Queyras Massif
/ Hautes-Alpes
From Queyras to the Italian Alps: a spectacular adventure
5/5
(2 reviews)
Réf : HIXYGM
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationQueyras Massif / Hautes-Alpes
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions62.96 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages🇫🇷French
In a few words
Discover a unique itinerary linking the Saint-Véran Valley in France to the Cesana Torinese Valley in Italy, in the heart of the breathtaking Alpine landscapes. This trip will take you to explore the unspoiled valleys of Queyras and Fonts de Cervières, culminating in the crossing of the Col de l'Izoard. You will be charmed by the warm welcome at the Mautino refuge and by the beauty of the Italian hamlets nestled on the sunny slopes. Following the "Haute Trace des Escartons" (High Route of the Escartons), you will traverse lands steeped in history, between France and Italy, all on snowshoes for an unforgettable experience. Your guide will share with you the stories of this region, once ruled by the Republic of the Escartons.
The highlights
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A 5-day trek on the legendary Haute Trace des Escartons route
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Wild and varied landscapes, between France and Italy
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1 night in an Italian mountain refuge
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Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
For those wishing to hike for approximately 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 500 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in sports activities 1 to 2 times a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
The expert's opinion
The hikes offered take place on mountain trails with elevation gains of 600 to 800 meters, both uphill and/or downhill, without any particular technical difficulties. Expect approximately 5 to 6 hours of walking per day.
You walk with a backpack containing your necessary belongings for the week + safety equipment (shovel and snow probe).
The terrain covered remains accessible to all and your guide is there to gently introduce you to the pleasures of snowshoeing.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 17 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 500 m
- Average daily descent: 690 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band :
1 supervisor for 4 to 10 people
Languages spoken:
🇫🇷
French
Supervisor
Supervisor
Our team is made up of mountain enthusiasts, happy to help you discover the Queyras and Italy in winter!
You will be accompanied by a qualified professional, an expert in snowy terrain. He will guide you safely and share his love of nature with you: reading animal tracks, observing winter landscapes, local stories and anecdotes…
Always attentive to your comfort and pace, he will advise you on your equipment, ensure your safety, and put you at ease. With him, every outing becomes an opportunity to fully enjoy the mountains, discover their hidden treasures, and experience a true moment of disconnection.
Program
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Saint-Véran (2,042 m) and the Aigues valley - Ville-Vieille (1,450 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 00h50 - 37km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 950 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet us on Sunday at 8:30 am at the Montdauphin - Guillestre SNCF train station
Welcome by your guide then transfer by bus to the Queyras (35 km).
Arrival at the cottage and presentation of the stay.
Saint-Véran (2,042 m) and the Aigues valley - Ville-Vieille (1,450 m)
A short introductory visit to the typical village of Saint-Véran, followed by a magnificent balcony trail leading us to discover the hamlets and villages perched in the Aigues Valley: Pierre Grosse (1,915 m), Molines (1,740 m), La Rua (1,750 m), Les Prats (1,600 m) before descending to Ville-Vieille (1,450 m). A short bus transfer takes us to the small hamlet of La Chalp d'Arvieux (1,730 m).
Day 1 -
Chalp d'Arvieux (1,685 m) - Col d'Izoard (2,360 m) - Cervières (1,600 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 9km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Short bus transfer to the small hamlet of La Chalp d’Arvieux (1,730 m)
Crossing this legendary pass on snowshoes and the breathtaking beauty of the "Casse Déserte" in winter is truly unforgettable! A quick stop at the charming Refuge Napoléon to sample their famous homemade pastries, and then we're off to the beautiful clearings of the Péméan forest to reach the typical village of Cervières. Overnight stay in a mountain lodge or hotel.
Day 2 -
From Cervières to Mautino (Italy) via the upper Cervières valley
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A superb crossing to Italy and the charming Mautino refuge. A short climb leads to the gateway of the upper Fonts valley, whose unspoiled nature and numerous alpine hamlets are sure to captivate. Depending on conditions, your guide may take you to the summit of Cîme Saurel (2,451 m) or to explore the many valleys along the border ridge before crossing the Bousson pass, marked by old boundary stones. This vast high-altitude pass, with its distinctly Nordic atmosphere, leads to our friend Marco's place, where he knows how to make his guests feel very welcome!
For this leg of the journey, you will take your belongings for the night, and you will find your luggage the next day in Thures.
