100% women's snowshoeing trip in the Ecrins
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationHautes-Alpes / Écrins Massif
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AgeFrom 18 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions25.67 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Explore the Écrins mountains on snowshoes during a 4-day, all-women winter immersion . In the heart of snow-covered valleys and facing iconic peaks , this trip invites you to embrace the mountains under the guidance of an expert guide . From the peaceful Gâ valley to the wild panoramas of the upper Romanche valley , each stage offers a varied itinerary to gradually learn to read the terrain, identify animal tracks, and master navigation in the snow.
This fun and accessible route is ideal for gaining independence while traversing vast, unspoiled landscapes . In the evening, rediscover the warm atmosphere of mountain huts and share authentic moments of conviviality. To top off this invigorating and sporty adventure, enjoy a relaxing break at the Grands Bains du Monêtier . A unique experience to discover the mountains in a different way.
The highlights
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A 100% women's holiday in the heart of the Écrins
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4 days of snowshoeing between mountain huts, peaks and snow-covered valleys
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End your adventure with a break at the Grands Bains du Monêtier
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
This trip is for you if:
- Effort & Elevation Gain: You can walk 3 to 5 hours per day with approximately 500m of positive elevation gain , maintaining a regular pace on snowy terrain.
- Experience: You have already practiced snowshoeing or winter hiking in the mountains.
- Luggage & Accommodation: you are self-sufficient in carrying your personal backpack for 4 days and you appreciate the authentic comfort of nights in mountain huts and guesthouses.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average distance/day: 7 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 425 m
- Average daily descent: 413 m
Management
French
English
I'm Christelle, a passionate explorer of the mountains and human connection! A mountain guide, anthropologist, and science and social mediator, I love moving from group to group, exchanging ideas, learning, and sharing experiences. Nothing excites me more than guiding you through majestic peaks and hidden corners of paradise. Together, we'll discover the local wildlife, flora, culture, and history with curiosity and wonder. So, are you ready for an adventure?
Program
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Day 1
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 12:15 pm in La Grave, in front of the Gîte Le Rocher. After a short drive, we'll share a picnic lunch with a view of La Meije before starting our snowshoe hike. We'll hike leisurely up the Gâ valley for about three hours to the refuge, where we'll spend the next two nights. Once settled in, a short walk around the refuge will allow us to get our bearings in this snowy environment and learn the basics of reading the terrain and following the route.
Day 1 -
Day 2
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This second day takes us higher into the valley, exploring the surrounding peaks. The ascent is gradual, amidst an exceptional winter landscape, with the Aiguilles d'Arves and La Meije as a backdrop. The route and summit reached will be adapted to the snow conditions and the group's ability. Throughout the day, the guide accompanies us, teaching us to observe the terrain and gradually involve us in route planning. After this day in the mountains, we return to the refuge for another convivial evening.
Day 2 -
Day 3
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a final morning in the Gâ valley, we descend back to the vehicles before heading to Villar-d'Arêne. We then set off to explore Lake Pontet and the upper Romanche valley, transformed by winter. On snowshoes, we make our way through a landscape where familiar landmarks can disappear beneath the snow. Orientation, observing the terrain, reading tracks, and analyzing conditions will shape this new day. With a bit of luck, we might spot some chamois or roe deer. At the end of the day, we transfer to our gîte for the night.
Day 3 -
Day 4
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For this final day, we head into the mountains to explore the upper Guisane Valley and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Écrins mountain range. The skills learned in the previous days are gradually put into practice, particularly for navigation and moving across snowy terrain, always with the guide's support. After this last snowshoe outing, we end our stay with a relaxing visit to the Grands Bains du Monêtier spa. It's the perfect way to unwind after four days of adventure before heading back to La Grave.
Day 4
Accommodation
For two nights, we'll be staying at the Pic du Mas de la Grave refuge, perched at 1,944 meters altitude and facing the Meije mountain. After days spent snowshoeing, you'll find a comfortable and welcoming refuge, with small dormitories for 4 to 6 people, home-cooked meals, and lovely spaces to enjoy the evening. A sauna is also available on-site to relax after a day in the mountains.
For the last night of our trip, we'll be staying at Le Flourou, a welcoming gîte located in the heart of the village of Monêtier-les-Bains, in the Guisane Valley. The accommodation offers rooms for 2 to 6 people, with a friendly atmosphere perfect for relaxing after a day in the mountains. The gîte also features home-cooked meals made with local, organic, and seasonal produce. After your hike, you can enjoy the common areas, the large living room, or the balcony with its views of the Écrins peaks.
Access
We'll meet at 12:15 in front of the "Le Rocher" gîte in La Grave.
Go to the starting point
Here are the correspondences:
- Departure station > Grenoble station
- Grenoble train station > La Grave (bus 55)
It is possible to park in the car park in front of the Gîte du Rocher.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be led by a qualified and passionate guide.
- Accommodation in a mountain refuge or gîte d'étape (stopover guesthouse)
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 4
- Equipment rental: snowshoes & poles
- 2-hour entry to the Grands Bains du Monêtier
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to the meeting point
- Day 1 picnic
- Any personal expenses
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
