• Introduction to Nordic ski touring in the Clarée Valley
  • Introduction to Nordic ski touring in the Clarée Valley
  • Introduction to Nordic ski touring in the Clarée Valley
  • Introduction to Nordic ski touring in the Clarée Valley
  • Introduction to Nordic ski touring in the Clarée Valley
French Alps / Névache

Introduction to Nordic ski touring in the Clarée Valley

Réf : HOGRHB

In summary

  • Sports
    Nordic ski touring
  • Duration
    7 days
  • Level
    Intermediate

    Levels

    Nordic ski touring
    Beginner
    For those who have never tried Nordic backcountry skiing or off-piste skiing but are comfortable on red or black runs. You will ski for less than 3 hours a day, covering distances of up to 10 km with an elevation gain and loss of around 200 m per day. You must be able to hike uphill for approximately 1 to 2 hours.
    Intermediate
    For those with prior experience in Nordic backcountry skiing. You will ski for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering distances of up to 15 km and daily elevation gains and losses of between 200 m and 400 m.
    Confirmed
    For those who occasionally engage in Nordic backcountry skiing and off-piste skiing. You are capable of skiing almost anywhere and skiing for several consecutive days. You will ski for 4 to 6 hours a day, covering distances of up to 20 km and elevation gains of between 400 m and 700 m per day.
    Advanced
    For regular Nordic backcountry skiers. You are capable of skiing on all types of snow and handling varied slopes and ascents. You have full control over your speed, braking techniques, and uphill and downhill maneuvers. You have previously completed outings with significant elevation changes. You are able to ski for several consecutive days, covering up to 25 km and elevation gains of 600 m to 900 m per day, with six hours of skiing daily.
    Expert
    For regular Nordic backcountry skiers. You are capable of skiing on all types of snow, including on challenging slopes and ascents. You have full mastery of speed control and braking techniques. You have previously completed outings with an elevation gain exceeding 1,400 m. You are capable of skiing for several consecutive days, covering over 6 hours, more than 25 km, and a minimum elevation gain of 1,000 m per day.
  • Destination
    French Alps / Névache
  • Age
    From 18 - 90 years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    66.53 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This group trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience a sporting adventure with other enthusiasts and be guided.
    Type of stay
    In a group
  • Languages
    French
    English

In a few words

Escape to the heart of the Clarée Valley , a pristine sanctuary where Nordic ski touring embodies a true philosophy of freedom. Far from marked trails and the hustle and bustle of resorts, this wild trek invites you to reconnect with the very essence of skiing in the great outdoors.

Equipped with wide, edged, and waxless skis , as well as climbing skins , you'll leave the groomed tracks to explore untouched terrain. Here, the snow reigns supreme, offering a diverse range of textures, from light powder to more technical snow. This trip is an introduction to pure pleasure: the joy of carving your own paths in an authentic high-mountain setting.

Between sport and contemplation , you'll learn to master this specific equipment to gain independence off-piste. It's an immersive experience, punctuated by the magic of the snow-covered landscapes of the Briançonnais region, ideal for enthusiasts seeking wide open spaces and a challenging cross-country skiing experience. An adventure where every stroke is a celebration of wildlife .

The highlights

  • Total immersion in the heart of the Clarée Valley, a wild and unspoiled sanctuary
  • Supervision by a cross-country ski instructor specializing in Nordic ski touring
  • Small group of 8 participants maximum
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Photos

