Isère
/ Chartreuse Mountains
A white escape in the heart of the Chartreuse mountains
Réf : BDMPSA
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration4 days
-
LevelIntermediate
-
DestinationIsère / Chartreuse Mountains
-
AgeFrom 13 - 90 years
-
CO₂-Emissions35.55 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages
French
In a few words
Indulge in an intimate winter getaway in the heart of the Chartreuse mountains . For four days , this immersion in nature invites you to explore pristine panoramas , silent forests, and unspoiled alpine pastures, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Led by a professional guide , explore carefully selected wilderness trails on snowshoes , perfectly suited for lovers of the great outdoors. Each stage offers a unique opportunity to disconnect , breathe in the fresh alpine air, and share warm moments.
Designed for small groups to foster a friendly and comfortable atmosphere, this rejuvenating stay combines accessible hikes, majestic landscapes, and authentic experiences. An ideal escape to experience winter differently, at the soothing pace of the snow-covered mountains.
The highlights
-
A small group stay to share convivial moments
-
Comfortable and welcoming accommodation throughout your stay
-
Hikes on the most beautiful snowy sites of the mountain range
Subscriber benefit
save 5%
by joining
our community
Decathlon Travel Benefits
Best price guaranteed:
We offer twice the difference
Free cancellation more than 30 days in advance
Payment in 2 installments
Learn more
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
For those who wish to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of approximately 300 to 500 meters on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
The expert's opinion
The walking pace is leisurely and steady, emphasizing discovery rather than athletic effort.
Average elevation gain: 480 m Maximum elevation gain: 510 m
Average length: 9 km Maximum: 12 km
Average time: 4 hours 30 minutes Maximum: 5 hours
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 437 m
- Average daily descent: 437 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band :
1 supervisor for 6 to 10 people
Languages spoken:
French
French
Accompagnateur
Accompagnateur
Your guide is a state-certified professional, specializing in snowshoeing and possessing extensive knowledge of the Chartreuse mountain range. They ensure the safe and enjoyable experience of your hikes by selecting routes, adapting the pace, managing logistics, and taking into account weather and snow conditions. They also strive to maintain group dynamics and cohesion, while facilitating your exploration of the mountain environment and passionately sharing their knowledge of nature. Throughout your stay, they remain available and attentive to your needs to make your experience as pleasant as possible.
Program
-
Welcome and setup
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You are expected at the reception of the Ô Caprice du Guiers hotel, located at the exit of the village of Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse in the direction of Saint-Laurent-du-Pont, from 5 p.m.
If you arrive by train, the meeting is set for Sunday at 5:30 p.m. at the Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux station, in front of the newsstand inside the station.
You will then be welcomed for a presentation of the stay and the team, followed by your check-in and dinner.
Day 1 -
The hamlet of Saint Hugues
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For this first day of hiking, we set off towards the hamlet of Saint-Hugues, for a walk between alpine pastures and forest in the heart of the Grande Chartreuse domain.
The atmosphere of the day is special, with the possibility, depending on opening conditions, of visiting a unique place: the Arcabas museum, located in the church of Saint-Hugues.
Upon your return to the accommodation, a small, comforting snack awaits you.
Day 2 -
The Hauts de Chartreuse nature reserve, the High Plateaus
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a short transfer by minibus, we set off hiking towards the Entremonts valley, where we discover a different atmosphere: the alpine pastures and the pastoral activity of the producers of the famous Chartreuse cheeses.
This beautiful hike takes place with Mont Blanc and its magical scenery as a backdrop.
We invite you to gain some altitude by exploring the plateaus of the Chartreuse Nature Reserve. At over 1,500 m altitude, a wild and panoramic world awaits you, with the possibility of spotting ibex or chamois.
In the late afternoon, a tasting stop is offered at the cheese factory in the Entremonts valley, as well as at the Maison du Parc Naturel, where local artisans gather for a high-quality exhibition.
Back at your accommodation, a comforting little snack awaits you.
Day 3 -
The Monastery of the Grande Chartreuse
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 410 m
- Negative elevation 410 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The morning begins with a visit to the Grande Chartreuse museum, before setting off on a hike.
We then explore the zone of silence of the Monastery, where we discover the history and austere life of the Carthusians, who have been present in these places for more than nine centuries.
After admiring the imposing complex of buildings, the monastery is not open to visitors, and having soaked up the tranquility that reigns in this magical place, we climb up to the Habert de Billon, the former sheepfold of the Carthusians.
We then discover the chapels of Notre-Dame de Casalibus and Saint-Bruno, built on the site of the first monastery.
Upon your return to the accommodation, you will have time to pack your bags and return home.
Day 4
Note
The program outlined is for guidance only and may be modified depending on weather conditions, snow cover, or specific local circumstances. Your guide will use their experience and professionalism to adapt to these unforeseen events and adjust the program as needed. For example, they might choose a hike to a summit in good weather or a walk in the forest in bad weather. The location of your accommodation will also help minimize travel by vehicle. Other hikes, not mentioned in this program but equally interesting, may be offered.
Snow cover
We are, first and foremost, hikers, and even if snow is scarce, especially at the beginning or end of the season, our trips will still take place. The winter atmosphere and light will be there, even if you sometimes need to wear snowshoes to reach the snow. However, since we started organizing this hike, this has been rare.
