Snowshoe trek in the Belledonne mountain range with overnight stays in mountain huts.
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationSavoy / Bauges Mountains
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions15.36 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on a three-day winter trek in the heart of the Belledonne crystalline massif, between deep forests , snow-covered valleys, and isolated peaks. A timeless experience to escape the everyday, just a few dozen kilometers from Grenoble.
On snowshoes, you will advance through snowy landscapes, in the silences and lights of winter.
We will forge our own path among the tracks of the wildlife that inhabits this protected territory.
Nights are spent in unguarded mountain huts: basic comforts are provided to allow for the authentic experience of an evening among nature enthusiasts gathered around a wood-burning stove. Evening meals will be cooked together on a gas stove.
A refreshing adventure that recharges us and reconnects us to what is essential.
The highlights
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A wild, snow-covered mountain range with fantastic views
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Small group (6 max) to respect the friendly atmosphere and tranquility of the environment
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Loan of snowshoes and technical equipment for sleeping in the cabins
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 7 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 450 m
- Average daily descent: 417 m
Management
French
Virginie, a mountain guide based near the Vercors massif, has been leading treks for several years.
Her second area of expertise is naturopathy; she understands how to provide support tailored to each individual's needs and is driven by a desire to offer profound and tangible transformation. For this, she firmly believes that nature is a valuable resource.
Through our mountain retreats, we dedicate our energy to a different approach: providing support in a unique way. We create immersive experiences where everyone can reconnect with what truly matters, marvel at the world around them, feel alive, have simple and sincere conversations, and find their own rhythm.
Mountain guide specializing in treks and multi-day hikes. Also a physiotherapist and yoga teacher, I am passionate about the power that long-distance walking can have on the body and mind.
I am used to supporting people in their efforts.
I love connecting with people when they're in the mountains, because everything is simpler, more authentic. During these trips, I share with you my way of recharging: the wonder of wild landscapes.
Program
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Welcome and immersion
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The meeting point is at 11:15 am at Lake Saint-Clair, in the town of Détrier. For those who wish, carpooling can be arranged from Grenoble train station at 10:15 am.
After a brief introduction of the group, the guide and the program, we review the equipment before loading the bags and putting on the snowshoes.
This is the beginning of the adventure: a gentle first warm-up through a fir forest leads us to our cabin perched at 1500m altitude.
Once settled, everyone contributes to the life of the camp: looking for wood, lighting the stove, cooking together… The evening ends in a simple and warm atmosphere, gathered around the stove, in the middle of the mountains.
Day 1 -
Chapoutet summit
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave early in the morning to enjoy the first hours of the day in the mountains.
The walk takes place in silence, in a peaceful, still-sleeping nature.
We continue the ascent begun the day before, until we reach a ridge which we will follow to its summit, at 2076 meters altitude.
The descent then leads us to our second cabin, a simple and welcoming refuge, perfect for enjoying a hot tea and some shared cakes.
At the end of the day, those who wish can set off again on foot, with lighter bags, to climb above the cabin and admire the sunset over the peaks.
Day 2 -
The snow-covered plateaus of the great Presle mountain
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 950 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We leave our cabin for a beautiful journey across vast wild plains.
With a bit of luck, the discreet song of the black grouse will accompany our steps in this preserved territory.
A balcony path gently guides us back to the ridge we took on the first day, offering a final look at the landscapes we have traversed.
Then comes the descent, through a living forest marked with numerous animal tracks.
We return to our starting point and complete this beautiful loop.
A small shared snack will punctuate this stay before departures.
For those who wish, carpooling to Grenoble train station is possible, with an arrival scheduled for 5pm.
Day 3
Note
The program is provided as a guide only and is subject to change due to weather conditions, mountain conditions, and the needs of the travelers. Ultimately, the guide has sole discretion over the program and may modify it for safety reasons. Similarly, the estimated times for each stage are approximate.
Accommodation
Unguarded cabin
Access
You are responsible for getting to the starting point of the hike on your own. However, to facilitate travel by train, we will meet at Grenoble train station at 10:15 am.
We will carpool to get to the start of the hike; it takes about an hour to drive.
If you are coming from the Chambéry area, then head to Saint-Clair lake in the town of Détrier (73110). You can leave your car in a parking lot.
The trek ends around 4:00 PM, with arrival at Grenoble train station at 5:00 PM at the latest.
Go to the starting point
For those who wish, carpooling can be organised from Grenoble train station at 10am.
Price details
The price includes
- All meals
- Loan of cooking equipment in the cabin (stove, gas, pots and plates - but not cutlery)
- Loan of technical equipment (snowshoes, inflatable mattresses and cushions, 2° comfort down sleeping bags and sleeping bag liner)
- All hikes are led by a qualified professional.
- Explanations, observations of nature, landscape, fauna, flora and mountain life
- Health and effort management tips for successful hikes
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Your personal mountain equipment: clothing, bag, shoes
- Snacks to eat during hikes
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
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 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) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider 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.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Snowshoes
- Comfort 0° down duvet
- Inflatable floor mattress
- Walking sticks
- Cooking equipment and camping gear
Clothing to bring
For walking during the day
- High-top shoes + gaiters
- Walking sock
- Gloves (1 waterproof pair and 1 lightweight pair)
- Beanie + neck warmer
- Trousers (flexible and water-repellent)
- Several breathable layers (T-shirt, base layer, sweater)
- Backpack (at least 40L) + rain cover
- Sunglasses
- Gore-Tex jacket (windproof/waterproof)
- Mobile phone + a battery if needed (photos)
- Small personal first aid kit (toothbrush, sunscreen, plasters)
- A water bottle and a thermos
For the evening
- Lightweight down jacket (feather-filled if possible)
- Change of clothes to stay dry and warm in the evening: socks, underwear, thermal top
- 1 spare pair of trousers
- Toilet paper + lighter to burn it
- A headlamp
- Flip-flops or light slippers
- 1 knife / 1 large spoon / 1 plastic cup or glass
They traveled with us
