise with the community, this is the perfect type of outing to share with the Guidders: the right pace, a stunning view, and that final feeling that makes you say "it was really worth it". Backpack ready? This is one of those places to mark down right away.

GOOD TO KNOW
Group chat
It opens a couple of days before: that's where the meeting point is confirmed and carpooling is arranged.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before
You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+19 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Not suitable for dogs
This time your dog stays at home.

How hard is it, really

Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
960 m D+ · 12 km · 8h30
Exposure and exposed sections
NONE
No exposed sections reported on the route.
VERTIGO RISK
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 8h30 and 960 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included in the price

✓INCLUDED
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Meals
✕Transport
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.

Itinerary

One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.

Elevation gain
960 m
Max altitude
2,870 m
Distance
12 km
Duration
8h30
Day
12 km · D+ 960 m · 8h30
Map
The stops · 12 km
Meeting point 7:00approximate
Parking: Piazza Repubblica, Susa, Piazza della Repubblica 1, 10059 Susa città metropolitana di Torino, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
HOW TO GET THERE
07:00PARKING
Parking: Piazza Repubblica, Susa
Meeting Point
08:30PARKING
Ecot Parking Area
Let's leave the cars behind and hit the trail!
10:30PARKING
Ascend Through Pastures and Peaks
Trail to Lac de Grand Méan The trail gradually ascends through a landscape that transforms from alpine meadow to rocky terrain. You'll begin with a steady climb through lush alpine pastures grazed by cows and sheep, which gradually give way to bare rock and scree slopes. Above 2200m (approximately 7200 feet), the scenery changes dramatically as we enter the high-altitude realm, where vegetation yields to rock and glaciers. Keep an eye out for whistling marmots among the rocks and, if you're lucky, ibex or chamois on the steeper slopes. As you climb higher, the views open up to reveal breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding peaks, including the Pointe du Dard and the Aiguilles de Polset.
13:00WATER
"Behold, the lake!"
After conquering the final slopes, the lake reveals itself like a crystal mirror nestled in the rock. Perched at 2870 meters, it's one of the highest and most unspoiled lakes in the Pralognan area, embraced by a majestic, lunar landscape. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Vanoise peaks, with the Pointe du Dard towering over the lake and glaciers cascading down from the surrounding summits. Unlike other, more crowded lakes, Grand Méan offers a more intimate and authentic experience, far from the hustle and bustle. Time for a well-deserved packed lunch with panoramic views, capturing unforgettable photos, and soaking up the tranquil silence of the high altitude. Consider a leisurely hike around the lake to discover hidden corners and ever-changing perspectives of the surrounding peaks.
15:30RETURN
After the festivities, we head back home...
Sharing the unforgettable moments and stunning photos captured by the lake. We'll have the chance to stop in Pralognan to savor local specialties (cheeses, tartiflette) before heading back. Return to the parking area, filled with the satisfaction of having discovered one of the Vanoise's most authentic treasures.

How do you get to Susa? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group. Contacts and costs are agreed between you: a seat isn't guaranteed.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.

What to bring

A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.

Trekking poles
REQUIRED
Light headgear
REQUIRED
Sunscreen
REQUIRED
First aid kit
REQUIRED
Sunglasses
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Waterproof shell
REQUIRED
Food supply
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Binoculars
RECOMMENDED

Your guide

VS
Vittorio S.
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Vittorio, a hiking guide and nature leader. After 28 years as a scout leader I decided to start again, turning my passion for the mountains into a profession. Twenty-eight years with young people teach you two things you need out there every time: watch the group, and don't rush. I bring experience, attention and team spirit to the trail, and I love sharing nature genuinely, with respect and proper care for safety. Step by step, together. 🥾 See you in the mountains, Guidders!

Italiano
Inglese
Francese
Spagnolo
Guida Ambientale Escursionistica

Reviews

Only from people who completed the outing.
—
no reviews yet
Itinerary—
Organisation—
Overall experience—
Ibex
The first reviews come after the outing
We only ask for feedback from people who were really there.

You'll be among the first to share your story.

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 8h30 with 960 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Book now, pay only if it goes ahead
MOST POPULAR
✓No charge now: the amount is only held on your card
✓Free cancellation up to 3 days before
✓You're only charged once the group is confirmed, at 7 pm the evening before departure
✓Minimum not reached? No charge, nothing to do
Or pay straight away by card, PayPal, Satispay or Revolut. With Klarna you can also pay in interest-free instalments.
Ibex
Still have questions? Message Ibex
Ibex is Guiddy's virtual ibex: it answers everything, 24/7. In two messages it tells you whether this outing is for you, how to get there and what to pack.
Message Ibex on WhatsApp
No commitment: we're happy to answer even just for advice.
Lac de Grand Méan: A Spectacular Trek in Vanoise National Park – Hike Amongst Glaciers and Alpine Lakes!

Lac de Grand Méan: A Spectacular Trek in Vanoise National Park – Hike Amongst Glaciers and Alpine Lakes!

