Ski touring in the Cerces massif and ascent of Mont Thabor
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationNévache / French Alps
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AgeFrom 16 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions33.69 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Starting from the unspoiled Névache valley, escape for a 5-day wilderness ski touring adventure. This Nordic trek in the heart of the Cerces massif offers a complete digital detox, linking cozy mountain huts nestled in secluded valleys.
Under the expert guidance of your high-mountain guide , you will progress through an exceptional alpine landscape, alternating between frozen lakes, high mountain passes, and vast expanses of powder snow. The route, varied and adaptable to conditions, culminates in the ascent of Mont Thabor (3,178 m), an iconic peak offering a spectacular panorama of the Southern Alps .
Each day of off-piste skiing concludes with a convivial stopover in a mountain refuge, where warm hospitality and hearty cuisine reward your efforts. Easily accessible from Briançon , this small-group loop combines technical challenges with breathtaking views. An immersive adventure ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a distinctive route through wild valleys and past legendary peaks.
The highlights
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Explore a classic 5-day ski touring route in the Cerces massif
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Reach the summit of Mont Thabor (3,178 m), as spectacular as it is rewarding
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Escape from everyday life in a calm and unspoiled alpine setting
Photos
Sport
Level
Ski touring
The expert's opinion
This trip is designed for intermediate ski tourers with prior mountaineering experience. You must be proficient in using climbing skins and performing kick turns, and comfortable skiing off-piste in varying snow conditions.
The route involves several consecutive days of strenuous activity with daily ascents and descents, as well as a trek from mountain hut to mountain hut. A good level of physical fitness is therefore essential to fully enjoy the trip.
This trip is particularly suited to those wishing to experience a true high-mountain adventure, within a small group, in the friendly atmosphere of mountain huts. It is not suitable for beginners.
In figures
Ski touring
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 820 m
Management
French
English
Bernard, a certified UIAGM High Mountain Guide, supervises the trip and ensures the safety of the group throughout the route.
You will be accompanied by a UIAGM guide, who will adjust the itinerary, objectives or certain stages if necessary, in order to prioritize safe and responsible decisions in the mountains.
Program
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Névache to the Refuge du Chardonnet
- Activity Ski touring
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 9:00 am in Névache to meet your guide and begin your stay. After a briefing and equipment check, you'll put on your skis for a gradual ascent along the valley.
This first stage, ideal for getting warmed up, allows you to rediscover your form, refine basic techniques, and acclimatize gently. The route initially crosses the valley, passing hamlets and chapels, before gradually climbing through a larch forest to the refuge. As you gain altitude, the scenery becomes more alpine, with beautiful views of the surrounding peaks and the Refuge du Chardonnet.
Upon arrival, time is dedicated to a review of basic avalanche safety procedures, to build confidence for the rest of the trip. The day ends with a friendly evening and the first night in a mountain refuge.
Day 1 -
From the Chardonnet refuge to the Clot des Vaches refuge (via the Col du Chardonnet)
- Activity Ski touring
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You leave the Refuge du Chardonnet (2,230 m) for a more technical stage heading west, crossing the Col du Chardonnet (2,717 m), before continuing towards the Col de l'Aiguillette.
Shorter but more demanding, this day unfolds in more complex alpine terrain, requiring balance, efficient climbing, and careful route selection. The ascent to the pass is the main effort, with steeper sections requiring kick turns and, depending on conditions, the use of crampons or short sections on foot.
From the pass, you reach the Col de l'Aiguillette, then enjoy a beautiful descent on wild and little-frequented slopes, leading to a more secluded valley. A final gentle glide takes you to the Refuge du Clot des Vaches (2,250 m), nestled in a peaceful setting.
Depending on the conditions and the group's energy level, an extension to a nearby summit may be considered upon arrival. This stage marks an increase in technical difficulty, ideal for preparing for the rest of the trip.
Distance: 6–10 km. Elevation gain: 500–900 m
Day 2 -
From the Clot des Vaches Refuge to the Drayères Refuge
- Activity Ski touring
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You leave the Refuge du Clot des Vaches (2,250 m) for an alpine and varied stage in the heart of the Cerces massif, between panoramic ridges, high mountain passes and frozen lakes.
The day begins with a steady climb towards the Crête de la Ponsonnière (2,824 m), gradually offering superb views of the surrounding peaks. From the ridge, a beautiful descent leads you to Lac des Cerces (2,410 m), nestled in a vast, rocky cirque.
