Snowshoeing weekend and nights in a gîte in the Hautes-Alpes - 3 days
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationGap / French Alps
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AgeFrom 13 - 84 years
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CO₂-Emissions26.9 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
Discover the Hautes-Alpes in a new light with a winter getaway combining snowshoeing and wellness . Nestled in the hills above Gap, a welcoming gîte offers you an exceptional family atmosphere , in the heart of a region blessed with 300 days of sunshine a year .
Each day offers an immersion in exceptional landscapes: from the mountain passes of the Écrins National Park to the snow-covered pastures of the Dévoluy , passing through the wild ridges of the Gapençais region and the sun-drenched larch forests of the Haut Buëch . These gently rolling routes are accessible to all , far from the crowded ski resorts. Travel to the starting points of the trails is provided in a relaxed manner by minibus.
To maintain a friendly atmosphere, activities are conducted in small groups of no more than 12 people. Back at the lodge, comfort is guaranteed: enjoy the barrel sauna and wood-fired Finnish hot tub , or gather around the impressive tiled stove in the spacious vaulted living room. An authentic, rejuvenating, and generous immersion in the heart of the Alpine mountains.
The highlights
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Relax after the hike with an outdoor hot tub and barrel sauna heated by a wood fire.
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A comfortable family cottage
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Homemade cuisine: jams, aperitifs, digestifs, soups, juices...
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
Making snowshoeing accessible to all
A snowshoeing trip is also about sharing a group experience, taking into account individual needs and potential challenges. Despite the varying abilities within a group, the stronger members will fill in the gaps left by the guide or even take their place (you'll see, it's a real eye-opener!), while the others will have the track already made and packed down, making the journey much easier. However, participants are asked to regularly practice a sport and have already done some multi-day hiking (not necessarily on snowshoes) to ensure a minimum level of endurance. A selection of around thirty possible snowshoe hikes allows us to adapt to the group's level and, above all, to seek out the sunshine! You'll see, on our hikes, you'll hardly encounter anyone; the guide makes a point of staying far from the resorts and showing you unusual landscapes . Having a cabin destination with the warmth of its wood stove when it's snowing is magical!
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 550 m
- Average daily descent: 550 m
Management
English
French
A mountain guide with 30 years of experience and extensive knowledge of the region. From 1993 to 1995, I helped create the first Buëch-Dévoluy Reunion and led its inaugural trip in 1996. The adventure continues as I settle down with Dominique in a little corner of paradise in the hills above Gap in the Hautes-Alpes. We have restored an old farmhouse into a gîte (holiday cottage) where we offer summer and winter stays. Sharing our mountains with you—their atmosphere, landscapes, hidden corners, stories and anecdotes, secrets, and poetry—and meeting the men and women who work there, is my chosen profession, the one that gives meaning to what I do.
I have been leading trips with the same passion for 30 years!
Program
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Welcome
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival at the gîte in the hills above Gap between 6pm and 7pm. Welcome drink, presentation of the stay followed by a hot meal at the gîte.
Day 1 -
Snowshoeing in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 20km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Each morning, we take our minibus and one of the participants' cars to get to the starting point of the hikes (15 to 30 minutes drive).
For this first day, the planned hike will allow us to test the group and thus allow Etienne to adjust the destination and difficulty of the route for the following day.
Variety of landscape
That's the advantage of being able to explore the area from our gîte. It's a 15-35 minute drive to the starting points of the hikes. From our gîte, three mid-mountain ranges are within easy reach: - the Gap area with its ridges overlooking Gap, as well as the Céüse massif, a vast, bare mountain, resembling a volcano with its vent opening to the north. - the Dévoluy.
What do we do on a snowy day?
If it snows, it's wonderful; the trees are covered in snow, it's magical. The ideal destination will be a cabin where we can make a fire, following a mostly wooded route.
Day 2 -
Last snowshoe hike and end of the stay
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 20km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
There's no pre-defined itinerary; everything will depend on the weather, the group's fitness level, and the snow conditions, which vary depending on the time of winter. At the beginning of the season (January to early February), south-facing slopes are preferred, while in the second half of the season, north-facing slopes are favored where the snow remains powdery.
The stay ends around 4pm, adaptable depending on your train schedule.
