5 days (4 nights): Tour around Mont Thabor starting from Valmeinier

From the 1800 ski resort, follow the Casses piste over the footbridge. Cross the Chaudanne piste and follow the route to the La Chenalette car park. Then take the hiking trail by the Croix de la Portète. After the bridge over the Neuvache, follow the stream for 150 metres and head up towards the ruins and the birch tree wood. Follow Combe de Corniou as far as the chapel. Then head down to the refuge.

From the refuge: Climb up the Neuvache to Col de la Chapelle (2,943 m), join the hiking route from the Vallée Etroite and climb to the chapel and then the summit (3,178 m). Head down into the “Narrow Valley” until you reach the refuges (1,760 m).

From Granges de la Vallée Etroite, head up the “Narrow Valley” as far as Pont de la Fonderie (1,920 m). Pass around Tête du Chien heading north, and then south to join Col du Vallon (2,645 m, +880 m). Drop down to the combe of Vallon de Ville Haute (1,600 m, -1,045 m). Take the snow-covered Haute Vallée de la Clarée route as far as the Lacou chapels and bear left (South-West) at an altitude of 1,770 m towards Pont du Rately. Then walk up to Refuge Buffère (2,076 m) along a route that is generally well maintained, to enjoy refreshments at the refuge (+500 m). Evening and overnight stay at Refuge Buffère.

Head due west, joining Bois de Sully at an altitude of 2,221 m and crossing below Crêtes de Baudes via Casse Pinière. Stay above the forest until you reach the foot of Grande Manche. Follow the Crête du Queyrellin, and then Tête de la Cassille (3,069 m) and Combe du Lac Rouge. You will then reach the chales of Laval and Refuge Laval or climb back up to Refuge des Drayères.

Col de Névache (2,794 m) down to Valmeinier via Les Barmettes, Notre Dame des Neiges and Combe de Corniou, then along the left bank of the stream to reach Valmeinier. A second night’s stay at Refuge de Terre Rouge.