Night in an igloo and snowshoe hike facing the Meije
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationÉcrins Massif / Hautes-Alpes
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AgeFrom 14 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions19.63 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on a three-day adventure in the heart of the Cerces massif, also known as the "Little Dolomites." Led by a guide, you'll discover snowshoeing amidst a majestic landscape, with breathtaking panoramic views of the Agneaux and Meije peaks. The first day, dedicated to learning winter techniques and mountain safety , concludes with a convivial dinner in a cozy mountain refuge.
The following day, the experience takes on a unique dimension: after a beautiful snowshoe hike, you participate in building an igloo or setting up a winter tent . Then comes the simple pleasure of a shared meal under a starry sky, before spending an unusual night in the heart of the snow . The final day marks the return to the valley, your head filled with magnificent images and unforgettable sensations.
This trip offers a total immersion in the winter mountain atmosphere , combining learning, camaraderie, and exploration . A rare experience to discover life at altitude and experience the magic of an adventure in the heart of nature .
The highlights
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Explore the Cerces mountain range, its ochre cliffs and its iconic ibex.
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An unusual night in an igloo or tent under a starry sky in the mountains
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The convivial atmosphere of a warm guesthouse and shared meals in the heart of nature
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
- You are capable of walking 4 to 5 hours a day with regular breaks, on snowy but accessible terrain
- Are you ready to experience an extraordinary night in an igloo, in the simple yet safe comfort of the equipment provided?
- Do you want to learn how to progress in the mountains during winter, get an introduction to snow safety, and participate in building or setting up camp?
- You're not afraid to carry a light bag with your personal equipment and to pitch in with the setup and packing up.
- Are you up for sharing friendly meals and a group experience in the great outdoors, even when conditions are cold?
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average distance/day: 7 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 450 m
- Average daily descent: 234 m
Management
French
A lover of wild spaces, I was fortunate enough from a young age to be able to pursue my passions for nature and sports. After a stint with the 159th Infantry Regiment's Ski Scouts in 1988, I entered the professional world at the age of 23. The foundation of this path was very clear: the pleasure and the desire to share and pass on my knowledge. I enjoy guiding and empowering people through trekking, snowshoeing, trail running, and fast hiking.
Program
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Introduction to snowshoeing and winter safety
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We meet at 8:15 am at the Hotel Le Faranchin, in Villar-d'Arêne. This is an opportunity to meet the group and the guide, who will give us all the equipment for the stay: snowshoes, poles, avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.
A short transfer then takes us to Pont de l'Alpe (1710 m), the starting point of the hike. We then discover the Cerces massif, nicknamed the "Little Dolomites," famous for its brightly colored cliffs and the presence of ibex. This first day is ideal for learning how to navigate snowy terrain, getting an introduction to safety rules, and enjoying magnificent panoramic views of the Agneaux peaks (3664 m).
In the late afternoon, we return to the gîte to share a convivial dinner. Before nightfall, time is spent preparing for the igloo experience: organizing bags, checking equipment, and receiving practical instructions.
Day 1 -
Balcony overlooking the Meije and building your igloo for the night
- Transportation Car - 00h10 - 6km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we collect everything we need for two days of hiking and an overnight stay in an igloo. A short road (6 km) leads us to the start of the hike.
Today's route is accessible and leads us to a superb natural balcony offering a breathtaking view of the Meije and its glaciers. Once there, we participate in building igloos or setting up winter tents.
The evening meal is prepared together before spending the night in an igloo or a suitable tent, with all bedding provided if needed. This immersion in nature is experienced safely, guided by our leader.
Day 2 -
Waking up inside the igloo and descending into the valley
- Transportation Car - 00h10 - 6km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We woke up around 7:30 am, followed by breakfast on site, directly under the igloo. We then packed up camp and prepared our bags.
Depending on the energy and desires of the group, we may climb to an additional viewpoint or begin the descent directly.
Late in the morning, we gradually returned to our accommodation, marking the end of this unique and enriching stay.
Day 3
Note
For this trip, each participant must have their own vehicle to reach the various starting points for the snowshoe hikes. Carpooling among group members is of course possible and encouraged.
Accommodation
Access
The meeting point is the same as the end point of the stay.
Go to the starting point
It is possible to travel by train to Grenoble station.
- Departure station > Paris Gare de Lyon
- Paris Gare de Lyon > Grenoble train station (3 hours)
From there, take a bus to Villar-d'Arêne. Bus 55 (Briançon - SNCF train station)
- Grenoble > Villar-d’Arêne (1h45)
If you do not have a car, please note that we encourage carpooling between participants by creating a whatsapp group 15 days before departure: An opportunity to get to know each other before even starting your expedition.
Price details
The price includes
- The supervision: During these 3 days, you will be accompanied by Patrick, an experienced guide who will share his passion for the region with you.
- Accommodation: You will sleep one night in a shared room in a comfortable and authentic hotel and one night in an igloo or in a winter tent.
- Meals: All meals, from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the third day, are included.
- Expedition equipment: Snowshoes and walking poles are provided for each participant. A safety kit (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe) is also provided by your guide.
- Equipment for the night in an igloo: sleeping bag, mattress, tarpaulin, etc.
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point and local transportation.
- The picnic lunch on the first day is not included.
- A sleeping bag to put in the sleeping bag that will be lent to you for the night in the igloo and a second pair of gloves for building the igloo.
- Your personal consumption in addition to what was initially planned.
Options
- Arrival the day before - extra night + breakfast : CHF118.92 / unit
- Extend your stay by one night - extra night + breakfast : CHF118.92 / unit
- 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 provided on site
- Equipment for an overnight stay in an igloo: sleeping bag, mattress, tarp, etc.
- Snowshoes and walking poles
- The safety kit (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe)
Equipment to bring
- Water bottle (min 1.5L)
- Energy snacks (bars, dried fruit, etc.)
- Hiking backpack (20 L)
- Lightweight silk sleeping bag liner/down sleeping bag
- Charged headlamp
- A picnic
- Reusable picnic kit (Tupperware, cutlery, fabric bag)
- Waterproof plastic for ID, phone, etc.
- Passport or ID
- Credit card and cash
- Insurance card
- Phone and charger
- External battery / power bank
- Book/notebook and pen
- Multitool / Swiss Army Knife
- Compeed or blister plasters
- Adhesive tape (repairs)
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- SPF lip balm
- Small personal pharmacy (ampoule kit, headache/nausea medication)
- Toiletries kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs)
- Microfiber towel
- Toilet paper / moist wipes (biodegradable)
- Earplugs
- Card game or small pocket game
Clothing to bring
- Waterproof softshell trousers or hardshell windbreaker
- Waterproof high-top hiking boots
- Long-sleeved T-shirt(s) of “microfibre”/merino type
- Fleece (Consider layering)
- Waterproof jacket with hood, "Gore-tex" type
- Thick down jacket
- Lightweight gloves
- Warm gloves
- Balaclava / Buff
- Beanie (without pom-pom)
- Sunglasses (cat. 3)
- Ski mask
- Hat or cap
- Technical and warm underwear (Merino wool)
- Warm socks (wool)
- Running tights or long underwear
