New Year's Eve in the Dauphiné region and Snowshoeing in Belledonne
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationFrench Alps / Isère
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions63.14 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
New Year's Eve in the Dauphiné region of Belledonne: An Authentic Celebration
Prepare for an unforgettable New Year's Eve in the heart of the Belledonne Massif, a wild and unspoiled alpine haven. You'll receive a warm welcome from Faustine and Sylvie in a completely renovated setting, and be guided by Jean-Louis, a true local who knows every nook and cranny of this magnificent region. A day spent in the mountains, accessible by chairlift, will offer breathtaking 360° views, followed by a festive evening with a memorable holiday meal.
Belledonne: The Well-Kept Secret of the Alps
Ideally nestled in the heart of the most secluded of the Alpine massifs, the charming village of La Ferrière is home to a fully renovated, 3-star hotel offering every comfort. This stay is a true invitation to discover this Alpine massif, which has remained authentic and unspoiled. Between rushing torrents, shimmering high-altitude lakes, and vast spruce forests, it's a total immersion in nature at the foot of the towering Belledonne peaks. In the background, the majestic Mont Blanc and the immensity of the Dauphiné Alps complete this breathtaking scene.
A Guided and Festive Immersion
Let yourself be transported and thrilled at every moment in this world that Jean-Louis or Laurent, your guide, will reveal to you. A local and passionate lover of his mountains, he will share with you the joy of hiking in the snow!
The highlights
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An all-inclusive package, including New Year's Eve festivities
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Easy access by train, for a car-free stay
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Comfortable accommodation in a 3-star hotel
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
This stay is level 2 medium.
Average elevation gain: 450 m Maximum elevation gain: 600 m
Average length: 10 km Maximum length: 12 km
Average time: 4 hours 15 minutes Maximum: 5 hours
The walking pace is slow and steady, the discovery aspect is prioritized over the sporting aspect.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average daily elevation gain: 434 m
- Average daily descent: 150 m
- Maximum altitude: 2980 m
Management
French
State-certified mountain guide and expert on the region,
This passionate professional is committed to:
Ensuring the smooth running of your hike in complete safety: choice of route, management of pace, logistical organization, monitoring of the group's health, adaptation to weather and snow conditions.
Promoting group dynamics and cohesion for a friendly and enriching experience.
To share his passion for the mountains with you by sharing his knowledge of nature and the mountain environment.
Remain available and attentive to your needs throughout the activity.
Program
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Welcome and setup
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Check-in at La Ferrière at the Hotel Le Madame from 5:00 PM.
If you are arriving by train, the meeting point is at Pontcharra-sur-Bréda station at 6:30 PM. In case of delay, please contact the agency at 04.51.20.50.50 or the Hôtel Madame directly at 04.58.47.01.00.
Welcome drinks, check-in, dinner.
Day 1 -
The Crêt du Boeuf and the panoramic view of the mountain ranges
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Maximum altitude 2980 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Panoramic hike along a superb ridge offering views of the Belledonne mountain range, its peaks reaching 2980m, and the routes for the coming days! Panoramic views of 4 Alpine massifs! Access via the Pincerie chairlift.
In the evening, a festive dinner will be prepared by our chef, who will showcase his talents and inventive cuisine. Entertainment is planned.
Elevation gain: 350m positive and 450m negative
Walking time: 5 hours
Day 2 -
The chalet at the end and the Henri IV fir trees
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Maximum altitude 1398 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For this day, we can leave a little later to ensure you get a good night's sleep and are refreshed for your first snowshoe hike. Starting from the hamlet of Gleyzin or La Piat, we will ascend the "Bout" mountain to enter a protected natural area with its ancient fir trees and a refuge worthy of a Jack London novel!
A discovery of the high mountain environment.
Optional: Upon your return, you can enjoy the new relaxation area of the 3-star hotel. Sessions can be booked on site (prices start from €15).
Elevation gain: 500m
Walking time: 5 hours
Day 3 -
The Upper Bréda Valley Trail
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Maximum altitude 1400 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Starting from the hotel , hike along the banks of the Bréda with a discovery of the hydroelectric installations invented by Aristide Bergès in 1878.
This bucolic hike is a beautiful invitation to discover our wild and preserved valley.
Return in the late afternoon, dinner at the hotel. Optional: Upon your return, you can enjoy the hotel's new 3-star relaxation area. Sessions can be booked on site (prices start from €15).
Elevation gain: 450m
Walking time: 4h30
Day 4 -
Dispersion
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your stay ends after breakfast.
The return transfer to Pontcharra-sur-Bréda station is at 09:30 .
Day 5
Note
The times were calculated based on a pace of 250 meters of elevation gain per hour uphill, 300 meters per hour downhill, and 3 km per hour on flat terrain, in order to allow for a comparison of the different hikes on the same basis. They only include actual walking time; all meal breaks, rest stops, or periods of quiet contemplation must be added.
We may sometimes need to slightly modify the indicated itinerary: either due to organizational issues (overbooked accommodations, changes in trail conditions, etc.) or directly at the guide's discretion (weather, group level, etc.). Rest assured, these modifications are always made in your best interest, for your safety and comfort!
