Micro-adventure: winter bivouac in a tipi in the Vercors
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationVercors Massif / Isère
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions4.78 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Experience an unforgettable winter adventure in the vast open spaces of the wild Vercors region , during a weekend snowshoeing trip . Accompanied by a passionate professional, you'll explore snow-covered forests and high-altitude plateaus , while discovering the secrets of the mountain flora and fauna . As night falls, prepare for a unique experience: a cozy bivouac in a tipi , surrounded by nature, far from the hustle and bustle.
Designed for total immersion in a small group (5 people max), this trip combines gentle adventure , learning, and conviviality . You will learn to master the essentials of a comfortable winter camp , while savoring the present moment in a magical setting.
An original weekend to reconnect with the essentials and experience the magic of the mountains in winter , when silence settles in and nature envelops you.
The highlights
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An adventure and winter bivouac experience in the wild landscapes of the Vercors
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Small group of maximum 5 people for a complete immersion in nature
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Loan of bivouac equipment and snowshoes
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
This trip is recommended for people who engage in regular physical activity. There are no particular difficulties, but you must be able to walk between 2 and 3 hours a day, carrying a backpack for an overnight stay and being completely self-sufficient.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average distance/day: 8 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 160 m
- Average daily descent: 160 m
Management
French
English
Wonder, discovery, and respect for the environment are the values I share on every mountain excursion. Join me on the trails, walking, running, in every season…
As a mountain guide and mountain environment educator, I passionately share my knowledge of this unique and incredibly rich environment. For young and old alike, because there's no age limit to discovering the mountains!
Passionate about mountains, nature, and small creatures with or without legs, I will take you on hikes with enthusiasm and teaching skills.
Wearing many hats, I am a mountain guide and environmental trainer. Several professions that fulfill my desire to teach, guide, and share.
Together, let us be amazed by the beauty of the world around us!
Program
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Snowshoeing, setting up camp and overnight stay in a tipi
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 220 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We'll meet at 1 p.m.; your guide will give you a quick overview of the trip. This is where you'll collect your camping and hiking gear, as well as food for dinner and breakfast. We'll load the pulka (sled) with the tipi and set off on snowshoes to find the perfect spot for a beautiful bivouac. Along the way, your guide, a wildlife enthusiast, will point out animal tracks and help you listen to birdsong, all while enjoying the views of the mountain peaks.
Mid-afternoon: setting up camp! A time for camaraderie and learning.
After a short walk to enjoy the sunset, it will be time to relax: drinks and a hot meal in our tipi!
After enjoying the stars, weather permitting, we'll go to sleep snug and warm in our thick sleeping bags under the tipi. The right equipment is essential at this point: a foam mattress and an inflatable one to insulate us from the cold ground, and a thick, cozy sleeping bag on top.
Day 1 -
A snowy awakening and return on snowshoes
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Negative elevation 320 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Does a sunrise over the mountains with the smell of hot coffee make you dream? That's perfect, it makes us dream too.
After packing up camp, we will enjoy one last exploration early in the morning, before returning to our starting point and parting ways around 12pm.
Day 2
Note
This program may be modified at any time by the supervising professional, particularly depending on weather conditions, terrain and participants.
Accommodation
5-person tipi, we provide you with a very warm sleeping bag and a well-insulated mattress for a magical night in the heart of nature.
Access
Meeting point in Corrençon: "Parking departure hike towards Le Clariant", Corrençon Nordic ski site (GPS coordinates: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iR4RWppbPr5m3a357).
Carpooling is available from Grenoble train station.
Go to the starting point
Access by train to Grenoble (TER from Lyon, Chambéry, or Valence, TGV from Paris...)
Then travel from Grenoble to Corrençon by bus: from Grenoble bus station, line T64, stop "Hauts plateaux - Corrençon"
More information here: https://carsisere.auvergnerhonealpes.fr/fr/itineraires/4/JourneyPlanner
Carpooling available from Grenoble train station
Transportation to the accommodation with parking available.
Warning: Corrençon-en-Vercors is located in a "mountain area"; snow equipment is mandatory (snow tires / chains).
Carpooling is possible, with interested participants being put in touch with each other.
Price details
The price includes
The organization and supervision of the stay by a mountain guide
Loan of individual equipment: snowshoes, poles, cold-weather sleeping bag, silk sheet, mattress
Group equipment: tipi, pulka, stove
Dinner and breakfast
The price does not include
Round-trip transportation to the meeting point
Lunchtime meals
Personal hiking equipment (shoes, backpack, warm clothing, etc.)
Any personal expenses
Anything not listed under “The 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.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Extreme cold weather sleeping bag
- Mattress
- Silk sheets (for hygiene in the sleeping bag and extra insulation)
- Snowshoes
- Sticks
- Group equipment: tipi, pulka, stove
Equipment to bring
- Backpack (minimum 40L) with waterproof rain cover
- Water bottle (minimum 1.5L)
- Insulated water bottle (optional)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp
- Plastic plate or container, glass (eco-cup type) and cutlery (spoon, fork, knife)
- Tip: Consider borrowing or renting this equipment if you don't already have it
Clothing to bring
- Waterproof and warm high-top hiking boots
- 2 pairs of warm socks
- Thermal base layers: long-sleeved T-shirt and tights
- 1 pair of comfortable and warm walking pants
- a fleece-type sweater
- a warm down jacket for the evening
- a waterproof jacket with a hood
- hat, 2 pairs of gloves (one very warm and one lighter), neck warmer
- Tip: Consider borrowing or renting these clothes if you don't already have them
