A gentle winter in the heart of the Vercors: snowshoeing & Nordic spa
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAutrans-Méaudre en Vercors / Vercors Massif
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions68.76 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Discover the Vercors region on a winter snowshoeing getaway , ideal for recharging your batteries in the heart of nature. In the heart of a protected Regional Natural Park , explore peaceful forests , vast pristine alpine pastures , and panoramic ridges offering breathtaking views of the Alps.
Guided by a passionate instructor , follow accessible routes for a true immersion in the mountains . During your contemplative hikes, observe the tracks of wildlife , discover local history, and share in the magic of the Far North amidst isolated cabins and spectacular seas of clouds.
At the end of your days in the great outdoors, return to a welcoming accommodation nestled in the Pays des Quatre Montagnes (Land of the Four Mountains ). In the evening, enjoy convivial moments , relax in a Nordic bath , and savor comforting local cuisine . An authentic experience that combines gentle hiking , wide-open spaces, and absolute relaxation .
The highlights
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Accessible snowshoe hikes offering superb panoramic views every day.
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A passionate guide who shares the natural and cultural riches of the mountain range
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A welcoming accommodation with free access to a Nordic bath and sauna
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
Snowshoes level 2:
Average elevation gain: 350 m / Maximum elevation gain: 450 m
Average length: 9 km / Maximum: 11 km
Average time: 4 hours 30 minutes / Maximum: 5 hours
For people who have never done snowshoeing, wishing to discover the mountains in winter at a gentle pace.
The routes are designed with low distances and elevation gains, making them very accessible outings. Keep in mind that depending on snow conditions, snowshoeing can be more physically demanding than hiking. From one week to the next, the snow can be hard or soft, deep or stable. Furthermore, wearing snowshoes adds extra weight, which can affect how you manage your effort. Of course, your guide will break trail and adapt the routes accordingly.
For this trip, please note that the focus is primarily on discovering the natural environment.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 360 m
- Average daily descent: 360 m
Management
French
State-certified mountain guide, specialist in the region.
Program
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Welcome
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Welcome to the Gîte-hôtel in Méaudre, between 5pm and 7pm. Over a welcome drink, we will present the program for the week and share our first dinner together.
Day 1 -
Gève - The Key Step
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day in the great outdoors always begins with a hearty breakfast, showcasing local produce. After meeting our guide, we begin our immersion in the foothills of the Vercors.
Our tracks meander gently through the undergrowth of the legendary Nordic area of Gève. Our short climb leads us to the Pas de la Clé .
Here, our guide will tell the story of this "Pass" used until the 19th century to move logs of wood into the valley.
Our return journey will allow us to observe the geology of the Vercors, and understand the power of erosion of water and time on the limestone rock.
We return to our base camp to enjoy the fireplace.
Then relax in the Størvatt outdoor wood-fired bath. A convivial atmosphere guaranteed under the snowflakes!
Day 2 -
The Ramées or The Fauge
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For this new day in the fresh air of the Vercors we have a choice of alpine pastures; depending on the conditions we will opt for the most suitable one.
The Ramées:
Our starting point, slightly higher up, will allow us to quickly reach the vast alpine pastures of Lans-en-Vercors. We will gradually ascend beyond the alpine zone: the spruce trees become sparse , giving way to wide open spaces. In summer, these high-altitude meadows are home to flocks of sheep. One can almost imagine the tinkling of their bells echoing across the summer pastures. When winter arrives, silence reigns. Beneath the blanket of snow, the gentle contours invite contemplation, far from the hustle and bustle.
Facing us rises the Moucherotte, its 1,901 meters a vast promontory overlooking Grenoble and the Isère Valley. The great peaks of the Alps form a backdrop. On the other side, the rocky barrier of the Vercors unfolds its cliffs and ridges for several kilometers, creating a breathtaking panorama.
The Fauge:
Heading towards the capital of the Four Mountains, Villard-de-Lans.
We enter the Fauge valley, an enchanting place nestled at the foot of the Vercors cliffs. The path follows the stream, winding between forests and snow-covered clearings. Around a bend, the Fauge waterfall appears, frozen solid.
The Vercors is also a story of mountain huts, the story of these unguarded buildings, witnesses to an intact pastoral tradition . Our ascent will thus lead us to this setting!
Day 3 -
Herbouilly
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, our guide leads us to the Porte d'Herbouilly, an ideal starting point for appreciating the vast landscapes of the Prealps. A superb viewpoint unfolds before us: the Roche Rousse balcony , allowing us to understand the formation of this limestone promontory encircled by magnificent cliffs. We walk through the extensive forests, crossing from the Drôme to the Isère departments. In this area, the landscapes always offer delightful surprises: here, the Herbouilly plain, quite unique and typical of the Vercors region. It tells us the rural history of the farmers of yesteryear.