You then continue with a gentle climb towards the Col des Cerces, then the Col des Rochilles (2,496 m), traversing varied high-mountain terrain. The descent is then a gentle one via Lac Rond and Lac de la Clarée, on wide, pleasant slopes, down to the Refuge des Drayères (2,180 m), located in an open and peaceful valley.
A complete and progressive stage, ideal for continuing to get your bearings before the ascent of Mont Thabor the next day.
Day 3 -
Ascent of Mount Thabor (3,178 m) and Descent to the Refuge | Re Magi
- Activity Ski touring
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 1300 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From the Refuge des Drayères (2,180 m), you set off for the key stage of the stay: the ascent of Mont Thabor, an emblematic peak of the Southern Alps.
Longer and more sustained, this day begins on rolling terrain before a steady climb to the upper slopes. The atmosphere gradually becomes more alpine and wild, with a distinct feeling of isolation. The final meters to the summit (3,178 m) can be covered on foot, depending on conditions. At the top, an exceptional panorama unfolds, encompassing the Écrins, the Vanoise, and the Italian Alps.
The descent continues towards the Vallée Étroite, first down beautiful wide slopes, then into a narrower valley below the Col du Thabor. A final section leads to the Refuge I Re Magi, where you can enjoy a well-deserved evening. A memorable stage, the most challenging of the trip.
Day 4 -
Refuge I Re Magi to Névache (via the Col du Vallon)
- Activity Ski touring
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
You leave the I Re Magi Refuge for this last day, joining the Clarée valley via the Col du Vallon.
The ascent is gradual through the upper Vallée Étroite, amidst an increasingly wild and open landscape. Climbing the pass is the final challenge of the trip, before descending towards the Clarée valley.
From the pass, a beautiful and varied descent leads you back to Névache, completing the route with a pleasant feeling of accomplishment. Return expected in the mid-afternoon.
Day 5
Note
This itinerary invites you to traverse the Cerces massif, culminating in the ascent of Mont Thabor. In the high mountains, safety is our top priority: ski touring remains dependent on the weather and snow conditions. Your UIAGM-certified guide may therefore adapt the route or objectives to ensure safe and responsible decisions. Their choices are essential at all times for the safety of the group. As flexibility is inherent to mountaineering, adjustments (changes of mountain huts or additional expenses) may occur despite our commitment to adhering to the initial program.
Accommodation
A warm and eco-friendly mountain refuge in the Clarée Valley, offering 39 beds and a friendly welcome to hikers and skiers.
The Refuge Clos des Vaches is a welcoming mountain refuge located above Serre Chevalier, at an altitude of 2,250 m, able to accommodate approximately 30 people and designed with respect for the environment.
Located at 2,180 m, at the end of the Clarée valley, the Refuge des Drayères is a friendly address on the GR57 (Tour du Mont Thabor), ideal for hikers as well as ski tourers.
The Refuge I Re Magi is a welcoming Franco-Italian mountain refuge located in the Vallée Étroite (Névache). Ideally situated on major hiking routes, it provides an excellent base for hiking, mountaineering, and ski touring in the Thabor massif.
Access
You should be back in Névache by mid-afternoon, which gives you time to calmly organize your return journey.
Go to the starting point
From the train station to Névache:
- Bus: Line 05 (Zou!) provides service between Briançon train station and Névache. During the summer/winter season, additional shuttle buses run to serve the Upper Valley.
- Taxi: Allow approximately 30 minutes journey time from Briançon (estimated fare between €50 and €70 depending on the time of day).
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a UIAGM high-mountain guide.
- Accommodation in high mountain refuges
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 5
- The avalanche safety kit (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe)
- Access to a mobile app with all the details of your stay and practical information
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to Névache
- Day 1 picnic
- Ski touring equipment (skis, skins, crampons, poles, boots, helmet — rental available on site)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- 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 to bring
- Ski touring equipment: skis, skins, crampons, poles, ski touring boots and helmet (rental available on site if you do not have your own equipment)
Clothing to bring
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Ski touring pants or mountaineering pants suitable for winter conditions
- Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or equivalent)
- A light down jacket or warm jacket for breaks
- 2 to 3 pairs of ski socks
- Warm gloves and lightweight gloves
- Hat and neck warmer
- Category 3 or 4 sunglasses
- Ski mask
- A cap or hat for sunny days
- Change of clothes for evenings in the refuge
- Slippers or light shoes for the refuge
We recommend prioritizing breathable technical clothing that allows you to adapt to temperature variations and exertion in the mountains.
