Serre-Chevalier on snowshoes - Panoramas and Grands Bains du Monêtier
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationThe Grave / Écrins Massif
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AgeFrom 16 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions52.14 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Put on your snowshoes in the heart of the Serre-Chevalier valley for a mountain immersion starting from Monêtier-les-Bains , easily accessible by train . Each day reveals a spectacular panorama: contemplate the Écrins glaciers from the Grand Vallon, admire the mythical Meije facing the Puy Golèfre and explore the preserved forests of Le Casset or the perched hamlets of Le Granon.
Interspersed with wildlife observation , this winter getaway celebrates simple pleasures and comfort. After your exertions, relax in the natural hot springs of the Grands Bains du Monêtier , before sharing an unforgettable trapper's evening with fondue in a tipi .
Limited to eight participants to promote conviviality, this stay in a warm gîte promises you a true alpine tribe experience, between wild nature and absolute relaxation.
The highlights
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Come by train, even overnight: the group will be met at the station early in the morning.
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Écrins glaciers, Meije, Montagne des Agneaux: a new panorama every day
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Trapper's evening and fondue in a tipi and relaxation at the Grands Bains du Monêtier
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
This trip is suitable for any hiker in good physical condition, even without snowshoeing experience! You'll hike on mountain trails with a daily elevation gain and/or loss of 300 to 600 meters, for approximately 3 to 5 hours of walking. You'll carry a light pack containing your essentials for the day (picnic, warm clothing, water bottle, etc.).
This trip is designed to be an introduction or a rediscovery of the pleasures of snowshoeing and other snow sports! Don't panic, your guide is there to lead you, reassure you and adapt the pace to the group.
Minimum age: 16 years (access to the Grand Baths and the La Rotonde Spa is reserved for those over 16 years of age).
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 460 m
- Average daily descent: 460 m
Management
French
Our team is made up of mountain enthusiasts, happy to help you discover the Écrins 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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The ridge of the Grand Vallon (2472 m)
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Starting on foot from the gîte, in full sunshine, to climb above Monêtier-les-Bains via the Sainte-Anne Chapel and Roche Chevalier. The path then clings to the magnificent southwest ridge of the Benoîte mountain (2807 m), up to a small hanging plateau - and there, suddenly, the entire Écrins massif unfolds: the Pic Gaspard, the Grande Ruine, a breathtaking panorama.
Day 1 -
La Grave area: the ridge of Puy Golèfre (2,155 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 15km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The minibus drops us off in Villar-d'Arène, via the Lautaret Pass. We climb through alpine pastures to the Serre de l'Aigle (2,050 m), then a broad, panoramic ridge leads easily to the Col de la Pare (2,149 m). If snow conditions permit, we continue along the Puy Golèfre ridge, facing the Meije and the Agneaux glaciers: it's one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the week in the massif. If conditions aren't good, we stop at the pass, and the view is still superb.
The descent to Lac du Pontet is pleasant. We take a break there to review our safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe): a few simple exercises to learn how to use it, without a full lesson. We finish with a short detour to the hamlet of Les Cours and its Saint-Antoine chapel, where the minibus picks us up for the return trip.
Day 2 -
Wildlife, warm waters and a trapper's evening
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we slow down. Beneath the snow-covered larches, we take the time to observe, without disturbing, the iconic animals of the Alps, to discuss their habits in order to better understand and protect them. Perhaps we will encounter the stoat in its white winter coat, the mountain hare, or the ptarmigan – the forest, under the snow, shelters a discreet and incredible life.
The afternoon continues gently at the Grands Bains du Monêtier: for three hours, you can slip into the warm waters of the Roman Trilogy and the Spa La Rotonde, facing the mountains that stand out against the winter sky, for a suspended moment where the body finally relaxes after these days of walking (3-hour package including access to the Spa la Rotonde and the Grands Bains from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
The day ends as it began: As night falls, we put our snowshoes back on (30 min) and switch on our headlamps to reach the trapper's camp, nestled between an igloo and a tipi. Mulled wine around the fire, then cheese fondue under the tipi, and that simple warmth of mountain evenings where we put the world to rights while reminiscing about the tracks we've crossed in the snow.
Day 3 -
The hamlets of Granon
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 10km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From Saint-Chaffrey, a hike along a balcony on the south-facing slope, overlooking the Écrins mountains and the Serre-Chevalier resort. Alpine chalets slumbering under the snow, bright light, wide-open panorama.
Day 4 -
Le Casset area: at the foot of the Montagne des Agneaux
- Transportation Minibus - 00h05 - 5km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A short minibus ride takes us to Le Casset, a small hamlet in the upper Guisane valley. Today we're staying on the north-facing slope: the snow is often cold and light, and we're climbing gently through a beautiful larch forest. Emerging from the trees, the scenery changes dramatically: the Montagne des Agneaux (3,664 m) appears directly above us, with its glaciers and rock faces. We feel tiny, and it's wonderful to end the week here. If the snow conditions and stability allow, we'll reach Lac de la Douche, then the base of the Couloir Davin. Otherwise, we'll enjoy the view from the edge of the forest, and it's just as beautiful. We'll descend via a different path to complete the hike, with one last look at the giant before returning to the minibus.
