• Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
  • Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
Écrins Massif / Hautes-Alpes

Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije

Réf : OUWFIG

In summary

  • Sports
    Snowshoeing
  • Duration
    3 days
  • Level
    Intermediate

    Levels

    Snowshoeing
    Beginner
    For those wishing to walk for 3 to 4 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, or trails, or across rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
    Intermediate
    For those who wish to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of approximately 300 to 500 meters on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
    Confirmed
    For those wishing to hike for approximately 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 500 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in sports activities 1 to 2 times a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
    Advanced
    For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and 1,000 meters of elevation gain, off-trail or on rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports 2 to 3 times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
    Expert
    For those who want to hike intensely for 7 to 8 hours a day with over 1,000 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years.
  • Destination
    Écrins Massif / Hautes-Alpes
  • Age
    From 14 - 90 years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    19.63 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This group trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience a sporting adventure with other enthusiasts and be guided.
    Type of stay
    In a group
  • Languages
    French

In a few words

Embark on a three-day adventure in the heart of the Cerces massif, also known as the "Little Dolomites." Led by a guide, you'll discover snowshoeing amidst a majestic landscape, with breathtaking panoramic views of the Agneaux and Meije peaks. The first day, dedicated to learning winter techniques and mountain safety , concludes with a convivial dinner in a cozy mountain refuge.

The following day, the experience takes on a unique dimension: after a beautiful snowshoe hike, you participate in building an igloo or setting up a winter tent . Then comes the simple pleasure of a shared meal under a starry sky, before spending an unusual night in the heart of the snow . The final day marks the return to the valley, your head filled with magnificent images and unforgettable sensations.

This trip offers a total immersion in the winter mountain atmosphere , combining learning, camaraderie, and exploration . A rare experience to discover life at altitude and experience the magic of an adventure in the heart of nature .

The highlights

  • Explore the Cerces mountain range, its ochre cliffs and its iconic ibex.
  • An unusual night in an igloo or tent under a starry sky in the mountains
  • The convivial atmosphere of a warm guesthouse and shared meals in the heart of nature
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Photos

Sport

Level

Snowshoeing

Intermediate

Levels

Snowshoeing
Beginner
For those wishing to walk for 3 to 4 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, or trails, or across rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
Intermediate
For those who wish to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of approximately 300 to 500 meters on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
Confirmed
For those wishing to hike for approximately 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 500 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in sports activities 1 to 2 times a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
Advanced
For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and 1,000 meters of elevation gain, off-trail or on rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports 2 to 3 times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
Expert
For those who want to hike intensely for 7 to 8 hours a day with over 1,000 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years.
For those who wish to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of approximately 300 to 500 meters on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.

The expert's opinion

  1. You are capable of walking 4 to 5 hours a day with regular breaks, on snowy but accessible terrain
  2. Are you ready to experience an extraordinary night in an igloo, in the simple yet safe comfort of the equipment provided?
  3. Do you want to learn how to progress in the mountains during winter, get an introduction to snow safety, and participate in building or setting up camp?
  4. You're not afraid to carry a light bag with your personal equipment and to pitch in with the setup and packing up.
  5. Are you up for sharing friendly meals and a group experience in the great outdoors, even when conditions are cold?

In figures

Snowshoes

  • Average distance/day: 7 km
  • Average daily elevation gain: 450 m
  • Average daily descent: 234 m

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band : 1 supervisor for 4 to 8 people
Languages ​​spoken:
French
Patrick
Patrick

A lover of wild spaces, I was fortunate enough from a young age to be able to pursue my passions for nature and sports. After a stint with the 159th Infantry Regiment's Ski Scouts in 1988, I entered the professional world at the age of 23. The foundation of this path was very clear: the pleasure and the desire to share and pass on my knowledge. I enjoy guiding and empowering people through trekking, snowshoeing, trail running, and fast hiking.

Management

Security

Nothing to report
Learn more about supervision

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
  • map

    Introduction to snowshoeing and winter safety

    • Activity Snowshoes
    • Distance 8 km
    • Positive elevation gain 650 m
    • Accommodation Rural hotel
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner included

    We meet at 8:15 am at the Hotel Le Faranchin, in Villar-d'Arêne. This is an opportunity to meet the group and the guide, who will give us all the equipment for the stay: snowshoes, poles, avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.


    A short transfer then takes us to Pont de l'Alpe (1710 m), the starting point of the hike. We then discover the Cerces massif, nicknamed the "Little Dolomites," famous for its brightly colored cliffs and the presence of ibex. This first day is ideal for learning how to navigate snowy terrain, getting an introduction to safety rules, and enjoying magnificent panoramic views of the Agneaux peaks (3664 m).


