4 days of ski touring in the wild Queyras
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationQueyras Massif / Hautes-Alpes
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AgeFrom 14 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions25.81 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
Forget the crowded resorts : this 4-day ski touring trip immerses you in the authentic and wild atmosphere of the Southern Alps , in the heart of the Queyras region . Designed for experienced alpine skiers in good physical condition with some off-piste experience , this tour is a progressive introduction to ski touring.
Under the guidance of a certified mountain guide , you will learn to handle specialized equipment, move safely in the snow , and read the winter terrain. Each day will be punctuated by mountain pass ascents , honing your technique , and varied descents through pristine landscapes.
Evenings are spent in cozy mountain huts , accessible only by ski, where conviviality and simplicity reign supreme. From hut to hut, you'll experience a timeless alpine adventure , fully immersed in nature.
An ideal stay for those who want to take their first steps in ski touring , in a magnificent setting and away from the crowds .
The highlights
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Learn the basics of ski touring in a pristine alpine setting, far from the crowds.
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Experience the unique adventure of a mountain refuge trek in the Queyras.
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Learn about avalanche safety with an experienced UIAGM guide
Photos
Sport
Level
Ski touring
The expert's opinion
This trip is specially designed for people wishing to discover ski touring and experience their first multi-day hut-to-hut trek. No prior ski touring experience is necessary.
However, you must be comfortable skiing on red runs and be able to ski off-piste in varying snow conditions. The days involve several hours of exertion with gradual ascents and descents suitable for an introduction to the activity.
A good level of general fitness is recommended to fully enjoy several consecutive days in the mountains. The pace is adapted to beginners, and the guide takes the time to teach essential ski touring techniques throughout the trip.
In figures
Nordic backcountry skiing
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average daily elevation gain: 603 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
English
French
Bernard, a certified UIAGM High Mountain Guide, supervises the trip and ensures the safety of the group throughout the route.
Your stay is led by a UIAGM-certified high-mountain guide , the highest international qualification in mountaineering and mountain sports. These professionals are trained to navigate challenging winter terrain and to guarantee the safety, educational value, and enjoyment of the group in all conditions.
All our guides are passionate about their work and have an in-depth knowledge of the Queyras mountain range. Depending on the dates of your stay and the size of your group, we select the most suitable guide from our network of experienced local professionals. This approach allows us to provide personalized, flexible, and high-quality guidance , tailored to the current conditions.
Program
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Head towards the Col de Longet and spend the night at the Refuge de la Blanche
- Activity Nordic backcountry skiing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 893 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 9am in Molines-en-Queyras to meet the group and the guide. After a pre-departure briefing and equipment check, you will set off for your first climb towards the Col de Longet (2,704 m).
This day is dedicated to getting to grips with the equipment (skins, bindings, skiing technique) and adapting to the pace of the ascent. The route crosses a larch forest before opening onto vast high-altitude plateaus, perfect for learning kick turns and moving across open terrain.
After a gentle descent to a high-altitude chapel, an ascent will take you to the Refuge de la Blanche, your accommodation for the night, located in a spectacular mountain setting.
Distance: 8.5 km Elevation gain: 893 m Elevation loss: 417 m Minimum altitude: 2,030 m Maximum altitude: 2,704 m
Day 1 -
Avalanche safety and two mini-tours from the Refuge de la Blanche
- Activity Nordic backcountry skiing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 419 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The morning begins with an essential avalanche safety session, led by your guide. You will learn how to use your avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe during practical exercises around the refuge, in a supportive and accessible atmosphere.
You will then set off on your first ski loop towards the Col de la Noire (2,955 m), ideal for applying the techniques learned the previous day and continuing to improve your skills on the terrain. Return to the refuge for lunch, allowing you to travel with a lighter pack and fully enjoy the descents.
Morning distance: 3 km Elevation gain: 469 m Elevation loss: 469 m Minimum altitude: 2,504 m / Maximum altitude: 2,959 m
In the afternoon, a second loop will take you to the Col Blanchet, along a slightly more technical route. Depending on conditions, the last few meters may need to be walked. This tour offers a beautiful and varied descent, perfect for testing your new skills and enjoying the pleasures of the mountains in a small group.
Afternoon distance: 3.5 km Elevation gain: 419 m Elevation loss: 419 m Minimum altitude: 2,504 m / Maximum altitude: 2,921 m
Day 2 -
Alpine traverse via Pic Caramantran
- Activity Nordic backcountry skiing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, you leave the refuge for a true traverse from refuge to refuge through one of the most beautiful sectors of the Queyras.
The goal for the morning is the ascent of Pic Caramantran (3,026 m), your first summit over 3,000 meters. The gradual climb allows you to adapt to the terrain and appreciate the magnificent panoramas.
From the summit, you'll continue towards the Col Chamoussière, before embarking on a descent renowned for its excellent snow conditions, between the Col de Chamoussière and the Col Agnel. You'll then reach your new refuge for a well-deserved night's rest.