The hike ended in the early afternoon, and we returned to the gîte around 2:30 pm: this gives everyone time to get back on the road without rushing.
Day 5
Note
Please consider this program a flexible promise! Due to variables such as weather, snow conditions, or other factors beyond our control, we may occasionally make adjustments. However, rest assured, our guide is an expert on the mountain range, knowing its every secret, and will strive to guarantee you an exceptional experience.
Accommodation
In Monêtier-les-Bains, a stone's throw from the Grands Bains thermal baths and the ski slopes, Le Flourou welcomes you to two charming buildings: the main house and the small mill. Here, you'll swap your shoes for slippers as soon as you arrive, and the atmosphere is set: that of a true mountain home, warm and unpretentious, where you can gather around large tables to share laughter and hiking stories. At the end of the day, the gîte offers a small room dedicated to stretching, relaxation, and yoga sessions, allowing for independent practice (mats are available for loan).
The establishment is recognised by the Ecrins National Park and has received the "Esprit Parc" label for several years.
Access
We will arrange your pick-up directly at Briançon train station: your guide will meet you there at 8:30 am for the transfer to the meeting point. To guarantee your place, booking this transfer is mandatory at least one week before departure. As the number of places is limited, any changes must be reported 48 hours before your arrival.
Arriving by car: go directly to the accommodation. Free parking is available in the Grands Bains car park located 300m from the gîte.
Go to the starting point
Arriving by train: Le Monêtier-les-Bains is easily accessible by train, with several possible routes:
- Take the train to Grenoble, then the bus (line 55 Grenoble-Briançon) - stop at Monêtier les Bains
- Take the train to Valence or Marseille, then the TER to Briançon.
- TGV Paris-Oulx, then Zou line n°76 (Oulx-Serre Chevalier)
- Arrival by night train is also possible: your guide will meet you directly at Briançon station early in the morning for the transfer to the meeting point.
We will arrange your pick-up directly at Briançon train station: your guide will meet you there at 8:30 am for the transfer to the meeting point. To guarantee your place, booking this transfer is mandatory at least one week before departure. As the number of places is limited, any changes must be reported 48 hours before your arrival.
Free parking is available at the Grands Bains car park, located 300m from the gîte.
Price details
The price includes
- The hikes are led by a state-certified mountain professional.
- Accommodation in a gîte and in a shared room
- Full board from picnic lunch on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 5
- The provision of safety equipment, snowshoes and poles
- Transfer from the train station to the gîte on day 1 and from the gîte to the train station on day 5
- Transfers required for the hiking program
- Access to the Grands Bains and Spa La Rotonde du Monêtier (3-hour package on day 3 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm)
- The tourist tax
The price does not include
- Drinks and wine during meals
- Transportation to the meeting place
- 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 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
Your bag's bottom
- 35/38 litre backpack with waist belt.
- Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and a Vibram sole. (Absolutely avoid boots and après-ski boots, which are not suitable for snowshoes.)
- 1 pair of high gaiters that cover your shoes and lower legs well
- Thermos or water bottle
- Cup, knife and fork for picnics.
- Race supplies to replenish energy along the way.
- A small waterproof pouch for your valuables such as: money, ID card, bank card, health insurance card, and assistance contract. You can leave the rest of your documents and car keys at the cottage during your stay.
- Emergency survival blanket.
- Toilet paper with a sealed bag to wrap it up and throw it in the first available bin.
Race food / Snacks
You must provide your own food for the hike. The nutritional value of the various snacks consumed during the hike should not be overlooked. These snacks can consist of dried fruits (figs, dates, dried apricots, or prunes), cereal bars (feel free to browse the internet for inspiration and homemade recipes – it can be a fun activity during your preparation!), marzipan, quince paste, etc.
For the evening at the accommodation
Simplify your life by packing only the essentials. For a week of hiking, a few changes of clothes are more than enough. As for toiletries, opt for the essentials, choosing compact sizes, samples, and travel kits, especially if you have to carry your backpack.
Personal pharmacy
Your first-aid kit should be kept to a minimum. In your backpack, only carry your essential personal medications, compresses, elastic bandages, disinfectant, etc. There's a pharmacy in the village if needed.
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 hollow fiber T-shirt 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 (like 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 (it can also be used for the evening in the refuge)
- 2 pairs of hiking socks, high and warm, suitable for walking
- 1 pair of category 3 to 4 sunglasses
- Swimsuit for the 3-hour activity at the Grands Bains de Monétier (please note that swim shorts and Bermuda shorts are prohibited)
