New Year's Gourmet Snowshoeing Trip in the Alps
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationFrench Alps / Hautes-Alpes
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions45.06 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
At the gateway to the Écrins National Park , the Champsaur Valley unveils a pristine winter landscape, with panoramic ridges , snow-covered forests , and vast, immaculate expanses. Far from the hustle and bustle of the major resorts, this 4-night snowshoeing trip for New Year's invites you to experience the mountains in a different way, at the pace of accessible and rejuvenating hikes.
Each day is dedicated to discovering the open and luminous landscapes of the Southern Alps , where the silence of winter enhances the surrounding nature. Snowshoeing trails allow you to explore secluded valleys and viewpoints offering unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks.
After your exertions, unwind in a cozy farmhouse , blending mountain charm with a warm atmosphere. Enjoy genuine hospitality and delicious cuisine , showcasing quality ingredients in a friendly setting.
The highlight of the stay: a festive and refined French-style New Year's Eve dinner to celebrate the arrival of the new year in an intimate, mountain setting. An ideal winter getaway to combine nature, conviviality, and the gentle warmth of the Alps .
The highlights
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An exceptional French-style New Year's Eve dinner
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Guided snowshoe hikes: ridges, forests, valleys and snowy panoramas
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Four nights in a traditional, family-run, local farmhouse, cozy and full of character
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
This trip is accessible to all levels and no prior snowshoeing experience is necessary.
The hikes take place at a moderate pace, generally between 4 and 5 hours per day, with regular breaks to enjoy the scenery, observe the wildlife, and discover the mountain environment. The routes follow snow-covered trails, through forests, valleys, and sometimes panoramic ridges.
A good level of general fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the days in the mountains. The routes are adapted daily by the guide according to snow conditions, weather, and the group's skill level.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 551 m
Management
As a specialist in the winter mountain environment, he shares his knowledge of the fauna, flora and alpine landscapes while ensuring the safety and comfort of the group throughout the stay.
The stay is supervised by qualified, local, and passionate guides.
Program
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Arrival
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We will meet you at Gap train station at 5:30 pm and drive you to your cozy and charming farmhouse in the Champsaur Valley. Once settled in, the week begins in true French style with an aperitif followed by the first dinner of your stay.
If you arrive early, take the opportunity to stroll around Gap and discover its cafes, markets, and relaxed Alpine atmosphere, or arrive the day before to start your stay fully rested. Just make sure you plan your journey to be ready for the 5:30 pm departure.
Day 1 -
Snowshoeing in Prapic – In the heart of the Écrins National Park
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Start in Prapic, a small village at the bottom of the valley, and immerse yourself in the peaceful and authentic Alps. This mountain hamlet, perched at the foot of steep slopes, charms with its isolation: stone houses, narrow streets and a simple atmosphere set the tone before you put on your snowshoes.
You'll follow a wide valley carved by glaciers, in the heart of the Écrins National Park, with sweeping panoramas and a pristine, silent winter landscape. Your guide will adapt the route to the conditions: you might climb to a sunny plateau to admire the view or stay along the sheltered river and valley floor. The walk passes by the Saut du Laire waterfall and a solitary chapel, adding charm and character to this day in the mountains.
A gentle, peaceful and scenic winter excursion, perfect for recharging without extreme effort.
Day 2 -
New Year's Eve: Snowshoeing at the Summit & Dinner at the Farm
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 630 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Day trip - "At the top of the world": snowshoeing to La Palastre (2,278 m)
End the year in style with a snowshoe ascent of La Palastre, a spectacular peak offering the unique sensation of being on top of the world overlooking the Champsaur Valley. Traverse peaceful forests, snow-covered expanses, and craggy rocks, stopping to admire a frozen waterfall, take photos, or simply enjoy the tranquility. At the pass, savor a picnic in the winter sunshine before the final stretch to the summit. The descent is pure pleasure, with snowshoes allowing you to walk, glide, and bounce with ease.