Sport

Level

Nordic ski touring

Intermediate

Levels

Nordic ski touring
Beginner
For those who have never tried Nordic backcountry skiing or off-piste skiing but are comfortable on red or black runs. You will ski for less than 3 hours a day, covering distances of up to 10 km with an elevation gain and loss of around 200 m per day. You must be able to hike uphill for approximately 1 to 2 hours.
Intermediate
For those with prior experience in Nordic backcountry skiing. You will ski for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering distances of up to 15 km and daily elevation gains and losses of between 200 m and 400 m.
Confirmed
For those who occasionally engage in Nordic backcountry skiing and off-piste skiing. You are capable of skiing almost anywhere and skiing for several consecutive days. You will ski for 4 to 6 hours a day, covering distances of up to 20 km and elevation gains of between 400 m and 700 m per day.
Advanced
For regular Nordic backcountry skiers. You are capable of skiing on all types of snow and handling varied slopes and ascents. You have full control over your speed, braking techniques, and uphill and downhill maneuvers. You have previously completed outings with significant elevation changes. You are able to ski for several consecutive days, covering up to 25 km and elevation gains of 600 m to 900 m per day, with six hours of skiing daily.
Expert
For regular Nordic backcountry skiers. You are capable of skiing on all types of snow, including on challenging slopes and ascents. You have full mastery of speed control and braking techniques. You have previously completed outings with an elevation gain exceeding 1,400 m. You are capable of skiing for several consecutive days, covering over 6 hours, more than 25 km, and a minimum elevation gain of 1,000 m per day.
For those with prior experience in Nordic backcountry skiing. You will ski for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering distances of up to 15 km and daily elevation gains and losses of between 200 m and 400 m.

The expert's opinion

LEVEL

For good cross-country skiers who know how to handle downhill skiing (snowploughing technique). Prior experience with kick turns and turning is required.

Red slope level

Self-adhesive skins under the skis for the ascent.

Day hikes starting from Névache or a neighboring valley. 10 to 15 km per day, with elevation gains of 300 to 600 m off-trail. This is a progressive trip with technical development to prepare you for Nordic ski touring.

Luggage carrying: Day bag for days 2, 3 and 4. You will add a sleeping bag liner and a change of clothes for the night on days 5 and 6.

In figures

Nordic backcountry skiing

  • Average duration/day: 4h30

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band : 1 supervisor for 4 to 8 people
Languages ​​spoken:
French
English
Christophe
Christophe

Christophe, an instructor for 30 years in Névache and a specialist in Nordic hiking, is the ideal person to introduce you to the activity.

Management

Security

The organizers reserve the right to modify the program for any reason whatsoever (weather conditions, technical level of participants, possible overload of the refuges, etc.) in order to ensure a better running of the stay.
Learn more about supervision

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Days 5 to 6
Day 7
  • map

    Hotel check-in and reception

    • Accommodation 2-star hotel
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner included

    Meet at the hotel in Névache, located at an altitude of 1600 meters in the hamlet of Roubion, in the afternoon. Check-in. Welcome drink - Dinner - Information meeting with your instructor.


    Day 1

Note

The program may be modified depending on snow and weather conditions. Your instructor will do their best to ensure you have the best possible stay!

Accommodation

During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.
🏨 2-star hotel - Days 1 to 4
  • 🏨 2-star hotel - Days 1 to 4
🏨 2-star hotel - Days 1 to 4

Welcome to the hotel, a haven of tranquility nestled in the heart of the Clarée Valley in Névache. Here, you'll find the friendly atmosphere of a guesthouse combined with the comfort of a two-star hotel . It's a true "Hiker's Home," where you'll feel right at home. In this harmonious and unspoiled Clarée Valley, time seems to stand still, inviting you to contemplation and complete immersion in the surrounding nature.


The hotel is the ideal starting point for outdoor activities. Bordering the Roubion stream, you can venture out without a car and explore the surrounding area on foot . Just a short walk away, the crystal-clear waters of the Clarée River invite you to enjoy a moment of peaceful contemplation.

🏔️ Mountain refuge - Days 5 to 6
  • 🏔️ Mountain refuge - Days 5 to 6
  • 🏔️ Mountain refuge - Days 5 to 6
🏔️ Mountain refuge - Days 5 to 6

The wardens will welcome you to the cozy atmosphere of the refuge, entirely made of wood, chalet style.