Accommodation
🏨 2-star hotel - Days 1 to 3
You will be staying at the Hôtel Ô Caprice du Guiers, a small renovated hotel-restaurant located in the hamlet of La Diat, on the riverbank.
You will be accommodated in a double room. As single rooms are limited, only two are available for this stay.
With only 6 rooms, the establishment offers an intimate, warm and friendly atmosphere, "like home", ideal for relaxing after a day of hiking.
Access
Departure
Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse, France
Day 1
: 17h00
End of stay
Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse, France
Day 4
- 16h00
Welcome : Meet at your accommodation, the Hôtel Ô Caprice du Guiers, in Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (38), from 5 p.m.
The hotel is located in the hamlet of La Diat, before the final climb to Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse. You can easily park near your accommodation.
If you arrive by train, the meeting point is at 5:30 PM sharp at Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux train station, inside the station, in front of the Relais Kiosque newsstand. Optional round-trip transfer from Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux train station: €30 per person
In case of delay on the same day, please notify the hotel at 04 76 88 65 79 or the agency at 04 51 20 50 50.
Dispersion : On day 4, return in the late afternoon with a transfer to Chambéry train station, scheduled for 5 p.m.
Go to the starting point
Take the train toChambéry-Challes-les-Eaux
If you arrive by train, the meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. sharp at the Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux station, inside the station, in front of the Relais Kiosque newsstand.
Optional round-trip transfer from Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux train station: €30 per person
Travel to the place of stay
with parking
available
The hotel is located in the hamlet of La Diat, before the final climb to Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse. You can easily park near your accommodation.
Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Price details
The price includes
- Organization and supervision costs.
- Full board food and accommodation.
- Christine's little snacks at the end of the day
- Loan of snowshoes and poles.
- the supervision of snowshoeing outings
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Personal equipment.
- The journeys to and from the reception location.
- The different types of insurance
- Everything that is not listed under "The price includes".
Options
- Single room : CHF137.22 / person
- Optional round-trip transfer from Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux train station : CHF27.44 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
During the hike, you must have the following documents in your possession:
- Valid identity card or passport.
- Your travel insurance leaflet received upon registration (if you purchased the insurance we offer) or your personal insurance (contract number + telephone number).
- Health insurance card.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Snowshoes and poles
Equipment to bring
Equipment
- Backpack 35-40 litres, flexible frame, with waist belt and snowshoe attachments
- Plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack
- High-quality sunglasses with side protection
- Water bottle or insulated thermos (minimum 1.5 liters)
- Opinel-type pocket knife
- Small waterproof pouch for money, ID card, health insurance card and assistance contract
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Airtight plastic container (0.5 l minimum), cup and cutlery
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
Personal pharmacy
- Usual medications
- Elastic adhesive strip (Elastoplast type, 8 cm)
- Adhesive bandages and disinfectant compresses
- Double-layer blister plasters (like Compeed or SOS Blisters)
- Tweezers
Clothing to bring
Clothing principles for the upper body
- The three-layer system allows it to adapt to almost any situation:
- Long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material (hollow fiber).
- Warm fleece jacket for breaks or very cold weather.
Waterproof and breathable windproof jacket (Gore-Tex type) to protect against wind, rain or snow.
When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In bad weather, a waterproof jacket is enough, and a fleece becomes essential during breaks or in very cold conditions.
Opt for quick-drying clothing: wool (merino underwear), silk, or synthetic fibers. Avoid cotton.
Dress warmly before you get cold, but undress before you get too hot. Sweat dampens clothing and can quickly lead to chills. Avoid anoraks or ski suits, which are too warm and bulky.
Ideal clothing list (to be adapted according to the hike and the season)
- Sun hat or cap
- Scarf or neck warmer
- Cap
- A pair of mittens, possibly accompanied by silk gloves and an extra pair
- Breathable short-sleeved T-shirts
- Long-sleeved undershirt or breathable shirt
- Fleece jacket
- Waterproof and breathable windproof jacket with hood (Gore-Tex type)
- Rain poncho or sleeping bag cover if the waterproof jacket is already provided
- Loose-fitting trekking trousers
- Waterproof and breathable overtrousers (Gore-Tex type)
- Hiking socks (1 pair for 2 to 3 days, wool or hiking-specific, avoid cotton)
- High-top, waterproof hiking boots with Vibram-type soles (test the boots before departure; avoid boots or après-ski boots)
- gaiters
R
Decathlon Travel Partner
Our partner team
4.4/5
(38 reviews)
• 39 stays
A local team specializing in the Chartreuse and Pre-Alps regions, our partner is based in Chapareillan. Their work revolves around sharing, discovering unspoiled landscapes, and enjoying the warm hospitality of the mountains. Since 2021, this small, friendly organization has been inviting travelers on an authentic adventure in the heart of exceptional mountain ranges. They prioritize encounters and immersion in these natural paradises to offer an unforgettable human experience.
Are you satisfied with this page?
Subscriber benefit
save 5%
by joining
our community
Decathlon Travel Benefits
Best price guaranteed:
We offer twice the difference
Free cancellation more than 30 days in advance
Payment in 2 installments
Learn more