Susa, (TO) · Piemonte
1 day · Hiking · 2,870 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
960 m
Max altitude
2,870 m
Distance
12 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
8h30
Guiddy points
+19
4 photos
WHY THIS HIKE

A wild lake at 2548 meters in the heart of the National Park

If you're looking for a hike in the Vanoise that truly captures the essence of high mountain terrain, the trek to Lac de Grand Méan is one of those experiences that leaves a lasting impression. Here, you'll find more than just an alpine lake: you'll discover a mineral-rich, glacial, and incredibly powerful environment, where the landscape changes step by step, eventually revealing one of the most breathtaking views in the Vanoise National Park, in Savoy, near the Val Cenis and Haute Maurienne area.

Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

This itinerary is perfect for those who love treks with real panoramic views, progressive trails, altitude, silence, and that sense of accomplishment that only certain places can provide. Lac de Grand Méan, with its intense color and a setting dominated by moraines, scree, and glaciers, is a destination with something rare: it's scenic, authentic, and still capable of surprising even frequent hikers. It's the classic trek that Guidders will love for its balance between effort, beauty, and ultimate satisfaction.

Lac de Grand Méan is striking not only for the beauty of the lake itself but for everything that surrounds it. It's an excursion that leads into a much more severe, open, and "glacial" high-altitude landscape compared to many other classic alpine treks. The presence of moraines, stone, streams, and the glacier creates an almost Nordic atmosphere, rarely found on such an accessible day trip.

It's the right trek for those who are not just looking for a summit or a scenic walk, but a place with a strong identity, photogenic, powerful, and memorable

If you want to experience one of the most beautiful and authentic treks in the Vanoise with the community, this is the perfect type of outing to share with the Guidders: the right pace, a stunning view, and that final feeling that makes you say "it was really worth it". Backpack ready? This is one of those places to mark down right away.

How hard is it

Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
960 m D+ · 12 km · 8h30
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 8h30 and 960 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included

INCLUDED
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
NOT INCLUDED
✕Meals
✕Transport

Itinerary

Day · approximate times
Map
Stops · 12 km
Meeting point 7:00Parking: Piazza Repubblica, Susa
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
07:00PARKING
Parking: Piazza Repubblica, Susa
Meeting Point
08:30PARKING
Ecot Parking Area
Let's leave the cars behind and hit the trail!
10:30PARKING
Ascend Through Pastures and Peaks
Trail to Lac de Grand Méan The trail gradually ascends through a landscape that transforms from alpine meadow to rocky terrain. You'll begin with a steady climb through lush alpine pastures grazed by cows and sheep, which gradually give way to bare rock and scree slopes. Above 2200m (approximately 7200 feet), the scenery changes dramatically as we enter the high-altitude realm, where vegetation yields to rock and glaciers. Keep an eye out for whistling marmots among the rocks and, if you're lucky, ibex or chamois on the steeper slopes. As you climb higher, the views open up to reveal breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding peaks, including the Pointe du Dard and the Aiguilles de Polset.
13:00WATER
"Behold, the lake!"
After conquering the final slopes, the lake reveals itself like a crystal mirror nestled in the rock. Perched at 2870 meters, it's one of the highest and most unspoiled lakes in the Pralognan area, embraced by a majestic, lunar landscape. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Vanoise peaks, with the Pointe du Dard towering over the lake and glaciers cascading down from the surrounding summits. Unlike other, more crowded lakes, Grand Méan offers a more intimate and authentic experience, far from the hustle and bustle. Time for a well-deserved packed lunch with panoramic views, capturing unforgettable photos, and soaking up the tranquil silence of the high altitude. Consider a leisurely hike around the lake to discover hidden corners and ever-changing perspectives of the surrounding peaks.
15:30RETURN
After the festivities, we head back home...
Sharing the unforgettable moments and stunning photos captured by the lake. We'll have the chance to stop in Pralognan to savor local specialties (cheeses, tartiflette) before heading back. Return to the parking area, filled with the satisfaction of having discovered one of the Vanoise's most authentic treasures.

How do you get to Susa? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.

What to bring

A list made for this hike.
Trekking poles
REQUIRED
Light headgear
REQUIRED
Sunscreen
REQUIRED
First aid kit
REQUIRED
Sunglasses
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Waterproof shell
REQUIRED
Food supply
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Binoculars
RECOMMENDED

Your guide

VS
Vittorio S.
Guida Ambientale Escursionistica

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Vittorio, a hiking guide and nature leader. After 28 years as a scout leader I decided to start again, turning my passion for the mountains into a profession. Twenty-eight years with young people teach you two things you need out there every time: watch the group, and don't rush. I bring experience, attention and team spirit to the trail, and I love sharing nature genuinely, with respect and proper care for safety. Step by step, together. 🥾 See you in the mountains, Guidders!

We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.

Reviews

— · none yet
Ibex
The first reviews come after the outing
Only from people who were really there.

You'll be among the first to share your story.

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 8h30 with 960 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Ibex
Still unsure? Message Ibex on WhatsApp →
No date
€24.90
per person
Book now →
Pay only if confirmed