4 days of snowshoeing in the Clarée Valley
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationNévache / French Alps
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AgeFrom 18 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions20.33 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Explore the snow-covered landscapes of the Clarée Valley and the Cerces Massif on a 4-day winter trek. Starting from the charming village of Névache , this snowshoeing route takes you from refuge to refuge through unspoiled valleys, at the foot of majestic peaks reaching nearly 3,000 meters in altitude.
Beyond the physical exertion, this adventure offers a true introduction to mountain safety through practical workshops focused on the use of avalanche transceivers , shovels , and probes . From the peaceful Lake Laramon to the wild Combe de la Grande Manche, you'll journey through unspoiled nature, alternating between hiking and convivial breaks .
Accompanied by a small group , enjoy a pace that allows ample room for wonder and rejuvenation. A total immersion in a magical high-mountain atmosphere.
The highlights
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4 days of snowshoeing in the heart of the Clarée Valley
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Nights in mountain huts and convivial meals in the heart of the mountains
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Explore Lake Laramon perched at 2,360 m
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
This trip is for you if:
- Effort & Elevation Gain: You can link several days of walking in winter conditions, with approximately 500m of positive elevation gain per day with regular effort.
- Altitude: you can move around comfortably at altitude (between 2,000 and 2,360 m ).
- Carrying & Life in a refuge: you are self-sufficient to carry your personal backpack for 4 days and you appreciate the authentic comfort of nights in a refuge.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 507 m
- Average daily descent: 425 m
Management
French
Hi! My name is Virginie. I left my native Switzerland to settle in Grenoble, France. It's there that I discovered the most wonderful job in the world: mountain guide! I've been fully dedicated to this activity since the end of 2023. Always on the go, I explore the peaks through trail running, hiking, and climbing, keeping things interesting! Sharing my passion enriches me every day, and I'm lucky enough to be able to make a living from it.
Program
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Day 1
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We meet in Névache in the morning to begin our four-day mountain immersion. After getting acquainted, we check the contents of our packs together before distributing the snowshoes. The guide also demonstrates how to use the avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe, ensuring everyone is comfortable with their equipment.
We then set off and progress slowly towards the refuge, located below the valley. This first climb allows us to gradually warm up.
Once they arrive, it's time for practical exercises focused on avalanche victim search and rescue: using avalanche transceivers, probing, and organizing a group search. The exercises are carried out directly in the field.
The day ends at the refuge with a hot meal prepared by Meije, before a briefing dedicated to the next day's stage.
Day 1 -
Day 2
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a night spent at 2,000 m and breakfast at the refuge, we set off to explore the heights of the valley, surrounded by peaks close to 3,000 m. The route unfolds gradually on gentle slopes.
We take a break to regain our strength before continuing our ascent. There are still approximately 250 meters of elevation gain to cover at a leisurely pace to reach the refuge.
Martin and his team welcomed us upon arrival in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. In the evening, we shared an aperitif followed by a meal together. For those who wished, a beer tap was also available to extend the evening.
Day 2 -
Day 3
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day begins peacefully at an altitude of 2,100 m. We ascend the valley via an old alpine path to Lake Laramon, located at 2,360 m. Situated above a glacial moraine, the lake offers a glimpse of landscapes shaped by ancient eternal snows.
We then continue our route through the Clarée valley, in a particularly preserved environment where progress is made in peace and quiet.
At the end of the day, we reach our refuge at 2,200 m. Nicolas and his team welcome us there for the evening, with a meal renowned throughout the valley.
Day 3 -
Day 4
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 275 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, we leave the refuge to take a detour through the Combe de la Grande Manche. This high-altitude depression plunges us into a more mineral atmosphere, between moraines and scree slopes.
We make our way through the valley, taking advantage of the open passages to observe the valley below and to orient ourselves using the different terrain features that surround us.
After a picnic lunch on a sheltered terrace, we begin our descent towards Névache. Once back at the starting point, we pack up our equipment and conclude the expedition with a group debriefing.
Day 4
Accommodation
Laval Shelter.
Staying at the Ricou refuge is a stop not to be missed in the heart of the Clarée.
Chardonnet Refuge.
Access
We will meet at 9:45 am at the Névache en Clarée office. The end point of the stay is the same.
Go to the starting point
Here are the correspondences to use:
- Departure station > Briançon
- Briançon > Névache (bus or local shuttle)
Parking is available near the starting point in Névache.
Price details
The price includes
- The stay will be supervised by a qualified and expert mid-mountain guide.
- Accommodation in warm and comfortable mountain huts (dormitory)
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to the picnic on Day 4 (homemade and convivial breakfasts, picnics and dinners, taken in nature or at the refuge)
- Snowshoeing equipment (poles and snowshoes)
- Rental of safety equipment: avalanche transceiver kit, probe shovel
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Any personal expenses (snacks, drinks, etc.)
- Day 1 picnic
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
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.