Distance: 5.5 km Elevation gain: 600 m Elevation loss: 500 m Minimum altitude: 2,504 m / Maximum altitude: 3,026 m
Day 3 -
Summit of Pic Foréant and grand closing descent
- Activity Nordic backcountry skiing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This final day is a culmination of everything you have learned and experienced. After leaving the refuge, you will ascend towards the Col de l'Eychassier (2,917 m), on a steeper and more varied slope.
The route continues along a ridge leading to the summit of Pic Foréant (3,081 m). Depending on snow conditions, the final few meters may need to be covered on foot. The alpine atmosphere is truly present, with breathtaking panoramic views.
Finally, you'll embark on a magnificent descent of over 1,000 meters of negative elevation to the return point. A beautiful way to conclude this adventure in style.
Distance: 8.72 km Elevation gain: 500 m Elevation loss: 1,030 m Minimum altitude: 2,042 m / Maximum altitude: 3,081 m
Day 4
Note
The itinerary described above is for guidance only. In the mountains, conditions can change rapidly (weather, snow cover, group fitness), and the guide will adapt the program accordingly to ensure everyone's safety. This may involve modifying the planned route, changing the day's objectives, or even turning back if necessary. These adjustments are an integral part of the ski touring experience and allow you to enjoy the adventure with confidence.
Accommodation
You will stay in authentic mountain refuges located in the heart of the Queyras Regional Natural Park, between 2,500 and 2,600 m altitude. Accommodation is in shared dormitories of 4 to 11 people.
The mountain huts have welcoming common areas, on-site restaurants and offer a friendly experience close to the mountains.
Access
The adventure begins in Molines-en-Queyras, a typical mountain village nestled in the heart of the Queyras Regional Natural Park.
The meeting point is scheduled for the morning of the first day. If you are travelling a long way to reach us, we strongly advise you to arrive the day before.
Are you looking for accommodation for the previous night? We can direct you to comfortable and welcoming places.
Go to the starting point
- From Paris: take a TGV to Valence or Grenoble , then a regional TER train to Montdauphin–Guillestre (approximately 5 to 6 hours in total). There is also a direct night train from Paris to Montdauphin–Guillestre.
The nearest airports are Marseille, Grenoble, and Turin. Shuttle services or train + bus connections are available to reach the valley from these cities. Please feel free to contact us for assistance in planning your journey.
Molines is approximately 3 hours from Grenoble, 3 hours from Marseille, and 2 hours 45 minutes from Turin. In winter, snow equipment (tires or chains) is mandatory.
Price details
The price includes
- 3 nights half-board (dinner and breakfast) in mountain refuges
- 3 picnic lunches
- 4 days of guided ski touring with a UIAGM high mountain guide
- Avalanche safety pack (avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe)
- A free smartphone app with all the trip details and other useful information
- Your contribution to a rewilding project with Mossy Earth
The price does not include
- 1 picnic lunch on the first day
- Your return journey to Molines-en-Queyras or Mont-Dauphin–Guillestre (if you use the transport offered by the guide)
- Ski touring equipment: touring skis, skins, ski crampons, poles, ski touring boots and helmet
- Drinks and snacks are available in the mountain huts.
- Tips for the guide
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 provided on site
- Avalanche safety kit (included): avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
Equipment to bring
- Touring skis with skins and crampons. Equipment in good condition (waxed skis, adhesive skins). Alpine skiing equipment is not suitable for this trip. If you do not have your own touring ski equipment, we can advise you on equipment to rent and direct you to reliable rental shops locally.
- Ski touring boots compatible with your bindings
- Ski poles
- Helmet: A ski helmet or a mountaineering helmet is suitable. Ski helmets are generally warmer and offer more coverage , while mountaineering helmets are lighter but may be less comfortable in cold conditions. Both provide good protection; choose the one that allows you to move and sweat freely without restriction.
- A backpack of at least 35L is needed to carry safety equipment, clothing, a picnic, water…
- You will need 3 new AAA batteries for the avalanche transceiver, plus a spare set.
- Water bottle or thermos
- Wraparound sunglasses and ski goggles for whiteout days
- SPF 50 sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal first aid kit (medicines, bandages, paracetamol…)
- Headlamp with charged batteries
- Plastic bag or waterproof cover to protect the inside of your bag
- Charged mobile phone (useful even without network coverage)
For nights in mountain huts
- Sleeping bag liner (mandatory)
- Small microfiber towel, toothbrush, toothpaste
- Headlamp
- Spare underwear and thermal clothing (limit to the bare essentials)
- Light snacks (snacks are expensive in mountain huts)
Optional
- Camera, binoculars
- Small foam mat or insulating seat
Clothing to bring
- 2 to 3 pairs of breathable and reinforced ski socks
- Waterproof jacket, mountain or ski touring type (avoid thick ski jackets)
- Waterproof trousers or overalls with gaiters
- Minimum 3 layers:
- Breathable thermal base layer
- Intermediate polar
- Warm fleece or lightweight down jacket
- Tights or flexible mountain trousers for ascents (often used without over-trousers)
- Warm gloves + lightweight pair of shoes for the climbs
- Beanie, neck warmer or earmuffs
- Minimalist change of clothes for the evening and the shelter