Access

Departure
Roubion, Névache, France
Day 1 : 14h00
End of stay
Roubion, Névache, France
Day 7 - 10h00

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toBriançon,Oulx ( Italie )OrGrenoble

Briançon – Névache route:

  1. During the season: Regular shuttles between the train station and the village.
  2. Off-season or tailor-made: Possibility of transport by taxi or private transfer (depending on your schedule and the number of participants).

Important: When making your reservation, please let us know your arrival time to facilitate your welcome.


From Paris, several options are available to you:

  1. Via Italy: TGV Paris – Oulx, then direct shuttle to Briançon. Please note: bus tickets must be purchased at least 48 hours in advance on the website www.sncf-connect.com.
  2. Via Grenoble: TGV Paris – Grenoble, then bus line 55 ZOU to Briançon (booking recommended on www.autocars-resalp.com).
  3. Direct to Briançon: Night train or day trains (Intercités/TER).


From Marseille or Valence:

  1. Direct TER train services operate daily to Briançon station.
Access by car
Travel to the place of stay with parking available

Free parking at the hotel.

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Price details

The price includes

  1. Accommodation in a 2-star hotel and in a shared triple room
  2. Instruction by a cross-country ski instructor specializing in Nordic ski touring
  3. Full board from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
  4. The night in a mountain refuge
  5. Transfers during the stay
  6. Nordic hiking equipment + safety: avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
  7. 2 access points to the Wellness Area

The price does not include

  1. Round-trip transportation to Névache
  2. cancellation, repatriation and trip interruption insurance
  3. Drinks and personal expenses
  4. Massages

Options

You will be able to select these options when booking.
  1. Extra night - Triple room : CHF85.99 / person
  2. Extra night - Double room : CHF89.65 / person
  3. Additional night - Single room : CHF142.71 / person
  4. 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

  1. Nordic touring skis, with scales, wide, and poles
  2. An avalanche transceiver (DVA) and safety equipment
  3. High-top, warm cross-country ski boots
  4. Self-adhesive skins

Equipment to bring

  1. A medium-sized backpack for day hikes ( 30 to 40 liters to hold your lunch, water, warm clothes, and possibly your camera)
  2. A large "garbage" bag to protect your belongings in your backpack
  3. An airtight container (like Tupperware) for picnic salads, along with cutlery and an insulated water bottle.
  4. Bottoms up or a small square of foam to sit on in the snow.
  5. A sleeping bag liner for your night in the refuge.

Mandatory :

  1. 2 pairs of warm gloves
  2. Highly protective sunglasses
  3. 1 roll of Elastoplast 8 cm (Useful for everything: blisters, trauma, etc.)
  4. Sunscreen and creams for lips and face


Recommended :

  1. The "double-skin" treatment for blisters (available in pharmacies)
  2. Replacement eyeglasses in case of breakage
  3. Earplugs or Quiès earplugs

Clothing to bring

  1. Winter hiking outfit: warm and water-repellent pants
  2. A very warm and waterproof anorak (or fleece + waterproof clothing)
  3. 2 to 3 pairs of socks, tights + gaiters or all-purpose socks
  4. A very warm hat
  5. Change of clothes
  6. Indoor shoes
  7. A swimsuit and a bath towel for the Wellness Area
  8. Toiletries (2 towels are provided at the hotel)
The L'Echaillon team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The L'Echaillon team

4.8/5 (76 reviews) • 32 stays
Based in Névache, in the heart of the Clarée Valley, our local partner has been the long-standing expert on this wild territory of the Hautes-Alpes for over 40 years. Summer and winter alike, they open the doors to a pristine environment with a privileged climate, offering virtually every imaginable mountain activity. Your base camp? A welcoming two-star hotel combining tranquility and comfort. With its cozy rooms and a wellness area dedicated to relaxation, the hotel prioritizes hospitality during your stay. It's the ideal address for those seeking to combine sporting pleasures with complete rejuvenation in one of the most authentic valleys of the Alps.
Discover their team and their trips
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