Accommodation
Individual registrations are grouped in single-sex rooms of 2 to 3 people.
Single room (subject to availability): To be booked at registration.
New wellness and relaxation area: a beautiful yoga room, a hammam, an outdoor spa, a fitness room and a tea room.
You can choose to book optional sessions during your stay.
Sessions from €15 per person.
Registration and payment on site at the hotel.
Access
Welcome :
At the Madame hotel in La Ferrière, Le Haut Bréda from 5pm, if you come by car.
The hotel address is 1030 Route du Haut Brédà, Le Curtillard, 38580 Le Haut Brédà. Please specify your method of access when registering.
If you arrive by train, the station is PONTCHARRA SUR BREDA.
The appointment is at 6:30 PM if you have opted for the transfer provided by us.
If you are arriving late: On the day of your arrival, in case of a last-minute delay, please leave us a message at 04.51.20.50.50 or contact the hotel directly at 04.58.47.01.00
Train access: Pontcharra sur Bréda Allevard station.
We can offer you a transfer to take you to the hotel from Pontcharra train station.
Price: €20 per person round trip, to be booked at registration.
Car access: La Ferrière 38, Commune le Haut Bréda.
Take exit 22 Pontcharra on the A41 motorway between Grenoble and Chambéry. Then take the D523b, then the D925b to Détrier and finally the D925, then the D525 to Allevard, continue on the D525a to the village of La Ferrière at the exit of the hamlet of Grand Thiervoz, the hotel is on the right.
Parking:
You can park your vehicle without worry near your accommodation.
Dispersion: Day 5
9:30 AM at your accommodation
Return train: 10:30 am at Pontcharra station on Breda, if you have booked the transfer.
Go to the starting point
Train access: Pontcharra sur Bréda Allevard station.
We can offer you a transfer to take you to the hotel from Pontcharra train station.
Price: €20 per person round trip, to be booked at registration.
You can park your vehicle without worry near your accommodation.
Price details
The price includes
- Organization costs.
- Supervised mountain outings with a local guide
- Full board food and accommodation.
- The transfers planned in the program.
- Welcome drinks on the first evening
- Snowshoes and hiking poles, crampons for walking in the snow
- The ascent by chairlift
- New Year's Eve party. (drinks not included)
The price does not include
- Wine during meals.
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Personal equipment.
- The journeys to and from the reception location.
- The different types of insurance.
- Everything that is not listed under "The price includes".
Options
- Round-trip transfer from Pontcharra train station to Bréda : CHF18.30 / unit
- Single room in standard package : CHF182.96 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
During the hike, you must have the following documents in your possession:
- Valid identity card or passport.
- Your travel insurance leaflet received upon registration (if you purchased the insurance we offer) or your personal insurance (contract number + telephone number).
- Health insurance card.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Snowshoes
- Sticks
- Hiking-specific safety equipment
Equipment to bring
Equipment :
- 1 backpack of 35/40 litres with a flexible frame, equipped with a waist belt.
- A large plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack.
- 1 pair of excellent quality sunglasses with side protection.
- a water bottle (1.5 liters minimum).
- 1 Opinel-type pocket knife.
- 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) to put your money, identity card, health insurance card and assistance contract in.
- Toilet paper + 1 lighter to burn it.
- Sunscreen + lip balm.
- 1 survival blanket.
- Camera, binoculars (optional).
For the evening at the accommodation :
- Your pocket-sized hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers.
- 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes.
- Toiletries (prioritize the essentials, small sizes, samples and travel kits).
- Earplugs or ear cushions (optional).
- 1 headlamp or flashlight.
Personal pharmacy :
- Your usual medications.
- Elastic adhesive strip, Elastoplast type, 8 cm wide.
- Sets of adhesive bandages + disinfectant compresses.
- Double skin (Compeed or SOS blister type).
- 1 pair of tweezers.
Clothing to bring
Clothes
The principles:
For the upper body, the 3-layer principle allows you to manage almost all situations:
- a long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material (hollow fiber).
- a warm fleece fur jacket.
- a windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket of the Gore-Tex type.
When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In rain, snow, or wind, simply add a waterproof jacket. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is an essential addition.
Choose quick-drying clothes, so avoid cotton. Opt for wool (merino wool underwear is comfortable and doesn't develop unpleasant odors), silk, and synthetic fibers that will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible.
Remember to dress warmly before you get cold, but especially to remove layers before you get too hot. Sweat is a hiker's enemy, as it dampens clothing that quickly becomes icy during breaks. Therefore, it's very rare to undertake a climb wearing a fleece jacket.
The ideal list: (to be adapted according to the hike and the season)
- 1 sun hat or cap.
- 1 scarf or neck warmer.
- Short-sleeved T-shirts preferably made of breathable material (1 for 2 to 3 days of walking).
- 1 long-sleeved undershirt in breathable material or a shirt.
- 1 fleece fur jacket.
- 1 windproof, waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket with hood.
- 1 rain poncho or a sleeping bag cover
- 1 loose trekking pants.
- 1 pair of shorts or bermudas.
- 1 pair of high-top hiking boots with good ankle support and waterproof soles (Vibram type). Remember to test new shoes and those that haven't been used for a long time beforehand.
- A swimsuit.
