Family trek facing the Meije glaciers
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationÉcrins Massif / Hautes-Alpes
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions33.33 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Treat your family to a magical break in the heart of the Southern Alps, far from screens and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This "Esprit Parc National" certified trip is designed to delight both young and old, with walks suitable for children as young as 6 and breathtaking scenery: sparkling lakes perfect for dipping your toes in, playful marmots to spot, and majestic peaks to admire. Each day is a new adventure to share, punctuated by cozy evenings in mountain huts, where you can enjoy stories and family moments under a starry sky. The highlight of this immersive experience? A spectacular cable car ride to reach the glaciers at 3,200 meters altitude, a magnificent setting that will leave a lasting impression and introduce young explorers to the secrets and challenges of the high mountains.
The highlights
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A circuit suitable for young adventurers aged 6 and up
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Fascinating discoveries in the heart of nature
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The cable car ride up to reach the glaciers at 3200m
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 379 m
- Average daily descent: 470 m
Management
French
English
Program
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LA GRAVE (1480m) - VALLON DE LA BUFFE (1975m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 680 m
- Negative elevation 115 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meeting at 9:30 am in La Grave (1,480 m)
You will be greeted by your guide. This briefing will cover the latest information about your itinerary, then you'll set off for an immersion in the heart of the mountains.
LA GRAVE (1,480 m) - VALLON DE LA BUFFE (1,975 m)
For this first day, we leave the legendary village of La Grave and head towards the perched hamlets overlooking the valley. This first day will be an opportunity to get to know the group and learn the basics of mountain life. At the foot of the peaks of the Buffe valley, which rise to around 3,000 meters, we reach our unusual mountain retreat for the night!
Day 1 -
BUFFE VALLEY (1,975 m) - LES MOUTERRES REFUGE (2,250 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 425 m
- Negative elevation 110 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Here we are on the paths once used by peddlers, and now inhabited by shepherds. You and your children will discover that this pastoral activity is organized to manage and enhance the natural environment. For this evening, forget your tablet and smartphone; tonight your screensaver will simply be the Meije mountain overlooking this second refuge where we will spend the night!
Day 2 -
LES MOUTERRES REFUGE (2,250 m) - PLATEAU D’EMPARIS (2,365 m) - VALLON DE LA BUFFE
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 245 m
- Negative elevation 695 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, still facing the Finger of God, we reach the famous Emparis Plateau. A long day: listening to the marmots whistle, dipping our toes in a lake, lying in the tall grass…and finally passing through a small stone hamlet, with its little tribe, and always facing the Meije…
Day 3 -
VALLON DE LA BUFFE - VILLARD D’ARENE (1,650 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 545 m
- Negative elevation 680 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This day will be an opportunity to see the work of man on nature: Will you be able to read the landscape to identify the importance of the choice of location of hamlets, the signs of developments for agriculture?
Depending on the group's fitness level, we can choose to climb to the small summit of Aiguillon (2,095m) or we can stroll leisurely back to our accommodation along the Romanche river.Day 4 -
VILLARD D'ARENE (1,650 m) - GLACIER DE LA MEIJE (3,200 m) - LA GRAVE (1,480 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
To end the week, we're heading for the high peaks! Let's go!
From La Grave, after leaving the animals near the river, we take the Meije cable car to reach the glaciers we've been observing all week! During our last hike, you and your children will learn about the evolution and functioning of glaciers, as well as the effects of climate change on this fragile environment. As an option, you can even venture into the heart of the glacier and visit the ice cave. Return to the valley by cable car. Departure around 5:00 PM.Day 5
Note
Depending on the weather, snow conditions, potential overbooking of accommodations, or any other reasons beyond our control, we may exceptionally need to modify this program. Our local presence in the heart of the Queyras region allows us to best address these constraints without compromising the enjoyment of your stay.
Accommodation
In mountain hostels and refuges. The hostel or refuge model offers accommodation reserved almost exclusively for hikers. Nights are arranged in small dormitories or family rooms with bathrooms either in the rooms or on the same floor.
In mountain hostels and refuges. The hostel or refuge model offers accommodation reserved almost exclusively for hikers. Nights are arranged in small dormitories or family rooms with bathrooms either in the rooms or on the same floor.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Full board from Monday lunchtime to Friday lunchtime
- The hike will be supervised by a guide.
- The cable car fee
The price does not include
- Drinks and wine during meals
- Race food for children
- The ice cave tour (€4.50 to €5.50)
- Luggage transport
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (
For example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
⚠️ For this stay, you must also bring your health insurance card and a European health insurance card.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
No equipment provided
Equipment to bring
Essential equipment for children:
When hiking, it's a good idea for each child to have their own backpack . Parents should adjust the load accordingly. It shouldn't exceed 15 to 20% of the child's weight . They can also slip in any small, cherished items. Your little adventurer's backpack should be the right size, allowing them to do just like mom and dad. That's sure to motivate them for the day!
- A 15-20L backpack adapted to the size of your child's back ( with a small waist belt )
- 1 pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support ( Vibram-type sole )
- 1 large plastic bag
- 1 water bottle or hydration pack ( 0.5l to 1l depending on the age of your children )
- 1 small airtight plastic container, cup, knife and fork
- Race provisions
- 1 swimsuit
For the evening at the family accommodation
- Toiletries
- Spare clothes
- 1 sleeping bag liner
Clothing to bring
When hiking, the 3-layer system remains the recommended equipment for your comfort and safety:
- A short-sleeved t-shirt made of breathable material (hollow fiber)
- A fleece fur jacket
- A windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket (gore-tex type)
Depending on the weather and the level of exertion, you can always choose the most effective option. When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may suffice. In rain, snow, or wind, simply add a waterproof jacket. In very cold weather, or during breaks at altitude, a fleece jacket is an essential layer under a windproof jacket.
Pack quick-drying clothes, so avoid cotton. Opt for wool, silk, and synthetic fibers, which will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible. Sweat is a hiker's enemy, as it dampens clothing and chills you during breaks.
Recommended clothing for hiking:
- A sun hat or cap
- A multifunctional hat or neck warmer like a BUFF© and a pair of lightweight gloves to protect against the cold at altitude
- A short-sleeved t-shirt suitable for physical activity (synthetic or natural microfiber type)
- An insulating garment such as a fleece or down jacket
- A windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket with a hood if possible (gore-tex type or equivalent)
- A rain poncho or a protective cover for the backpack in bad weather (often integrated into the bags)
- Loose-fitting trekking trousers
- Shorts or bermudas suitable for walking
- A pair of high hiking socks suitable for walking
- Essential equipment for adults
- A 30/35L backpack with a flexible frame and a waist belt
- A pair of hiking boots, with good ankle support and a notched sole.
- A large plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack
- A pair of category 3 sunglasses
- A thermos for a hot or cold drink
- A water bottle (allow at least 1.5L per person) or a CamelBak-type hydration bladder with a drinking tube
- A small airtight plastic container, cup, knife and fork for picnics
- Race provisions
- A small pouch (preferably waterproof) to hold your money, ID card, bank card, health insurance card, and travel assistance contract (the rest of your documents and car keys can be left at the hotel during your stay).
- A survival blanket
- Toilet paper with a small lighter to burn it
- Sunscreen SPF 4
- A swimsuit
