03/09/2026
MORE TIPS ⬇️
DAY 2 solo hiking the Tour du Vallaisonnay in Vanoise National Park, France, and today I learned that a 6 km hiking day can still humble you.
I’m hiking this 5-day self-guided hut-to-hut trek through the French Alps with , and today took me from Refuge d’Entre le Lac to Refuge de Plaisance.
Refuge d’Entre le Lac → Refuge de Plaisance
6 km | ~3 hours
The hardest part for me came almost immediately: the ascent behind Refuge d’Entre le Lac.
I hadn’t slept much the night before. Shared mountain refuge dorms mean snorers, people getting up and sometimes just a noisy night. I also didn’t eat enough that morning.
Combine that with an ascent first thing and my body was basically asking, “Ma’am, what exactly are we doing here?”
DAY 2 LESSON: Eat breakfast. Even when you don’t feel particularly hungry. And if you’re a light sleeper, EARPLUGS belong on your hut-to-hut hiking packing list.
Eventually I made my way to Refuge de Plaisance, where one of the highlights was something very simple: a modern hot shower.
Plaisance shower tip: Take your clothes off and get completely ready BEFORE putting your coin in. Then insert the coin and press the green button. Don’t waste precious hot-water time trying to undress after you’ve started it.
If you’re a solo female traveler or newer to hut-to-hut hiking, this is why I’m sharing the little details along with the pretty mountain views. The kilometers only tell you part of the story. Sleep, food, elevation, weather and how you’re feeling that day all affect your hike.
Tomorrow: Refuge de la Glière.
Hi! I’m Kimberly, a solo female hiker sharing hut-to-hut hikes, long-distance walks and practical European travel guides to help women plan their own adventures.
Save this if you’re planning the Tour du Vallaisonnay, hiking in Vanoise National Park or researching your first hut-to-hut hike in the French Alps with Bookatrekking.