Day 3
Note
The hiking routes are chosen by your guide on the morning of the hike. This choice is adapted in real time to the weather conditions, snow cover, and the level and fitness of the group, in order to guarantee optimal and safe outings.
Accommodation
Dominique, Etienne, and their three daughters are delighted to welcome you to this restored 18th-century farmhouse. At an altitude of 900 meters, the gîte is surrounded by fields and forests in a protected mountain area. The house is a characterful building, part of the second largest agricultural estate in the Gap region, covering 2 hectares. Peace, space, greenery, and authenticity await you.
The common room: A large, vaulted room, unique in the Alps, with a high ceiling and a vault made of remarkable, aesthetically pleasing, manufactured orange bricks. It served as a stable until a few decades ago, and in the 19th century… you'll learn more about it when you get there.
Large wall photographs recount the rich history of the place. Completely restored, it now offers a spacious (60 m²) and comfortable living area, with a lounge, dining room, and fully equipped kitchen/bar for preparing your meals. For long winter evenings, its monumental tiled stove (weighing 2 tons) will purr to keep you warm.
Upstairs
The relaxation area: bright and decorated in the colors of our local larch wood, this lounge enjoys the evening sun and is often the most popular spot for young and old alike since we installed a proper bar-style foosball table. You'll also find board games and a nature-themed library in this space.
Access
The stay ends on Sunday around 4pm, adaptable depending on your train schedule.
Go to the starting point
We can arrange your pick-up and round-trip transport from the SNCF train station or the bus station in Gap (05000) , located just 15 minutes from our gîte: flat rate of €10 round trip per person .
Important instructions for booking your transport:
- Confirmation of schedules : Before booking your ticket, please contact Étienne (at the number indicated during your booking) to verify the compatibility of the schedules with the program of the stay and his availability.
- Ticket purchase : Ensure your trip is officially confirmed (minimum of 7–8 participants) or opt for refundable/exchangeable tickets. The organizers confirm or cancel departures no later than 21 days before the arrival date.
We have 3 parking lots, you can park with us for the duration of your stay.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be led by a qualified guide with 30 years of experience in the area.
- Accommodation in a comfortable, family-run, 2-star gîte
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 3 (picnic lunches included)
- Barrel sauna session and/or hot bath heated by wood fire and spring water
- Homemade aperitifs, wines, digestifs made from plants, roots, berries, wild flowers, and other homemade drinks
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to the cottage
- The transfer fee from Gap train station: €10 round trip
- Rental of snowshoe equipment + safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe): €36 or €20 if you bring your own snowshoes and poles
- Tourist tax: €1.66 per person per night (payable on site)
- Towels (not provided)
- Personal expenses
- One or more participants will be asked to use their own car, as we only have one vehicle equipped for winter driving. For those not using their own car, a contribution of €8 per day of transportation will be requested. Those who bring their own car and one or two other people will receive their contribution.
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.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Do not bring sheets – duvets are provided
- Towels (not provided)
- a daypack (minimum 35 litres)
- Waterproof, high-top walking shoes (with a spare pair if possible). Avoid boots; you need good, sturdy, waterproof shoes.
- trouser gaiters (this is important for powder snow)
- Good, warm, and comfortable socks to prevent blisters
- a thick sweater and a fleece (bring more warm clothes than less, the mornings are chilly)
- A waterproof anorak or windproof jacket: ideally, a Gore-Tex jacket with a hood
- comfortable windproof trousers for walking
- Swimsuit for Finnish bathing at our gîte
- 1.5 liter water bottle (thermos for those who like hot coffee or tea)
- 2 airtight food containers for your salad and other picnic food + cutlery + cup
- hat, gloves
- a flashlight, binoculars, camera…
- mini personal first aid kit
- Regarding underwear, we don't all have the same hygiene standards, so there are no specific guidelines…
Sunglasses and sunscreen are mandatory.
For rent: poles, snowshoes, avalanche transceiver + shovel + probe
The Etienne team
Our local expert is a small, family-run agency offering authentic holidays in the Southern Alps. Etienne, a guide with 30 years of experience and fluent in English, manages everything from planning to leading the trips. His stays (guesthouses, mountain huts, bivouacs) are available year-round for families and groups (bachelorette/bachelor parties, team building). For him, travel is a human adventure focused on kindness, sharing, and reconnecting with nature, far removed from the simple pursuit of summits.
