New Year's Eve snowshoeing in the heart of the Queyras
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationQueyras Massif / Hautes-Alpes
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions26.04 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
In a few words
Enjoy a true nature escape during your stay in the heart of the Queyras Regional Natural Park, a perfect way to end the year on a relaxing note. Here, the mountains are truly experienced: snow-covered landscapes, soothing silence, and unexpected encounters with wildlife.
We have chosen for you a comfortable little hotel**, nestled in a typical village in the Guil Valley. From this cozy haven, your guide will lead you through magnificent landscapes: high-altitude panoramas, observation of animal tracks, and magical moments facing the chamois and ibex that inhabit the ridges.
In a double room, enjoy the peace and quiet and the family atmosphere of your accommodation. As evening falls, let yourself be enveloped by the warmth of the fireplace and the magic of the snowflakes for a truly serene New Year's Eve.
The highlights
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A quiet and comfortable hotel**
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A privileged natural setting for observing wildlife
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In the heart of the Queyras Regional Natural Park
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
Don't hesitate, even if you've never hiked before, this trip is accessible to everyone! You'll hike on mountain trails with a daily elevation gain and/or loss of 300 to 600 meters, for approximately 3 to 5 hours of walking. You'll carry a light pack containing your essentials for the day (picnic, warm clothing, water bottle, etc.).
The focus is on discovery rather than sport. The terrain is accessible to all, and your guide is there to gently introduce you to the joys of snowshoeing.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 415 m
- Average daily descent: 415 m
Management
Our team is made up of mountain enthusiasts, happy to help you discover the Queyras in winter!
You will be accompanied by a qualified professional, an expert in snowy terrain. He will guide you safely and share his love of nature with you: reading animal tracks, observing winter landscapes, local stories and anecdotes…
Always attentive to your comfort and pace, he will advise you on your equipment, ensure your safety, and put you at ease. With him, every outing becomes an opportunity to fully enjoy the mountains, discover their hidden treasures, and experience a true moment of disconnection.
Program
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Welcome and hiking: Peynin, its hamlet and its alpine pastures
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet at 9:30 am at your accommodation : the ** hotel in the village of Aiguilles, arrival possible the night before (option available when booking).
You will be greeted by your guide who will explain the schedule of your stay, then you will head straight out on your hike.
Peynin: its hamlet and its alpine pastures
We set off on snowshoes from the village to reach the alpine pastures, following the gentle path of the old mule track. A beautiful trek through the forest leads us to the chalets. A ski resort operated here for many years, but today the site is no longer frequented, and some ski lifts are being dismantled to reclaim the wild spaces. We explore the gentle, sunny slopes as we reach the Serre ridge. A magnificent descent through the forest in powder snow brings us back to the village.
On the program: a very beautiful view of the village and the valley, a trapper atmosphere with the discovery of numerous animal tracks, panoramas of the surrounding peaks.
Day 1 -
The hamlets of the Guil: in the time of the shepherds
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The Guil Valley was once densely populated. In every mountain corner, perched hamlets and sheepfolds were built to provide work for the people. Depending on the snow conditions, today's hike will take you to discover these hamlets, abandoned over time…
New Year's Eve : The spirit of this evening is to prioritize conviviality and good cheer. The menu is festive, colorful, and composed of local products.
Day 2 -
La Médille alpine pasture: chamois observation
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 295 m
- Negative elevation 295 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The hike begins gently with an almost flat path alongside a magnificent frozen stream. We then leave the valley, entering the heart of the reserve. Sightings of chamois, sometimes ibex, often quite close up, are almost guaranteed! This superb viewpoint offers an exceptional view of Mont Viso. This special moment with wildlife will give your guide the opportunity to tell you about the habits of these large mountain ungulates. Shortly after the chamois, we will reach the Chalets de la Médille, another superb viewpoint offering an exceptional view of Viso.
Day 3
Note
Please consider this program a flexible itinerary! Due to variables such as weather, snow conditions, or other factors beyond our control, we may occasionally make adjustments. However, rest assured, our guide is an expert on the mountain range, knowing its every secret, and will strive to guarantee you an exceptional experience.
Accommodation
2* hotel in the village of Aiguilles.
We entrust you to Patricia, who will welcome you to her small , family-run hotel with warmth and simplicity. Her incredible generosity and dedication to your satisfaction will make you feel right at home!
After your walk, you can enjoy your day a little longer thanks to the south-facing balconies of the rooms. With the sun bathing your face, you'll be dazzled by the magnificent view of the Mourre Froid.
Don't hesitate to ask your hosts if you have any questions; they will be happy to answer your questions or give you advice about the surrounding area.
Access
WELCOME
Meet on day 1 at 09:30 at your accommodation: the hotel** in the village of Aiguilles, arrival possible the day before (see further on the "welcome" section of the practical sheet).
DISPERSION
After the hike, on the last day around 4:00 PM
For participants using the train, transfer with the local bus (included in your stay, depending on train schedules ask us for shuttle schedules) to Montdauphin-Guillestre station (5:00 pm).
