In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationHautes-Alpes / Alps
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions35.35 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages🇫🇷French
In a few words
Experience an unforgettable snowshoeing adventure in the enchanting Clarée Valley. Immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful valleys in the Alps, still untouched by mass tourism. This true natural haven near Briançon promises a complete immersion in winter nature, far from the hustle and bustle, for a unique snowshoeing experience as you traverse its snow-covered landscapes reminiscent of the Nordic countries. Through snow-covered forests, cozy mountain huts, and memorable encounters with the locals, let yourself be carried away by the magic of an adventure that invites total disconnection. In the heart of the mountains, each step brings you closer to a feeling of peace, rediscovering simple and authentic pleasures. This trip is designed for those seeking to escape the everyday and reconnect with themselves in an enchanting setting.
The highlights
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An organized stay in small, comfortable mountain huts
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Discover a wild and authentic valley
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A completely disconnected experience in harmony with nature, a wild Nordic atmosphere
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Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
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.
The expert's opinion
The hikes offered take place on mountain trails with elevation gains of 600 to 800 meters, both uphill and/or downhill, without any particular technical difficulties. Expect approximately 5 to 6 hours of walking per day.
The balance of your physical fitness throughout this stay takes into account the impact due to the effort of hiking but also the carrying of your belongings during certain days or half-days (see section Carrying).
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 642 m
- Average daily descent: 592 m
- Maximum altitude: 13 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band :
1 supervisor for 5 to 10 people
Languages spoken:
🇫🇷
French
Supervisor
Supervisor
Our team is made up of mountain enthusiasts, happy to help you discover the Clarée Valley 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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The high valley and its alpine chalets
- Transportation Minibus - 00h35 - 22km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Welcome to the Upper Clarée Valley
Arrival by train:
- Meet us on Sunday at 8:30 am at the Briançon SNCF train station . We will provide a shuttle for a direct transfer to the starting point in Névache. Please book your transfer at least one week in advance to guarantee your place. Any changes must be reported no later than 72 hours before your arrival.
Arrival by car:
- Meet at 9:00 am in the parking lot in front of the Névache tourist office.
We also offer the option of arriving the day before for a smooth departure (see the Reception section).
Once there, you will receive your equipment before setting off on your first snowshoeing adventure, accompanied by your guide.
The High Valley and its Alpine Chalets
Begin your adventure gently along a magnificent frozen stream, taking time to admire the valley's typical snow-covered chalets. You'll traverse impressive gorges before reaching the Laval refuge for a well-deserved night in a cozy atmosphere.
Day 1 -
Muandes Valley and Breathtaking Panorama
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 660 m
- Negative elevation 660 m
- Maximum altitude 13 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, set off to explore the Muandes valley and its enchanting scenery. Depending on conditions, we'll hike to the Col des Muandes (2,828 m). Up there, a panoramic view unfolds before you, revealing the majestic Cerces, Écrins, Thabor, and Aiguilles d'Arves mountain ranges. On the return journey, you'll cross Lac Rond and Lac Long before arriving back at your refuge with stars in your eyes.
Second night at the Laval refuge.
Day 2 -
Col du Raisin and Majestic Cirque
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure from the Laval refuge towards Fontcouverte (1,860 m), passing under the Queyrellin ridges. Then, we will climb towards the Chardonnet refuge, nestled in the heart of a majestic cirque.
After a snack break at the refuge, we set off to conquer the Col du Raisin (2,691 m). From the summit, a 360° panorama awaits you, offering breathtaking views of the Écrins massif.
Descent and overnight stay at the Chardonnet refuge.
Day 3 -
Exploring the Mountain Passes and Lakes
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This day promises flexibility, with several route options depending on the weather and snow conditions. Whether it's the Col du Chardonnet, Lac Lamaron, or Lac du Serpent, each route offers a complete immersion in breathtaking scenery. In the afternoon, we'll reach the Ricou refuge after crossing the valley, where you can travel light and leave your belongings behind.
Day 4 -
Return to the Valley and Last Memories
- Transportation Minibus - 00h37 - 22km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
To conclude this exceptional stay, we'll descend leisurely into the Clarée Valley, the perfect opportunity to capture your final memories of this unforgettable adventure. The hike will end around 11:30 am, with a transfer to the train station after lunch in Briançon at 1:00 pm for those returning by train.
(times to be adjusted according to the first trains after 1 p.m.).
Day 5
Note
Don't take this itinerary at face value! Depending on the weather, snow conditions, or for any other reason beyond our control, we may exceptionally modify it. Your guide knows every corner of the mountain range like the back of their hand and will adapt to ensure you make the most of your stay, for example, if certain trails are very busy. For your enjoyment, you'll discover enchanting and unspoiled routes…
Accommodation
🏔️ Mountain refuge - Days 1 to 4
During this multi-day trek, you will stay in mountain huts every night. You will be fully immersed in the mountains for 5 days, far from civilization!
