At the source of the Clarée
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationHautes-Alpes / Névache
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AgeFrom 16 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions25.3 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Discover a pristine winter wonderland in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes. Between the Cerces massif and the Clarée valley , this snowshoeing trek takes you through wild landscapes to the source of the river.
Each day reveals exceptional panoramas as you explore the hidden valleys of Buffère , Chardonnet , and Muandes . Far from the hustle and bustle, you'll journey through pristine nature, perfect for rejuvenation and a complete change of scenery.
Designed in small groups of 8 participants maximum to guarantee conviviality and safety, this stay emphasizes authenticity: in the evening, enjoy the warmth of comfortable shelters and tasty local cuisine , ideal for recharging your batteries before a new stage in the great outdoors.
The highlights
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DVA Practice
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Loop circuit
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Quality accommodation
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
This multi-day trek is physically demanding and requires prior training and snowshoeing experience. Good agility is also necessary to navigate some of the sloping sections safely. The loop trail comprises five stages, with 3 to 6 hours of walking per day (with an elevation gain of between 350 and 550 meters over a distance of 5 to 13 kilometers per day).
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 380 m
- Average daily descent: 390 m
Management
French
English
Your guide is trained in first aid procedures (PSC training).
During his travels, Samuel is equipped with a two-way GPS allowing him to relay his position via satellite.
If necessary, he can communicate with the rescue teams.
Program
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Buffère Refuge
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 50 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 1:30 pm in front of the High Valleys Tourist Office at the entrance to the village of Névache. Parking nearby. Program presentation and departure for the Buffère refuge. 450 m elevation gain - 50 m elevation loss - 5 km (3 hours of walking) • Meal included: dinner at the Buffère refuge • Overnight stay: Buffère refuge
Day 1 -
Ricou Refuge via the Sully woods
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day begins with a climb from the stark, rocky landscape of the Baudes ridges to the larch forest of the Bois de Sully. We first reach the Chardonnet refuge, then descend into the Clarée valley through the Bois des Alberges, before ascending to the Ricou refuge. 600m ascent - 550m descent - 9km (5 hours of walking) • Meals included: breakfast at the Buffère refuge. Picnic lunch. Dinner at the Ricou refuge. • Overnight: Ricou refuge
Day 2 -
Drayères Refuge via Long Lake
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We're hiking in a high mountain environment with panoramic views of peaks reaching nearly 3,000 meters! We'll wind our way through this landscape to reach Lac Long. We'll finish the day with the descent to the Refuge des Drayères. 450m ascent - 350m descent - 7km (5 hours of hiking) • Meals included: breakfast at the Refuge Ricou. Picnic lunch. Dinner at the Refuge des Drayères. • Overnight: Refuge des Drayères
Day 3 -
At the source of the Clarée
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This day takes us to the source of the river that gives its name to the valley: the Clarée. In the heart of the Cerces massif, we reach the Col des Rochilles (2491 m), on the border with the Savoie department, with its splendid view of the Aiguilles d'Arves. We descend to the Refuge des Drayères and continue on to the Refuge Laval. 350 m ascent - 550 m descent - 11.5 km (6 hours of walking) • Meals included: breakfast at the Refuge des Drayères. Picnic lunch. Dinner at the Refuge Laval. • Overnight: Refuge Laval
Day 4 -
Back to Névache
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 50 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
During this stage, we reach the village of Névache, the end of the trek, by following the Clarée River. 50m elevation gain - 450m elevation loss - 13km (5 hours of walking) • Meals included: breakfast at the Laval refuge
Day 5
Accommodation
Perched at an altitude of 2076 m and nestled in the Buffère Valley, the Refuge can be reached on foot or by ski touring from the village of Névache. The Buffère Refuge will be your base for multi-day hikes around the Tour du Thabor.
The wardens will welcome you to the cozy atmosphere of the refuge, entirely made of wood, chalet style…
Access
By public transport from Lyon:
- between Lyon and Grenoble: by train or bus
- between Grenoble and Briançon: by bus (ZOU LINE 55 between “GRENOBLE - bus station” and “BRIANÇON - bus station”)
By car:
- Check traffic conditions for reaching the Lautaret pass by phone at 04 65 03 00 05 or on the website http://inforoute.hautes-alpes.fr/
- Reminder: mandatory equipment (winter tires, snow socks or chains)
- We encourage carpooling, which is more economical and environmentally friendly. We will provide you with the contact details of participants who wish to carpool.
Go to the starting point
ZOU LINE 55
Free parking available
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a state-certified mountain guide (DE-Alpinisme AMM, snowy mountain environment option)
- Accommodation in staffed mountain huts in shared rooms subject to availability (sheets and towels not provided)
- Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 5
The price does not include
- Travel to and from your home and the reception/dispersal points of your stay.
- Personal insurance (civil liability and assistance/repatriation insurance are mandatory; cancellation insurance is strongly recommended)
- Rental of essential equipment for your stay:
- Safety pack, including 1 avalanche transceiver, 1 shovel, 1 probe: 50 euros per person for the duration of the stay
- Rental of a pair of snowshoes with walking poles: 50 euros per person for the duration of the stay
- The supplement for a departure of 3 people: an additional cost of €145 per person
- The discount for FFCAM 2025 licensed members: 10 euros (to be mentioned when registering)
Options
- Snowshoe Rental : CHF45.74 / person
- Security Pack Rental : CHF45.74 / person
- Discount for CAF license holders : CHF-9.15 / person
- 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
- 1 backpack of 30 to 40 liters
- A thermos or insulated water bottle is essential for hot drinks (minimum total drink capacity of 0.5 litres).
- 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) to store your money, ID, health insurance card and assistance contract with the 24/7 assistance number
- 1 pair of sunglasses (minimum UV protection rating 3)
- sunscreen and lip balm
- pair of rackets
- telescopic poles
- Safety pack including a digital avalanche transceiver with an extra set of batteries, a probe (2.40 m long), and an aluminum shovel
Clothing to bring
The principles: for the upper body, the 3-layer principle allows you to manage almost all situations:
- a long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material (hollow fibers)
- a warm fleece jacket or a lightweight down jacket
- a windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket (Gore-Tex type)
When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer is usually sufficient. In rain, snow, or wind, simply add a waterproof jacket. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket or down jacket is essential.
Cotton clothing should be avoided. Opt for quick-drying clothes and prioritize wool, silk, and synthetic fibers, which will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible.
The Samuel team
A pioneer of trekking in Japan, our local expert runs a small, personalized organization that designs innovative trips. They offer unique multi-day hikes in the Japanese Alps or on the unspoiled island of Hokkaido. Each trek is led by a certified French guide fluent in Japanese. Thanks to their in-depth knowledge of the terrain and its ecosystem, these mountain guides lead travelers off the beaten path, into the heart of hidden and enchanting places.
