New Year's Eve: Snowshoeing and Mountain Hut in the Hautes-Alpes
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationLe Monêtier-les-Bains / Écrins Massif
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions13.82 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Celebrate the arrival of the new year with a winter snowshoeing getaway in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes . During this 3-day trip, explore majestic snow-covered landscapes, alternating between wild valleys, pristine valleys and panoramic peaks.
Your adventure begins with a gradual snowshoe hike leading to a cozy mountain refuge . On the second day, enjoy a superb loop to the Col de la Ponsonnière , rewarded with breathtaking views of the Alpine peaks. As night falls, share a convivial New Year's Eve celebration around a festive and comforting meal to welcome 2027 under the stars.
The first day of the year begins with a final immersion in the high altitude before a gentle descent back to the valley. This trip combines a complete change of scenery , immersion in nature , and the spirit of teamwork , ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of traditional evenings and experiencing an authentic New Year's Eve in the great outdoors.
The highlights
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Spend New Year's Eve in a mountain refuge in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes mountains
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3 days of snowshoeing in a winter setting
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Start 2027 with a friendly adventure in the mountains
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
This trip is for you if:
- Effort & Elevation Gain: You can walk 4 to 6 hours a day in the mountains and link several days at a regular pace, with 400m to 800m of positive elevation gain per day.
- Terrain & Technique: You are comfortable on mountain trails, including snowy ones, without any prior technical skills being required.
- Luggage & Overnight Stays: You can carry a light bag containing your personal belongings and you are ready to spend 2 nights in a refuge .
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average distance/day: 6 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 340 m
- Average daily descent: 317 m
Management
French
English
You will be guided by Lisa, a qualified mid-mountain guide based in the Hautes-Alpes.
Program
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Day 1
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 4 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at Pont de l'Alpe late morning for a briefing, equipment distribution, and final checks before departure. We begin with a leisurely ascent through alpine pastures, between valleys, meadows, and vast snow-covered landscapes. We'll have our picnic near an old mountain hamlet, with a beautiful view of the surrounding area. In the afternoon, we continue our trek before reaching the valley where the refuge is located. We'll settle in, rest, and enjoy our first evening in the mountains.
Day 1 -
Day 2
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we set off on a loop hike towards La Ponsonnière. The route alternates between ridges, valleys, and hollows, in a distinctly wintry atmosphere. Depending on the snow conditions, the glacial lakes may be covered in snow and blend into the landscape. We stop for lunch at a natural viewpoint before continuing the loop and gradually returning to the refuge. At the end of the day, everyone enjoys some free time before gathering for a convivial meal to celebrate the arrival of the new year!
Day 2 -
Day 3
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 20 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After enjoying our first breakfast of 2027 overlooking the mountains, we picked up our packs and began the descent back to the valley. A final short climb allowed us to savor the scenery a little longer before starting the long descent back to our starting point. A gentle way to end our trip, even if our legs were still feeling the effects of the previous night's festivities! We finally reached the parking lot, where it was time to say goodbye after spending New Year's Eve in the heart of the mountains.
Day 3
Accommodation
The Clos des Vaches refuge is a recently built mountain hut located at an altitude of 2,250 meters , above Monêtier-les-Bains, in the heart of the Cerces mountain range. Built in a particularly pristine environment, it offers a secluded and wild setting, accessible only on foot from Pont de l'Alpe. Its high altitude allows visitors to fully appreciate the high mountain landscapes, with the peaks and valleys of the Cerces all around.
Access
We'll meet at 10:45 at Pont de l'Alpe.
Go to the starting point
Here are the correspondences:
- Departure station > Briançon station
- Briançon → Le Monêtier-les-Bains / Pont de l'Alpe (bus or local shuttle, journey time approximately 30 minutes)
It is possible to park in a car park at the meeting place and leave your car there for the duration of your stay.
Price details
The price includes
- The stay will be supervised by a mountain guide specializing in mid-mountain terrain.
- Accommodation for 2 nights in a comfortable mountain refuge
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 3
- Equipment rental: snowshoes & poles
- Safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
- A surprise touch for the New Year
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to the meeting point
- Any personal expenses
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
