Night at the observatory and snowshoeing under the stars of Queyras
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 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-Emissions23.5 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Experience a unique adventure in the wild and unspoiled setting of the Queyras . This snowshoeing trip takes you to explore exceptional high-altitude landscapes : pristine alpine pastures , windswept ridges , and snow-capped peaks . The highlight? A magical night at the Château Renard Observatory, perched at 2,800 meters . Under one of the clearest skies in the world , discover the mysteries of the stars with state-of-the-art equipment and passionate experts . Between a delicious fondue and astronomical observation , every moment of this three-day trip has been designed for total immersion in the beauty of winter and the grandeur of the cosmos .
The highlights
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A unique experience under the stars of Queyras, in total immersion
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Introduction to avalanche transceiver use and snowshoeing under the stars of Queyras
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A Queyras cheese fondue in a unique setting
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
You've already done snowshoeing.
The hikes offered take place on mountain trails with elevation gains of 600 to 900 meters, uphill and/or downhill, without any particular technical difficulties. Allow approximately 5 to 6 hours of walking per day.
The climb to the observatory (day 2) is steep with at least 100m of elevation gain, you need to be in good physical condition.
If you tick all the boxes, this unique stay under the stars is for you!
Except for day 1, you walk with a bag containing all your belongings necessary for the stay (picnic, warm clothing, thermos…) + your safety equipment.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 8 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 477 m
- Average daily descent: 448 m
Management
French
Our team is made up of mountain enthusiasts, happy to help you discover the Queyras 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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Discover the balconies of Saint-Véran and try snowshoeing
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 35km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet us on Saturday at the station at 8:30am or at 9:30am in Ville-Vieille.
After a welcome briefing over coffee, we'll put on our equipment and set off for our first snowshoe hike on the slopes above Saint-Véran. This will be a chance to get to know the group, your guide, and especially your gear! You'll learn how to use an avalanche transceiver (DVA) while discovering the unique sensation of snowshoeing on pristine snow. Take the time to acclimatize to the pure, fresh air of the Queyras region, while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views at over 2,200 meters altitude, amidst the alpine pastures.
Day 1 -
Stargazing and nighttime observation at the Château Renard observatory
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 965 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, set your sights on the stars ! You'll head towards the Château Renard astronomical observatory , perched at an altitude of over 2,800 meters . Along the way, enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Aigues Valley before arriving at this space dedicated to stargazing . As night falls, an unforgettable evening begins. Immerse yourself in the history of astronomy in Saint-Véran with a guided tour of the observatory. Afterwards, savor a Queyras cheese fondue in this exceptional setting. At this altitude, the flavors are unique and the experience truly memorable. Under the observatory's dome, admire the constellations and planets until the end of the night. The clear skies of Saint-Véran , with 150 clear nights a year , offer ideal conditions for observation. At nearly 3,000 meters , far from any light pollution, the dry, turbulence-free air reveals an unparalleled celestial spectacle. The observatory, completely renovated, is one of the five best places in the world to explore the universe. In the early morning, the first rays of dawn welcome you before a revitalizing breakfast .
Day 2 -
Descent towards the Col du Longet and the end of the adventure
- Transportation Minibus - 01h
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 165 m
- Negative elevation 1043 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After a magical night under the stars, you begin the descent towards the Col du Longet . This pass reveals the splendid valley of the Col Agnel . If time allows, you reach the Pic Traversier , from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mont Viso and the majestic Alps . You then explore the snow-covered slopes of the Vallon du Longet before concluding this adventure. The group disperses after the hike, with a return to the train station scheduled for 3:00 PM (time to be confirmed).
Day 3
Note
Please consider this program as a flexible promise! Due to variables such as weather, snow conditions, or other factors beyond our control, we may occasionally make adjustments.
In the event of recent snowfall, with a high risk of avalanche, the ascent to the observatory will not be possible and an alternative solution will be found.
Even if the sky is cloudy, the climb to the observatory is still possible, and the site's many attractions will keep you entertained. And if the weather clears during the night, you might just wake up in the middle of the night to observe the stars!
However, rest assured, our guide is an expert on the mountain range, knowing its every secret, and he will strive to guarantee you an exceptional experience.
Our local presence in the heart of Queyras allows us to best meet these constraints without compromising the enjoyment of your stay.
Accommodation
On day 1 , you will sleep in the Saint-Véran gîte , where Fanny and Nico will welcome you to a warm and authentic establishment, imbued with the scent of larch and crackling wood fire, creating a cozy and friendly atmosphere ideal for relaxing after a day of snowshoeing.
On the night of Day 2 , you will enjoy a unique experience at the observatory , perched at an altitude of over 2800 meters. In this timeless setting, under a starry sky, you will enjoy a magical and unforgettable moment.
Access
Welcome
Meet on Saturday at 8:30 am at Montdauphin - Guillestre train station. Shuttle transfer included to the start of the hike.
