The balconies of Queyras on snowshoes, staying in a hotel

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 that 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 date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account 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.

⚠️ For this stay, you must also bring your health insurance card.

• Snowshoes
  
• Sticks
  
• Avalanche safety kit (avalanche transceiver, snow shovel, probe)
  

Your survival gear for the day:

1. 35/38 litre backpack with waist belt.
2. Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and a Vibram-type sole. (Absolutely avoid boots and après-ski boots, which are not suitable for snowshoes.)
3. 1 pair of high gaiters that cover your shoes and lower legs well
4. Thermos or water bottle
5. Cup, knife and fork for picnics.
6. Race supplies to replenish energy along the way.
7. A small waterproof pouch for your valuables such as: cash, ID card, bank card, health insurance card, and assistance contract. You can leave the rest of your documents and car keys at the hotel during your stay.
8. Emergency survival blanket.
9. Toilet paper with a sealed bag to wrap it up and throw it in the first available bin.

Race food / Snacks

You must provide your own food for the hike. The nutritional value of the various snacks consumed during the hike should not be overlooked. These snacks can consist of dried fruits (figs, dates, dried apricots, or prunes), cereal bars (feel free to browse the internet for inspiration and homemade recipes – it can be a fun activity during your preparation!), marzipan, quince paste, etc.

To feel at home in the evening, don't forget:

1. Your spare clothes to adorn yourself with your best features,
2. A swimsuit if you want to access the sauna for recovery.
3. A headlamp or flashlight to devour your favorite book late into the night,
4. A sleep mask and earplugs so you can sleep soundly.

For your toiletries, opt for the essentials, favour compact sizes, samples and travel kits.

Your first aid kit should be kept to a minimum. In your backpack, only carry your essential personal medications, compresses, elastic bandages, disinfectant, etc.

During the hike, you must have the following documents in your possession:

1. Valid identity card or passport.
2. Health insurance card.
3. Your travel insurance leaflet received upon registration (if you purchased this insurance through our offices) or your personal insurance (contract number + telephone number).

Let's get down to preparing your wardrobe! Whether you want to blend into the landscape, like a mountain hare on the hunt, or roll around in the snow (deliberately, of course!), you absolutely must follow the 3-layer principle , also known as the onion technique (but without the smell):

1. a long-sleeved undershirt or t-shirt made of breathable material such as merino wool or thermal underwear,
2. a warm jacket made of fleece, Polartec, or stretch polyester
3. a windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket (gore-tex type).

For your lower body, if you're particularly sensitive to the cold, you can similarly wear thermal underwear or merino wool leggings . Over this, you can wear breathable and water-repellent over-trousers, such as your Gore-Tex windproof jacket. Be sure to choose soft and breathable fabrics for snowshoeing. Rain jackets and other waterproofs are best avoided , unless you want to create a sauna effect under your clothes! As an experienced hiker, you're probably aware that cotton is a no-go . It's better to opt for quick-drying materials like wool (merino), silk, or synthetic fibers.

Be aware that ski suits are completely unsuitable for the intense effort of snowshoeing (yes, you'll sweat!). They're too hot and bulky, so it's best to avoid them.

The perfect equipment for a racquet player (we'll say it again, we're not talking about tennis!):

1. 1 beanie.
2. 1 pair of warm gloves (bring 1 spare pair)
3. 1 protective cover for the backpack against bad weather (often integrated into the bags)
4. 1 pair of trousers suitable for winter walking incorporating a waterproof membrane (jeans are not allowed as they freeze when wet!)
5. 1 pair of warm underwear or leggings (it can also be used for the evening in the refuge)
6. 2 pairs of hiking socks, high and warm, and suitable for walking
7. 1 pair of category 3 to 4 sunglasses