New Year's Eve in an unguarded mountain refuge 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 15 - 75 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
English
In a few words
Ring in the New Year with a snowshoeing getaway , nestled close to the mountain peaks. Tanguy will guide you on a 4-day immersion in the heart of the unspoiled landscapes of the Clarée Valley .
Far from the daily grind, this adventure prioritizes total disconnection thanks to 3 nights in an unguarded mountain refuge . Each day revolves around wild routes, winding through pristine valleys and majestic alpine landscapes.
As dusk falls, this mountain haven awakens with warm, communal moments. Preparing shared meals, engaging in lively discussions around the wood-burning stove , and playing cards fill your winter evenings. The highlight of this experience is New Year's Eve, December 31st , marked by an unforgettable nighttime hike under the stars . An authentic and rejuvenating escape to celebrate the New Year in harmony with nature's gentle rhythm.
The highlights
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Celebrating the New Year in the mountains
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An unguarded refuge, privatized just for us
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The good routine: hiking, cooking, chopping wood, playing cards, chatting
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
This trip is suitable for people who participate in a weekly sporting activity. No prior snowshoeing experience is necessary, but good balance is required to feel comfortable in all snow conditions. Expect 5 to 6 hours of walking and up to 600 meters of elevation gain per day.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 538 m
- Average daily descent: 525 m
Management
French
English
Hi, I'm Tanguy, a Mountain Guide based in Briançon. I organize and lead treks with bivouac camping and stays in mountain huts in the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps. And in winter, I take you on snowshoeing trips, with nights spent in mountain huts or even igloos!
My specialties are bivouacking, the study of avalanches... and wolves!
Program
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Ascent to the Ricou refuge and introduction to the use of avalanche equipment
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We all meet up in Névache, the last village at the end of the Clarée Valley.
Briefing, bag check, food distribution. Then we put on our snowshoes: the adventure begins!
The ascent gently leads us along the Clarée valley, then through a snow-covered forest. The scenery is a succession of frozen waterfalls, gentle slopes, and rolling hills.
At midday we take advantage of the lunch break to learn how to handle avalanche rescue equipment: searching with your avalanche transceiver, shoveling and probing methods.
In the afternoon, we reached our mountain refuge, which we had reserved exclusively for us. We took our time settling into this cozy mountain retreat, chopping wood and lighting the stove, while the light faded outside. The evening promised to be warm and inviting, filled with meals of local produce, lively conversation, and card games by the wood-burning stove!
Day 1 -
Banks of the Clarée and a night out at Lake Laramon
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Wake up and have breakfast at the refuge. We set off on snowshoes through a wild landscape. Our route alternates between short climbs and traverses. Along the way, we learn to read animal tracks in the snow. Here we are in the habitat of the elusive ptarmigan: they probably won't show themselves, but we might catch a glimpse of their footprints. And with a bit of luck, we might spot some chamois on the ridges through binoculars.
A clever and playful descent leads us to the banks of the Clarée. We descend its right bank via a bucolic route between river and larch forests before climbing back up to the refuge.
Back at the refuge, it's time to prepare for the Christmas Eve meal.
As night falls, we put our snowshoes back on for a night out! On the edge of the frozen Laramon lake, we enjoy this suspended moment under the stars before heading down to the warmth of our refuge.
On the return, a gourmet aperitif, a large mountain meal and a New Year's Eve celebration in a friendly and warm atmosphere.
Total for the day: 400m ascent, 400m descent, 8km, 4.5 hours of walking, then a night hike: 250m ascent, 250m descent, 3km, 2 hours
Day 2 -
Grand Cros Pass and Serpent Lake
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For this first day of the year, we're taking things to new heights!
The objective is the Col du Grand Cros, at an altitude of 2848m.
As we climb, the majestic Ecrins appear above the ridges and peaks of the Cerces.
On arrival we are well rewarded by this magnificent panorama with the Vallée Etroite and Italy on one side, and the Vallée de la Clarée, the Ecrins and the Queyras on the other.
A beautiful descent via another route through Lac Serpent, and back to our refuge for this last evening in the mountains.
Day 3 -
Walk along the ramparts, then descend back to the banks of the Clarée.
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h45
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We tidied and cleaned our little refuge before setting off for our last day of hiking. A short but steep climb took us to the coastal path: a beautiful route, mostly along the contour line, offering panoramic views of the valley above. After a few kilometers, we left this path before the slopes became too steep. A lovely descent led us to the Clarée River, which we followed until our return to Névache.
Day 4
Note
This program is given as an indication only: it is subject to change depending on weather conditions, snow conditions, and the level of the group.
Accommodation
Ricou's unguarded refuge.
Access
The schedule for this stay has been specially designed to allow you to travel by public transport. The site is easily accessible from the train stations of Briançon (day or night trains from Paris), Oulx (Italy) then bus line 76, and Grenoble then bus line 55.
Go to the starting point
Access by public transport:
Take the train to Oulx (Italy), Briançon or Grenoble.
Between Briançon and Névache : Res'Alp bus line 7, or taxi, or carpooling from Briançon to Névache with your mountain guide, subject to availability.
- Briançon SNCF train station: direct night trains from Paris
- Oulx Italian Station. Direct trains to Paris in 4 hours 30 minutes, then Res'Alp bus to Briançon line 76 with a stop at Val des Prés "La Vachette Tourist Office" (1 hour journey): book on the Resalp website
- Grenoble train station: direct TGV in 3 hours from Paris, then Blablacar or Res'Alp bus line 55.
If you are coming via Grenoble and the Col du Lautaret, check the traffic conditions before you leave: + 33 (0)4 65 03 0005 www.inforoute05.com.
The Lautaret Pass is closed in case of snow or strong winds. Chains, winter tires or snow socks are mandatory.
From Briançon to Névache: take the direction of Montgenèvre / Turin. Then turn off shortly after leaving Briançon onto the Clarée valley RD 94. You will pass through the villages of La Vachette, Val des Prés and the hamlets of the commune of Névache: Plampinet, Le Roubion, Le Cros, Ville Basse and Ville Haute where you will find yourself at the tourist office parking lot.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a state-certified Mountain Guide.
- Accommodation in unguarded mountain huts and dormitories
- Full board from dinner on day 1 to picnic lunch on day 4, featuring organic and local produce
- A festive, mountain-style meal for New Year's Eve on December 31st
- Loan of technical equipment: snowshoes, telescopic poles, avalanche detection and rescue equipment (latest generation avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe)
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation between your home and the meeting point
- Trail snacks (dried fruit, biscuits, energy bars) for your small snacks during hikes
- Your drinks for New Year's Eve on December 31st
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Repatriation and rescue insurance is mandatory. Cancellation insurance is recommended.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Snowshoes
- Hiking poles
- Down sleeping bag for those who don't have one
- Cooking stoves
Equipment to bring
- Backpack with a capacity of 40 to 60 liters
- Your sleeping bag, if you have one, with a recommended comfort temperature between 0 and +5°C
- A detailed checklist will be sent to you after your registration.
Clothing to bring
- For snowshoeing, mountaineering clothing is well suited
- A detailed checklist will be sent to you after your registration.
The Tanguy team
Our local expert, Tanguy, primarily works independently, creating his own trips. His approach involves choosing less-traveled routes and maintaining flexibility to adapt to the group's level and the conditions encountered. It's an ideal opportunity to explore off the beaten path while learning.