If you arrive by car: you can go to Ville-Vieille by 9:30 am.
Dispersion
The stay ends on Monday evening after the hike.
Transfer to the train station by 3:00 PM.
Go to the starting point
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.
From the train station to the meeting point
Option included in the price, upon reservation.
Your guide or an agency representative will meet you at the station at 8:30 am for the transfer to the meeting point (transport by minibus included in the price of the 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
Parking
You can leave your vehicle in Ville-Vieille.
Price details
The price includes
- The stay includes full board, from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3.
- Snowshoeing excursions are supervised by a state-certified mountain professional.
- Transfers by minibus
- Loan of safety equipment, snowshoes and poles
- Round-trip transfer from the train station to the meeting point
The price does not include
- Luggage transfer
- Drinks and wine during meals
- Personal expenses
- Sleeping bag liner and towels for the night of Day 2 at the observatory
- Return transfer outside scheduled times with our guide (shuttle to be paid on site €2.50 per trip or taxi depending on the period)
Options
- Additional night with half-board before the stay - Dormitory bed : CHF47.57 / unit
- Extra night with half-board before the stay - Double room in a gîte : CHF113.44 / unit
- Extra night with half-board before the stay - Double room in a hotel : CHF162.83 / unit
- Additional night with half-board after the stay - Dormitory bed : CHF47.57 / unit
- Additional night with half-board after your stay - Double room in a gîte : CHF113.44 / unit
- Additional night with half-board after the stay - Double room in a hotel : CHF162.83 / unit
- 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.
• Health insurance card.
• Your travel insurance leaflet received upon registration (if you purchased this insurance through our offices) or your personal insurance (contract number + telephone number).
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- For effective winter hiking, we equip you with a pair of TSL snowshoes suited to your size and walking poles for added stability. The snowshoes, fitted with crampons, ensure good grip on hard-packed snow and optimal comfort regardless of snow conditions.
- Safety is our top priority. We provide you with an avalanche transceiver (DVA) to wear, as well as a collapsible shovel and a folding probe to pack in your bag. On the first day, your guide will train you on how to use them during a quick and simple practical exercise.
- With this complete equipment and the expertise of your guide, you can enjoy the winter mountains with complete peace of mind.
Equipment to bring
No bag transfers are possible at the observatory.
Day 1: You can leave all the gear you don't need for hiking (such as your toiletries, change of clothes for the evening, etc.) directly at the lodge before the hike.
For days 2 and 3: You will need to carry your change of clothes + safety equipment + the communal meal to share + your picnics for days 2 and 3.
You will therefore need to plan for a small backpack of approximately 38 to 345L, in order to fit all your belongings.
Your bag's bottom
• 38/45 litre backpack with waist belt.
• Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and Vibram soles. (Absolutely avoid boots and après-ski boots, which are not suitable for snowshoeing.)
• 1 pair of high gaiters that cover your shoes and lower leg well
• Thermos or water bottle
• Cup, knife and fork for picnics.
• Race supplies to replenish energy along the way.
• Small waterproof pouch for your valuables such as: money, ID card, bank card, health insurance card, assistance contract. You can leave the rest of your documents and car keys at the hotel during your stay.
• Emergency survival blanket.
• Toilet paper with a sealed bag to wrap it up and throw it in the first available bin.
Clothing to bring
Recommended clothing for hiking:
For the upper body, adhering to the three-layer principle is essential to guarantee your comfort and safety throughout your journey:
• Breathable short-sleeved T-shirt: Choose a breathable T-shirt made of hollow fiber to wick away sweat when you are active.
• Fleece jacket: This fleece jacket keeps you warm in cool weather by providing extra thermal insulation.
• Waterproof and breathable windproof jacket (such as Gore-Tex or equivalent): This outer layer effectively protects you against inclement weather such as rain, snow or wind, keeping your body dry and sheltered from the elements.
For your lower body, choose trousers designed for winter walking that are warm and incorporate a waterproof membrane such as Gore-Tex or equivalent. Many major retailers offer this type of product, which is perfectly suited to the conditions.
Adapt your clothing according to the weather and the level of activity. Choose quick-drying clothes, avoid cotton which retains moisture, and opt for materials like wool, silk, and synthetic fibers to stay dry and warm.
Avoid anoraks and ski suits, which are too hot and bulky.
In addition to the 3 layers, your winter outfit for snowshoeing:
• 1 beanie.
• 1 pair of warm gloves (bring 1 spare pair)
• 1 protective cover for the backpack against bad weather (often integrated into the bags)
• 1 pair of trousers suitable for winter walking incorporating a waterproof membrane (jeans are not allowed as they freeze when wet!)
• 1 pair of warm underwear or leggings (these can also be used for the evening in the refuge)
• 2 pairs of high, warm hiking socks suitable for walking
• 1 pair of category 3 to 4 sunglasses