If you are staying in Aiguilles overnight
Please let us know when you register if you would like an extra night. We will accommodate you at our partner's or in nearby accommodation, depending on availability.
Go to the starting point
Travel by train to Montdauphin-Guillestre Station
Arrive easily from Paris by day or night train. Check the timetables on SNCF Connect. For travelers coming from the south, take the Marseille-Briançon line. Enjoy the simplicity of rail travel to discover this superb destination.
From the train station to the meeting point
Option included in the price, upon reservation
Your guide or an agency representative will meet you at the station at 8:30 am for the transfer to the meeting point.
Please note that to organize this transport and ensure you have your place, you must book your transfer with us no later than one week before the date of your stay.
As places are limited, any changes must be reported no later than 72 hours before your arrival (i.e., Thursday evening at the latest).
From the north, take the Lautaret pass via Briançon (RN 94) or Grenoble (RN 94/D902). Alternatively, from Grenoble, take the A51 motorway towards Gap, then the RN94 towards Guillestre (D902).
From the south, go via Valence or Sisteron, continue towards Gap, then Embrun, and finally Guillestre. Once in Guillestre, follow the signs for "Queyras" via the D902 and the D947.
Snow equipment (snow tires or chains in the trunk) is now mandatory from November 1st to March 30th. For information on accessing the Hautes-Alpes department, please visit: https://inforoute.hautes-alpes.fr
Parking
You can leave your vehicle in the car park near the hotel during your stay
Price details
The price includes
- Full board on day 1, lunch (picnic) after the picnic on day 3
- Accommodation in a double room
- New Year's Eve Dinner December 31st
- Supervision by a state-certified mountain professional
- The transfers described in the hiking program
- The provision of safety equipment, snowshoes and poles
- Return transfer between the train station and the accommodation
The price does not include
- Drinks and wine during meals
- Insurance
Options
- Additional night with half-board before the stay - Single room : CHF86.91 / unit
- Additional night with half-board before the stay - Double or twin room : CHF146.37 / unit
- Additional night with half-board after the stay - Single room : CHF86.91 / unit
- Additional night with half-board after your stay - Double or twin room : CHF146.37 / 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.
• Health insurance card.
• Your travel insurance leaflet received upon registration (if you purchased this insurance through our offices) or your personal insurance (contract number + telephone number).
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- For effective winter hiking, we equip you with a pair of TSL snowshoes suited to your size and walking poles for added stability. The snowshoes, fitted with crampons, ensure good grip on hard-packed snow and optimal comfort regardless of snow conditions.
- Safety is our top priority. We provide you with an avalanche transceiver (DVA) to wear, as well as a collapsible shovel and a folding probe to pack in your bag. On the first day, your guide will train you on how to use them during a quick and simple practical exercise.
- With this complete equipment and the expertise of your guide, you can enjoy the winter mountains with complete peace of mind.
Equipment to bring
• 30/35 litre backpack with waist belt.
• Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and Vibram soles. (Absolutely avoid boots and après-ski boots, which are not suitable for snowshoeing.)
• 1 pair of high gaiters that cover your shoes and lower leg well
• Thermos or water bottle
• Cup, knife and fork for picnics.
• Race supplies to replenish energy along the way.
• Small waterproof pouch for your valuables such as: money, ID card, bank card, health insurance card, assistance contract. You can leave the rest of your documents and car keys at the hotel during your stay.
• Emergency survival blanket.
• Toilet paper with a sealed bag to wrap it up and throw it in the first available bin.
Clothing to bring
Recommended clothing for hiking:
For the upper body, adhering to the three-layer principle is essential to guarantee your comfort and safety throughout your journey:
• Breathable short-sleeved T-shirt: Choose a breathable T-shirt made of hollow fiber to wick away sweat when you are active.
• Fleece jacket: This fleece jacket keeps you warm in cool weather by providing extra thermal insulation.
• Waterproof and breathable windproof jacket (such as Gore-Tex or equivalent): This outer layer effectively protects you against inclement weather such as rain, snow or wind, keeping your body dry and sheltered from the elements.
For your lower body, choose trousers designed for winter walking that are warm and incorporate a waterproof membrane such as Gore-Tex or equivalent. Many major retailers offer this type of product, which is perfectly suited to the conditions.
Adapt your clothing according to the weather and the level of activity. Choose quick-drying clothes, avoid cotton which retains moisture, and opt for materials like wool, silk, and synthetic fibers to stay dry and warm.
Avoid anoraks and ski suits, which are too hot and bulky.
In addition to the 3 layers, your winter outfit for snowshoeing:
• 1 beanie.
• 1 pair of warm gloves (bring 1 spare pair)
• 1 protective cover for the backpack against bad weather (often integrated into the bags)
• 1 pair of trousers suitable for winter walking incorporating a waterproof membrane (jeans are not allowed as they freeze when wet!)
• 1 pair of warm underwear or leggings (these can also be used for the evening in the refuge)
• 2 pairs of high, warm hiking socks suitable for walking
• 1 pair of category 3 to 4 sunglasses
They traveled with us