    In the late afternoon, we return to the gîte to share a convivial dinner. Before nightfall, time is spent preparing for the igloo experience: organizing bags, checking equipment, and receiving practical instructions.

    Day 1

Note

For this trip, each participant must have their own vehicle to reach the various starting points for the snowshoe hikes. Carpooling among group members is of course possible and encouraged.

Accommodation

During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.

Access

Departure
Villar-d'Arêne, France
Day 1 : 08h15
End of stay
Villar-d'Arêne, France
Day 3 - 13h00

The meeting point is the same as the end point of the stay.

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toGrenoble

It is possible to travel by train to Grenoble station.


  1. Departure station > Paris Gare de Lyon
  2. Paris Gare de Lyon > Grenoble train station (3 hours)


From there, take a bus to Villar-d'Arêne. Bus 55 (Briançon - SNCF train station)


  1. Grenoble > Villar-d’Arêne (1h45)
Access by car
Travel to the place of stay with parking available

If you do not have a car, please note that we encourage carpooling between participants by creating a whatsapp group 15 days before departure: An opportunity to get to know each other before even starting your expedition.

Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
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Bonus: You can also let us know the date that interests you and we will do our best to offer it to you!

Price details

The price includes

  1. The supervision: During these 3 days, you will be accompanied by Patrick, an experienced guide who will share his passion for the region with you.
  2. Accommodation: You will sleep one night in a shared room in a comfortable and authentic hotel and one night in an igloo or in a winter tent.
  3. Meals: All meals, from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the third day, are included.
  4. Expedition equipment: Snowshoes and walking poles are provided for each participant. A safety kit (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe) is also provided by your guide.
  5. Equipment for the night in an igloo: sleeping bag, mattress, tarpaulin, etc.

The price does not include

  1. Transportation to the meeting point and local transportation.
  2. The picnic lunch on the first day is not included.
  3. A sleeping bag to put in the sleeping bag that will be lent to you for the night in the igloo and a second pair of gloves for building the igloo.
  4. Your personal consumption in addition to what was initially planned.

Options

You will be able to select these options when booking.
  1. Arrival the day before - extra night + breakfast : CHF68.61 / person
  2. Extend your stay by one night - extra night + breakfast : CHF68.61 / person
  3. 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

  1. Equipment for an overnight stay in an igloo: sleeping bag, mattress, tarp, etc.
  2. Snowshoes and walking poles
  3. The safety kit (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe)

Equipment to bring

  1. Water bottle (min 1.5L)
  2. Energy snacks (bars, dried fruit, etc.)
  3. Hiking backpack (20 L)
  4. Lightweight silk sleeping bag liner/down sleeping bag
  5. Charged headlamp
  6. A picnic
  7. Reusable picnic kit (Tupperware, cutlery, fabric bag)
  8. Waterproof plastic for ID, phone, etc.
  9. Passport or ID
  10. Credit card and cash
  11. Insurance card
  12. Phone and charger
  13. External battery / power bank
  14. Book/notebook and pen
  15. Multitool / Swiss Army Knife
  16. Compeed or blister plasters
  17. Adhesive tape (repairs)
  18. SPF 50 sunscreen
  19. SPF lip balm
  20. Small personal pharmacy (ampoule kit, headache/nausea medication)
  21. Toiletries kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs)
  22. Microfiber towel
  23. Toilet paper / moist wipes (biodegradable)
  24. Earplugs
  25. Card game or small pocket game

Clothing to bring

  1. Waterproof softshell trousers or hardshell windbreaker
  2. Waterproof high-top hiking boots
  3. Long-sleeved T-shirt(s) of “microfibre”/merino type
  4. Fleece (Consider layering)
  5. Waterproof jacket with hood, "Gore-tex" type
  6. Thick down jacket
  7. Lightweight gloves
  8. Warm gloves
  9. Balaclava / Buff
  10. Beanie (without pom-pom)
  11. Sunglasses (cat. 3)
  12. Ski mask
  13. Hat or cap
  14. Technical and warm underwear (Merino wool)
  15. Warm socks (wool)
  16. Running tights or long underwear
The Marie team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Marie team

4.8/5 (12 reviews) • 85 stays
Specializing in wilderness immersion, our local partner is a leading agency offering over 100 guided adventure trips throughout Europe. The agency distinguishes itself with a rich and varied offering, designed to place nature at the heart of the travel experience. Whether it's mountain expeditions, treks through primeval forests, or explorations of pristine coastlines, the agency leverages its logistical expertise to create authentic and safe itineraries.
Discover their team and their trips
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