Back to our cozy nest where the panoramic sauna awaits us.
Day 4 -
Cart
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From the entrance to the Vercors High Plateaus Nature Reserve, we hike facing the peaks of Corrençon: the majestic Grande Moucherolle and the Tête des Chaudières. After crossing the symbolic 45th parallel, we reach the Carrette cabin, a former sheepfold now a mountain refuge. In this peaceful setting, a well-deserved rest awaits us, with a sense of wide-open spaces reminiscent of Canadian landscapes.
Day 5 -
The Molière
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A spectacular end to our stay awaits us. We're heading to the Molière alpine pasture, a must-see in the Vercors. Here, a feeling of absolute tranquility reigns.
This gentle, snow-covered plateau is the perfect spot to admire the spectacle of the Alpine giants: at our feet, the Grenoble valley lies beneath a cottony sea of clouds. Facing us, an exceptional panorama stretches from the Chartreuse to the Dévoluy, not forgetting the Écrins. On a clear day, the silhouette of Mont Blanc draws our gaze. If you're so inclined, we can stop at the refuge, at Julie and Guillaume's. Will you succumb to the temptation of their blueberry tart?
To end this wonderful week, would you prefer: relaxing in a hot bath or exploring the surrounding farms and producers of local cheeses and artisanal charcuterie?
Day 6 -
End of stay and departure
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
End of stay after breakfast.
Day 7
Note
Each day, a short 10-20 minute transfer takes you to the starting point of the hikes. Your guide will give you their full attention to introduce you to the joys of the snowy countryside, off the beaten track.
Note: The destinations for these outings are given as a guide only. Each week, we vary the activities depending on the weather conditions. We may sometimes need to modify the program slightly: due to organizational issues, the weather, the group's skill level, exceptional circumstances such as a pandemic, etc. Rest assured, these changes are always made in your best interest, for your safety and comfort!
Snow conditions : We are, above all, outdoor enthusiasts. If there is insufficient snow, we will still run your hiking trip. Under no circumstances will we cancel or postpone your stay. With or without their blanket of snow, the landscapes of the Vercors remain just as beautiful, and our local guides will share the wonders of their region with you in the ambiance of winter light.
Accommodation
You will be welcomed to our Gîte-hotel (4 ears of corn) located in a charming and friendly country house in the small village of Méaudre.
Access
Arrival on day 1 between 5pm and 7pm at the gîte-hotel, hameau des Gaillardes, 2195 route de la Croix Perrin, in Méaudre (38112). The accommodation is not in the centre of the village but 3 km from shops (approx. 40 min walk, 5 min by car).
If you arrive by bus, we will pick you up when you get off the bus which leaves Grenoble at 5:00pm and arrives at 6:21pm at Méaudre Place.
Go to the starting point
You have two options:
- Train/TGV to Valence-TGV station then bus to Méaudre:
From Valence-TGV station, take the Transaltitude shuttle .
Please note: only one shuttle bus operates on Sundays.
Remember to book your train according to the shuttle schedule . Outside of this schedule, the only alternative is a taxi (approximately €170).
Go : Departure Valence-TGV at 2:30 pm - Arrival Méaudre - Place du Village at 4:45 pm
Important : make sure you select Valence-TGV station (and not Valence-Ville).
Booking : directly on the Transaltitude website no later than 48 hours before departure.
At Valence-TGV station, you will find the bus on platform I or H.
- Train/TGV to Grenoble then bus to Méaudre:
From Grenoble train station, take the Cars Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regional buses:
Line T64 to Lans-en-Vercors - Tourist Office then line T66 to Méaudre - Village Square.
Tickets can be purchased directly at the Grenoble bus station.
This service is regular and cannot be booked in advance.
We will pick you up from the bus that departs Grenoble at 5:00 PM and arrives at Méaudre Place at 6:21 PM. After this time, you will need to take a taxi, which will cost approximately €120. Remember to book your train ticket accordingly (approximately €170).
Méaudre is located at an altitude of 1,000 m. You are in a mountain environment, snow equipment is MANDATORY (snow tires / chains).
The guesthouse-hotel has free private parking.
From the North - Grenoble: From the A48 towards Grenoble, take exit 14 "St Egrève Sassenage Villard-de-Lans". In Lans-en-Vercors, follow signs for Autrans. At the bottom of the Col de la Croix Perrin, turn left towards Méaudre and continue for 1 km.
From the South - Valence: From the A49 towards Grenoble, take exit 8 "Aire Royans-Vercors, Villard de Lans". Follow signs for Villard-de-Lans. At the end of the Bourne gorges, turn left towards Méaudre. The gîte is 3 km past the village.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a state-certified mountain guide who is a specialist in the region.