• Nights 1-2: Laval Refuge
Upon reaching the end of the Clarée Valley, you'll be charmed by this mountain chalet nestled against the rock face. Here, everything is optimized and well thought out! Completely energy self-sufficient thanks to its small power plant, the refuge has a dryer fueled by its excess heat. Warm up in this cozy atmosphere by the wood-burning stove or under a hot shower.
• Night 3: Chardonnet Refuge
Arriving majestically at the foot of the Cerces mountains, with a breathtaking view over the Névache valley, the Chardonnet refuge makes its grand entrance! Here, you'll be pampered with refined and inventive cuisine, a far cry from the simple fare of mountain huts of yesteryear. You can relax your muscles (but not for too long, we're conserving water here!) under a hot shower.
• Night 4: Ricou Refuge
Nestled at an altitude of 2,115 meters in the heart of the Névache alpine pastures, the Ricou refuge is a true haven of nature in the upper Clarée Valley. It offers exceptional panoramic views of the Cerces massif and Mont Thabor. Enjoy the breathtaking vista from the terrace or warm up by the wood fire in the cozy dining room. The warm welcome and authentic setting will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Access
Departure
Névache
Day 1
: 09h00
End of stay
Névache
Day 5
- 11h30
Welcome
Arriving by train: Meet on Sunday at 8:30 am at Briançon SNCF train station
Arriving by car: Meet on Sunday at 9:00 AM directly in the parking lot in front of the Névache tourist office.
Dispersion
The stay ends at 11:30 am after the last day of walking, following the picnic (on Thursday).
Transfer to Briançon station for train users at 13:00.
(times to be adjusted according to the first trains after 1 p.m.).
Some of these trains run periodically, it is imperative to check your return times with SNCF at 36 35 or https://www.sncf-connect.com/.
Go to the starting point
Take the train toBriançon
Travel by train to Briançon 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 tour guide or an agency representative will meet you at the train station at 8:30 a.m. for the transfer to the meeting point. Please note that to organize this transport and guarantee your seat, you must book your transfer at least one week before your trip. As space is limited, any changes must be reported no later than 72 hours before your arrival (i.e., Thursday evening at the latest).
Travel to the place of stay
with parking
available
From the north, take the Lautaret Pass then Briançon (RN 94) or Grenoble (RN 94/D902). Alternatively, from Grenoble, take the A51 motorway towards Gap, then the RN94 towards Briançon.
From the south, go through Valence or Sisteron, continue towards Gap, then Embrun, then Briançon.
Once in Briançon, continue towards the Clarée valley / Névache.
Mountain landscapes await you on this road trip to Queyras!
"Road conditions" for the Hautes-Alpes department
Regardless of the route you take to reach the Hautes-Alpes in winter, special equipment (snow tires, snow chains or snow socks…) is mandatory from November 1st to March 30th. Practice putting them on before you leave.
To access the Hautes-Alpes department, you can consult the website: https://inforoute.hautes-alpes.fr
Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Price details
The price includes
- Full board from Sunday lunchtime to Thursday after the hike
- Supervision by a state-certified mountain guide
- The supply of snowshoes and telescopic poles
- Rental of safety equipment (avalanche transceiver + shovel + probe)
- Transfers from the train station to Névache and back
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Insurance
Options
- Additional night with half-board before the stay - Single room : CHF142.50 / unit
- Additional night with half-board before the stay - Double room : CHF180.50 / unit
- Extra night with half-board before the stay - Triple room : CHF259.35 / unit
- Extra night with half-board before the stay - Room for 4 : CHF338.20 / unit
- Additional night with half-board after the stay - Single room : CHF142.50 / unit
- Additional night with half-board after the stay - Double room : CHF180.50 / unit
- Additional night with half-board after the stay - Triple room : CHF259.35 / unit
- Additional night half board after stay - Room for 4 : CHF338.20 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
They traveled with us
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Decathlon Travel Partner
The Marion, Boris et Christophe team
4.8/5
(530 reviews)
• 86 stays
A specialist in the Southern Alps for over 20 years, our local partner operates in exceptional regions such as the Queyras, the Écrins, the Mercantour, and the Ubaye, not forgetting its heartland: the Calanques. This small, friendly agency relies on a team of passionate experts to design tailor-made trips, perfectly suited to your desired length and comfort level. Known for its strong local presence, it guarantees year-round departures for its guided tours, placing conviviality and human values at the heart of every shared adventure.
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