Snowshoeing trip in the Ecrins mountains, facing the Meije.
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationVillar-d'Arêne / Écrins Massif
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions88.98 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Discover the Écrins mountain range during an exceptional week dedicated to snowshoeing . Based in Haute Romanche , this varied itinerary leads you each day to unspoiled landscapes, guided by a passionate mountain guide who adapts the pace to the group's level.
From the spectacular Emparis Plateau facing the Meije glaciers to the hidden valleys of the Cerces and Fontenil mountains, the alpine landscapes reveal themselves in all their diversity. These long traverses are also the perfect opportunity to observe winter wildlife , particularly chamois and ibex, while deciphering the wild tracks imprinted in the powder snow.
The adventure perfectly balances leisurely outings with more challenging stages. You'll enjoy a memorable climb to the Signal de La Grave before concluding your journey at the Col du Pic Blanc . This highlight reveals a breathtaking 360° panorama , encompassing the Barre des Écrins and Mont Blanc . Each evening, returning to a welcoming accommodation promises convivial moments in the heart of the mountain atmosphere.
The highlights
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7 days to explore the Écrins mountains on snowshoes with nights spent in comfortable gîtes
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A 360° panoramic view of the Alps from the Pic Blanc pass
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Chamois, ibex and animal tracks along the snowy trails
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
This trip is for you if:
- Effort & Elevation Gain: you walk 6 to 8 hours per day (4 to 5 hours of actual walking, including breaks) with a positive elevation gain of 500 to 900 m over 8 to 11 km .
- Reduced carrying: you only carry a light day bag (picnic, water, personal belongings).
- Terrain & Technique: You will be traversing varied mountain trails (steep slopes, traverses, ridges, forests). No technical skills are required, but comfortable hiking is recommended.
- Supervision & Safety: your guide adapts to the pace of the group and guarantees your safety throughout the route (avalanche transceiver safety equipment provided).
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 707 m
- Average daily descent: 719 m
Management
French
English
A lover of wild spaces, I was fortunate enough to pursue my passions for nature and sports from a very young age. After a stint with the Ski Scouts of the 159th Infantry Regiment in 1988, I entered the professional world at the age of 23. The foundation of this path has always been clear: enjoyment, a desire to share, and a wish to pass on my knowledge. I love guiding and helping people become more self-reliant through trekking, snowshoeing, trail running, and fast hiking.
Program
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Day 1
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We will meet in the afternoon directly at the accommodation, in the Upper Romanche Valley. You can take your time to settle in and meet the other participants and your guide.
A welcome drink then provides an opportunity to get acquainted and discover the program for the coming days. The evening continues with dinner served on-site, in a warm and typically mountain atmosphere.
Day 1 -
Day 2
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 510 m
- Negative elevation 510 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After receiving snowshoes, poles and safety equipment — avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe — we set off for a first day of discovery.
The route follows a sunny slope and offers beautiful views of the Meije glaciers. The trail remains accessible and allows for a gradual familiarization with the equipment while observing chamois or deer tracks in the snow.
We returned to our accommodation in the late afternoon.
Day 2 -
Day 3
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We take the road to the village of Chazelet, perched above the valley. This is where our hike to the Emparis Plateau begins.
The route climbs gradually along a balcony path with the Meije and the peaks of the Écrins massif as a backdrop. Classified for the beauty of its open landscapes, the plateau offers a particularly spectacular setting for this more challenging day.
We descend back towards Chazelet and then reach our accommodation in the late afternoon.
Day 3 -
Day 4
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Heading towards the Cerces massif, nicknamed the "little Dolomites" for its impressive cliffs with colorful hues.
We gradually make our way to Roche Robert, an area where it's not uncommon to spot ibex. Throughout the day, we take the time to observe the wildlife and landscapes around us before heading back down to our accommodation.
Day 4 -
Day 5
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Today we are setting off to discover the Fontenil valley, in the heart of the Écrins national park.
This day takes place in a pristine environment, between larch forests and snow-covered landscapes. The route offers excellent opportunities to observe chamois and fully enjoy the tranquility of the mountains.
The pace is adapted to the group, with several breaks to move forward without rushing and to enjoy this immersion in nature.
Day 5 -
Day 6
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 730 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This new stage offers a more varied and technical route. We begin with a climb through the forest before reaching the Côte Rouge ridge, which gradually opens up views of the surrounding peaks.
We then continue to the Signal de La Grave. The descent takes place on the sunny side, towards the hamlets of Valfroide and Les Hières.
Upon our arrival, a vehicle will be waiting for us to facilitate the return trip and the logistics of the day.
Day 6 -
Day 7
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
For this last day, we head towards the Col du Pic Blanc. From this panoramic viewpoint, we enjoy a 360° view of the great Alpine peaks: La Meije, the Barre des Écrins and all the way to Mont Blanc.
The route crosses a wild valley inhabited by ibex and birds of prey. A final outing that allows you to fully appreciate the landscapes of the Écrins before concluding the week.
Back at the office, we share one last drink to reflect together on these seven days of winter hiking.
Day 7
Accommodation
Accommodation in a 3* hotel in Villar-d'Arêne.
Access
We'll meet at 6:30 PM in Villar d'Arène. The trip will end at the same location.
Go to the starting point
Here are the correspondences to use:
- Departure station > Grenoble station
- Grenoble station > Villar d’Arène (bus 55)
We will meet at the gîte where it will be possible to leave your car in a parking lot.
Price details
The price includes
- Guided by Patrick, an experienced guide who will share his passion for the region with you
- Accommodation in a shared room (between 2 and 4 people) in a comfortable and authentic hotel
- Half-board at the hotel, from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- Equipment rental: snowshoeing equipment (poles and snowshoes) and safety kit (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe)
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point and local travel (it is necessary to have a vehicle to get to the starting points of the hikes)
- Picnics are not included and can be ordered directly from the hotel.
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- 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.