- Accommodation in a Gîte-hotel (4 ears of corn), according to the room type chosen
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- Herbal tea after meals
- Equipment rental (snowshoes and poles)
- Access to the wellness area upon returning from each hike
- The tourist tax
The price does not include
- Transportation to the place of stay
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Individual care
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Individual treatments - 30-minute Wellness Massage : CHF61.29 / unit
- Individual treatments - 45-minute Wellness Massage : CHF75.93 / unit
- Individual treatments - Foot Reflexology 30 min : CHF61.29 / unit
- Individual treatments - Foot Reflexology 45 min : CHF75.93 / unit
- Individual treatments - Shiatsu 45 min : CHF75.93 / unit
- 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
- Snowshoes and poles
Equipment to bring
In your bag for the day:
- 1 small backpack (35 to 40 L) equipped with a waist belt, which must allow the snowshoes to be attached to the bag.
- If you have any, "forest hiking crampons".
- 1 thermos or a preferably insulated water bottle (2 litres recommended).
- Picnic essentials: 1 pocket knife, 1 fork-spoon.
- Race snacks (energy bars, dried fruit or chocolate for those with a sweet tooth).
- 1 small waterproof pouch with identity card, health insurance card and assistance contract received upon registration if you took out this insurance or that of your personal insurance.
- 1 personal first aid kit (see complete kit suggestion below)
- 1 pack of tissues
- 1 pair of sunglasses + sunscreen.
- A scarf or a "buff" (neck warmer) provides a solution for all situations to cover the neck and head, whether it is hot or cold.
- 1 beanie
- 1 pair of gloves + 1 spare pair of gloves
- Thin silk or synthetic undergloves (very useful in very cold weather)
- Optionally: a rain cover (to protect it from the rain) + 1 sturdy plastic bag (to protect the inside) + 1 headlamp or flashlight + 1 survival blanket.
Clothing to bring
It's important to understand the mountain environment and its unpredictable weather, which can change rapidly from one extreme to the other. Being well-equipped will allow you to enjoy your holiday even more!
Clothing, the principles:
For both your upper and lower body, opt for "multi-layering". This means wearing several layers of clothing that you can remove or add depending on the temperature and the level of exertion.
For example :
- a long-sleeved thermal undershirt made of breathable material (hollow fiber).
- a warm fleece jacket or a down jacket.
- a windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket of the Gore-Tex type.
In calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In rain, snow, or wind, simply add this waterproof jacket. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is an essential addition.
Don't neglect your lower body. The "layering" principle also applies: trousers + over-trousers or tights + trousers.
Choose clothes that dry quickly , so avoid cotton. Opt for synthetic fibers that will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible.
Remember to dress warmly before you get cold , but especially to remove layers before you get too hot . Sweat is a hiker's enemy, as it dampens clothing that quickly becomes icy during breaks. Therefore, it's very rare to undertake a climb wearing a fleece jacket.
Avoid ski suits, which are too warm and bulky.
Your complete luggage:
- 2 short-sleeved t-shirts made of breathable material.
- 1 long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material.
- 1 fleece jacket or 1 down jacket.
- 1 waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type windproof jacket with hood.
- 1 rain cape.
- 1 pair of flexible, thermal, comfortable and water-repellent trekking or outdoor trousers. Alpine ski trousers are not recommended.
- 1 pair of waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type overtrousers.
- Hiking socks. Opt for wool or specific hiking socks like terry cloth, which prevent your feet from overheating. Be careful with cotton, as it can cause blisters.
- One pair of hiking boots in good condition , with high tops , good ankle support , and waterproof soles (Vibram type). Remember to test new boots and those that haven't been used for a long time beforehand (check in particular if the sole glue is still holding and re-waterproof them).
- 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes for the evening.
- 1 comfortable outfit for the evening.
- 1 pair of gaiters. If your trousers have "gussets", this is not necessary.
- 1 swimsuit + 1 bath towel for the wellness area. In the room, you will find a bath towel for the shower.
- Toiletries (opt for the essentials and small sizes).
- Earplugs or ear pads (optional).
- If you wear prescription glasses, remember to bring a spare pair.
Suggestions for a personal first aid kit:
- Your usual medications.
- Pain medication: Paracetamol preferred.
- Elastic adhesive strip, Elastoplast type, 8 cm wide.
- Disinfectant compresses.
- Adhesive bandages.
- Double skin (like Compeed or SOS blisters).
- Lozenges for sore throats.
- Vitamin C.
- 1 pair of tweezers.
- Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
And then:
- A dose of good cheer!
- And if you are a musician, feel free to bring your instrument of choice or your sheet music, the house piano is waiting for you.