Day 3 -
From Mautino to Val di Thura
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Depending on snow conditions, we can either reach the Val di Thuras via the Colle di Chabaud (2,250 m) or via the Colle di Bégino and Monte Corbioun (2,430 m). Both options offer breathtaking panoramas! A beautiful descent through a larch forest then leads us to the charming hamlets of Chabaud, Ruilles, and Thuras (1,650 m), each with its own typical architecture.
Day 4 -
Thura (1,650 m) - Cima Chalvet (2,422 m) or Cima del Bosco (2,376 m) - Bousson (1,450 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 01h15 - 60km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A magnificent hike to end this Italian-inspired stay in style! Once again, the conditions and the group's level will determine the day's objective, but this hike above the hamlet on the sunny slope is a must-do and popular with ski tourers and snowshoers. The descent towards Bousson alternates between sections through forests and beautiful clearings.
Taxi transfer from Italy to Guillestre train station for 3:30 pm.
For participants arriving by train, it will be possible to arrange a drop-off at Briançon station.
Day 5
Note
Depending on the weather, snow conditions, possible overbooking of accommodation or for any other reasons beyond our control, we may exceptionally have to modify this program.
NOTE: In the event of heavy snowfall, crossing the Col d'Izoard will be impossible for safety reasons, and your guide may decide to arrange a minibus transfer to Cervières (1 hour 15 minutes / 65 km). The ascent of the Col d'Izoard will then be done as an out-and-back hike via the easier and less dangerous northern slope. In this exceptional case, the group will be asked to contribute to the additional taxi fare of €25 per person.
Accommodation
During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.
Access
Departure
Gare de Mont-Dauphin - Guillestre, Eygliers, France
Day 1
: 08h30
End of stay
Gare de Mont-Dauphin - Guillestre, Eygliers, France
Day 5
- 15h30
WELCOME
Option included in the price, upon reservation
Your guide will meet you at Montdauphin-Guillestre station at 8:30 am for the transfer to the meeting point.
DISPERSION
Thursday at Mont-Dauphin Guillestre station at 3:30 pm
Go to the starting point
Take the train toGare de Mont-Dauphin Guillestre
Arrival by train
Travel by train to Montdauphin-Guillestre Station
Arrive easily from Paris by day or night train. Check the timetables on SNCF Connect. For travelers coming from the south, take the Marseille-Briançon line. Enjoy the simplicity of rail travel to discover this superb destination.
Travel to the place of stay
with parking
available
Arrived by car
Go directly to the train station
Possibility of leaving your vehicle in a car park near the station during your stay.
From the north, take the Lautaret pass via Briançon (RN 94) or Grenoble (RN 94/D902). Alternatively, from Grenoble, take the A51 motorway towards Gap, then the RN94 towards Guillestre (D902).
From the south, go via Valence or Sisteron, continue towards Gap, then Embrun, and finally Guillestre. Once in Guillestre, follow the signs for "Queyras" via the D902 and the D947.
Mountain landscapes await you on this road trip to Queyras!
"Road conditions" for the Hautes-Alpes department
Regardless of the route you take to reach the Hautes-Alpes in winter, special equipment (snow tires, snow chains or snow socks…) is mandatory from November 1st to March 30th. Practice putting them on before you leave.
To access the Hautes-Alpes department, you can consult the website: https://inforoute.hautes-alpes.fr
Would you like to travel on other dates?
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Price details
The price includes
- The transfer of the Montdauphin station to Saint-Véran
- Full board in a gîte d'étape (stopover accommodation) format
- Supervision by a state-certified mountain guide
- Safety equipment (avalanche transceiver + shovel + probe)
- The provision of snowshoes and poles
- The return journey from Italy to Guillestre station
The price does not include
- Drinks and wine during meals
- Luggage transfer
- Exceptional contribution towards the taxi transfer from Arvieux to Cervières (€25/person) in case it is impossible to cross the Col d'Izoard for safety reasons (if the avalanche risk is too high).
- Insurance
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
They traveled with us
Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
5/5
(2 reviews)
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Decathlon Travel Partner
The Marion, Boris et Christophe team
4.8/5
(530 reviews)
• 86 stays
A specialist in the Southern Alps for over 20 years, our local partner operates in exceptional regions such as the Queyras, the Écrins, the Mercantour, and the Ubaye, not forgetting its heartland: the Calanques. This small, friendly agency relies on a team of passionate experts to design tailor-made trips, perfectly suited to your desired length and comfort level. Known for its strong local presence, it guarantees year-round departures for its guided tours, placing conviviality and human values at the heart of every shared adventure.
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Best price guaranteed:
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