Evening - Traditional French New Year's Eve dinner
Back at the farm, let yourself be seduced by candlelight and a long, multi-course New Year's Eve dinner, true to French tradition. Meg, our talented chef, combines seasonal Alpine produce with a subtle Asian touch for a festive and creative menu. Expect a delightful progression of courses: seafood, foie gras, a palate cleanser, a hearty main course, local cheeses, and a celebratory dessert, accompanied by wines and Champagne to toast at midnight.
Day 3 -
New Year's Day: Gentle Snowshoeing in the Forest
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 521 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After the festivities of the previous day, enjoy a calmer and more restorative day, for a final immersion in winter nature.
From the peaceful village of Serre-Eyraud (1,373 m), a traditional ski resort with authentic charm, the trail gradually climbs through a magnificent larch forest, offering tranquility and views of the snow-covered peaks of Champsaur.
After an ascent of approximately 500 meters, you will reach Aunt Yvonne's Hut (1,809 m), a simple shelter with a wood-burning stove and benches, perfect for a sheltered break. For those wishing to extend the hike, a short optional extension leads to a panoramic viewpoint (1,887 m) offering a final spectacular view of the valley.
Day 4 -
Departure day
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We will pick you up at the farm at 9:30 am to take you back to Gap and continue your journey. Please plan your departure from Gap after 10:30 am to allow time for the transfer and ensure a smooth departure.
We hope your New Year's snowshoeing trip offered you fresh air, good food and memorable moments, and we wish you a safe and peaceful return home.
Day 5
Note
Nestled at the gateway to the Écrins National Park, the Champsaur Valley is a peaceful and spectacular haven in the Southern Alps: open ridges, snow-covered forests, and tranquil valleys, far from the hustle and bustle of ski resorts. This 4-night snowshoeing trip for New Year's invites you to explore winter on foot, before returning each evening to the warmth of a cozy farmhouse, delicious cuisine, and a friendly welcome. The highlight of the week: an unforgettable French-style New Year's Eve dinner.
Accommodation
You will stay in a charming guest house located in a fully renovated 14th-century farmhouse. Situated in the heart of the Champsaur valley, it combines the authentic character of a historic building with modern comforts, in a peaceful setting with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Access
After breakfast, a transfer is arranged from your accommodation at 9:30 am to Gap for your return journey. For a smoother trip, we recommend booking a train or bus departing from Gap from 10:30 am onwards.
Go to the starting point
Gap is easily accessible by train from many French cities. Regular connections exist, notably via Grenoble, as well as a direct night train from Paris.
Bus services also link Gap to Aix-en-Provence TGV, providing a convenient connection to the national rail network.
The nearest airports are Marseille-Provence and Grenoble-Alpes-Isère.
From Marseille airport, regular bus services provide direct access to Gap. From Grenoble, you can take a shuttle to Grenoble train station and then continue your journey by train to Gap.
Price details
The price includes
- The stay is supervised by qualified, local, and passionate guides.
- Accommodation in a traditional and cozy farmhouse
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 5
- 1 gourmet New Year's Eve dinner
- Loan of snowshoes and poles
- Transportation during snowshoeing trips
- Round-trip transfers from Gap train station
- The personalized smartphone app with all the details of your stay and practical information
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Additional drinks and wines during meals (a glass of house wine is included for "standard" meals and fine wines and Champagne for New Year's Eve dinner)
- Tips for the guide
- The single room
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
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
- Hiking backpack (25 to 35 liters)
- Water bottle or thermos
- Reusable lunch box for picnics
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Small personal first aid kit
- Headlamp
- Camera or binoculars (optional)
Clothing to bring
- Waterproof hiking boots suitable for snow
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers or mountain trousers suitable for winter conditions
- Thermal underwear
- Fleece or warm mid-layer
- A light down jacket or warm jacket for breaks
- 2 to 3 pairs of warm hiking socks
- Warm gloves and lightweight gloves
- Hat and neck warmer
- Sunglasses
- Ski goggles (in case of snow or wind)
- A cap or hat for sunny days
- Comfortable clothes for evenings out
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