Horse and mountain refuge: Equestrian adventure and magical night facing the peaks
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationFrench Alps / Savoy
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AgeFrom 13 - 77 years
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CO₂-Emissions55 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
Embark on a unique equestrian adventure in the heart of the majestic Alpine peaks. Saddle up for two days of mountain immersion, following a wild and spectacular route where each step takes you further between majestic summits, sun-drenched alpine pastures, and crystal-clear streams. The horse's peaceful pace allows you to savor the grandeur of the landscapes while forging a special bond with your mount. After a day of traversing the mountains, it's time to relax: a warm mountain refuge awaits you with a view of Mont Blanc. The highlight of the evening? A Nordic bath in the heart of nature, facing the last rays of sunlight, followed by a peaceful night lulled by the silence of the high peaks. This trip is a timeless escape, ideal for lovers of unspoiled nature, wide-open spaces, and an authentic connection with animals. Let yourself be guided by the rhythm of the horses and experience the mountains like never before.
- To ensure the well-being of our horses, we impose a weight limit for each horse (between 55 and 80 kg maximum) . During these trips, the horses carry not only the rider, but also the weight of the saddle, saddlebags containing personal belongings, and the day's feed. The horses' carrying capacity is equivalent to 15% of their weight, including rider and equipment. Adhering to this limit guarantees that our horses remain in good condition throughout the adventure.
The highlights
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Breathtaking panorama: the Aiguille du Fruit and Mont Blanc in sight!
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Reliable and endearing horses: a rustic cavalry, adapted to mountainous terrain.
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Enjoy a night in a comfortable mountain refuge with a Norwegian bath!
Photos
Sport
Level
Horseback riding
The expert's opinion
REQUIRED LEVEL:
✅ You know how to prepare and saddle your horse independently .
✅ Getting on and off a horse without a mounting block poses no problem for you.
✅ You have perfect control of speed and direction at all speeds , even on varied terrain.
✅ Comfortable on any type of horse, you are able to perform long and sustained gallops.
✅ In good physical condition , you can stay in the saddle for several hours without difficulty, and walk beside your horse if needed during technical or steep sections .
In figures
Horseback riding
- Average duration/day: 6h
Management
English
French
A graduate of the ATE and BPJEPS in outdoor riding, she is also a regional TREC champion. Standing 1.60m tall with her arms raised, she fully embodies her passion for horses, riding an Icelandic mare with a spirited temperament.
Holding a BPJEPS (Brevet Professionnel de la Jeunesse, de l'Éducation Populaire et du Sport) and a DEUST (Diplôme d'Études Universitaires Scientifiques et Techniques) in sports coaching and management, she is also the French Vice-Champion in eventing. Always on the go, she shares her daily life with Noupy, her faithful gelding, who is just as dreamy as she is.
Program
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Ridgeline and 360° view
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet at 9:00 am at the stables , where this mountain horseback adventure begins. For those who wish, it is possible to arrive the evening before (overnight stay at the Ranch optional) and experience a special moment by accompanying the horses from the pasture to the Ranch, bareback – a total immersion from the very first hours.
At 10 a.m., you'll meet your guide and your horse before setting off on your first day of horseback riding. Your destination is Lac des Combes , where a majestic view of Mont Blanc unfolds before you. The fresh morning air and golden light create an enchanting setting for this first ride.
At midday, a picnic at the summit offers the chance to savor an exceptional panorama. Then, it's off to the alpine ridges , with 360° views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Some technical sections are covered on foot, to ensure comfort and safety.
The day ends with a gentle descent to the refuge , where you will take care of your horse before enjoying this haven of peace at altitude .
Day 1 -
Between streams and lakes
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After a hearty breakfast at the refuge to fuel up, it was time to prepare the horses, bathed in the first light of day . The sun rose over the peaks, offering a magnificent spectacle , perfect for starting this final day.
The route alternates between peaceful alpine pastures and shady forests , with magnificent views of Mont Blanc . Back at Lac des Combes , the terrain lends itself to some exhilarating gallops , a perfect way to end the adventure .
Back at the Ranch, after taking care of your mounts, comes the time for shared photos , exchanges of memories , and emotional goodbyes .
Along the way, a gourmet stop at the mountain farm allows you to take home some local cheese , a final touch to this authentic stay. And before leaving, don't hesitate to visit the Ranch shop to pick up a souvenir of this unforgettable interlude, surrounded by nature, the warmth of animals, and majestic mountain peaks.
Day 2
Note
This The program may be modified at the guide's discretion if mountain conditions, weather, or the physical condition of the participants requires it.
Our horses are small and suitable for people of small to medium build. Mountain riding is quite strenuous for the horses. Therefore, for their well-being and safety, the weight limit is set at a maximum of 65kg to 85kg depending on the horse (horses have a carrying capacity equivalent to 15% of their weight, including the weight of the rider, tack, and any equipment that may be carried).
>> A personal waiver must be signed before the start of your stay.
>>> Possibility of combining with 2-day hikes - nights in a mountain refuge.
Accommodation
Facing the majestic Mont Blanc, the Refuge du Christ offers a warm and authentic setting. After a day in the mountains, enjoy a Norwegian bath with a view, savor generous home-style cooking, and end your stay with a hearty breakfast to start the day off right.
Access
This stay can be combined with 2-day hikes in a refuge or from a star starting point from the ranch .
It is also possible to arrive the evening before or to extend your stay by one night after the end of the program to fully enjoy the resort .
Go to the starting point
“Moûtiers - Salins - Brides-Les-Bains” train station.
Then by bus to "Méribel Chaudanne" or "Méribel Centre".
Consider using Google Maps to locate us: the indicated point is accurate. However, be careful if you use GPS on your iPhone , as it may direct you to our headquarters , not to the Ranch !
Once you've passed through Moûtiers , begin the winding ascent towards the Méribel resort . At the first roundabout marked "MÉRIBEL 1938" , take the first exit on the left towards "Méribel Centre Station - Mottaret" . Continue following signs for Mottaret at the next two roundabouts .
You will then go through a tunnel. At the exit, look for the first bend : a sign with an arrow pointing to "equestrian center" is visible there. Turn right at this point: the car park is 100 metres further up .
Price details
The price includes
- The supervision of the activity by a professional
- Your horse and its equipment for the 2 days
- Accommodation for the evening of Day 1
- Lunches from Day 1 to Day 2
- Parking your vehicle
The price does not include
- The federal license
- Transportation to the departure point
- Bed linen and towels (available at an extra cost)
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Dinner on Day 2
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
To ensure the well-being of our horses, we impose a weight limit for each horse (between 55 and 80 kg maximum) . During these trips, the horses carry not only the rider, but also the weight of the saddle, saddlebags containing personal belongings, and the day's feed. The horses' carrying capacity is equivalent to 15% of their weight, including rider and equipment. Adhering to this limit guarantees that our horses remain in good condition throughout the adventure.
For special dietary requirements or allergies, please specify this when registering.
Dogs are not allowed during the hike.
Depending on the hiking area, you are not guaranteed full telephone coverage.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Horse equipment
Equipment to bring
- A headlamp;
- Cash (stop at the mountain farm to buy cheese).
Clothing to bring
- Lightweight riding clothes: prefers clothes made of technical material (quick drying, lightweight, not bulky);
- Sneakers + chaps (more comfortable for sections you have to walk);
- Approved helmet (no loan possible as our helmets are used by riders on training courses and rides);
- 1 pair of spare socks and underwear (bring a small plastic bag for dirty clothes);
- 1 set of spare clothes (t-shirt, jogging pants, fleece or sweatshirt) for the evening;
- Pyjamas ;
- Kway (rolled up and tied behind the saddle);
- Strict toiletries required (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste);
Christ's Refuge: sheets & towels provided / bring your swimsuit (Norwegian bath).
