In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationHautes-Alpes / French Alps
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions35.35 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Experience an unforgettable snowshoeing adventure in the enchanting Clarée Valley. Immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful valleys in the Alps, still untouched by mass tourism. This true natural haven near Briançon promises a complete immersion in winter nature, far from the hustle and bustle, for a unique snowshoeing experience as you traverse its snow-covered landscapes reminiscent of the Nordic countries. Through snow-covered forests, cozy mountain huts, and memorable encounters with the locals, let yourself be carried away by the magic of an adventure that invites total disconnection. In the heart of the mountains, each step brings you closer to a feeling of peace, rediscovering simple and authentic pleasures. This trip is designed for those seeking to escape the everyday and reconnect with themselves in an enchanting setting.
The highlights
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An organized stay in small, comfortable mountain huts
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Discover a wild and authentic valley
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A completely disconnected experience in harmony with nature, a wild Nordic atmosphere
Photos
Aouregan - verified review - february 2024
Aouregan - verified review - february 2024
Aouregan - verified review - february 2024
Aouregan - verified review - february 2024
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
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.
The balance of your physical fitness throughout this stay takes into account the impact due to the effort of hiking but also the carrying of your belongings during certain days or half-days (see section Carrying).
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 642 m
- Average daily descent: 592 m
- Maximum altitude: 13 m
Management
French
Our team is made up of mountain enthusiasts, happy to help you discover the Clarée Valley 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 high valley and its alpine chalets
- Transportation Minibus - 00h35 - 22km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Welcome to the Upper Clarée Valley
Arrival by train:
- Meet us on Sunday at 8:30 am at the Briançon SNCF train station . We will provide a shuttle for a direct transfer to the starting point in Névache. Please book your transfer at least one week in advance to guarantee your place. Any changes must be reported no later than 72 hours before your arrival.
Arrival by car:
- Meet at 9:00 am in the parking lot in front of the Névache tourist office.
We also offer the option of arriving the day before for a smooth departure (see the Reception section).
Once there, you will receive your equipment before setting off on your first snowshoeing adventure, accompanied by your guide.
The High Valley and its Alpine Chalets
Begin your adventure gently along a magnificent frozen stream, taking time to admire the valley's typical snow-covered chalets. You'll traverse impressive gorges before reaching the Laval refuge for a well-deserved night in a cozy atmosphere.
Day 1 -
Muandes Valley and Breathtaking Panorama
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 660 m
- Negative elevation 660 m
- Maximum altitude 13 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, set off to explore the Muandes valley and its enchanting scenery. Depending on conditions, we'll hike to the Col des Muandes (2,828 m). Up there, a panoramic view unfolds before you, revealing the majestic Cerces, Écrins, Thabor, and Aiguilles d'Arves mountain ranges. On the return journey, you'll cross Lac Rond and Lac Long before arriving back at your refuge with stars in your eyes.
Second night at the Laval refuge.
Day 2 -
Col du Raisin and Majestic Cirque
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure from the Laval refuge towards Fontcouverte (1,860 m), passing under the Queyrellin ridges. Then, we will climb towards the Chardonnet refuge, nestled in the heart of a majestic cirque.
After a snack break at the refuge, we set off to conquer the Col du Raisin (2,691 m). From the summit, a 360° panorama awaits you, offering breathtaking views of the Écrins massif.
Descent and overnight stay at the Chardonnet refuge.
Day 3 -
Exploring the Mountain Passes and Lakes
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This day promises flexibility, with several route options depending on the weather and snow conditions. Whether it's the Col du Chardonnet, Lac Lamaron, or Lac du Serpent, each route offers a complete immersion in breathtaking scenery. In the afternoon, we'll reach the Ricou refuge after crossing the valley, where you can travel light and leave your belongings behind.
Day 4 -
Return to the Valley and Last Memories
- Transportation Minibus - 00h37 - 22km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
To conclude this exceptional stay, we'll descend leisurely into the Clarée Valley, the perfect opportunity to capture your final memories of this unforgettable adventure. The hike will end around 11:30 am, with a transfer to the train station after lunch in Briançon at 1:00 pm for those returning by train.
(times to be adjusted according to the first trains after 1 p.m.).
Day 5
Note
Don't take this itinerary at face value! Depending on the weather, snow conditions, or for any other reason beyond our control, we may exceptionally modify it. Your guide knows every corner of the mountain range like the back of their hand and will adapt to ensure you make the most of your stay, for example, if certain trails are very busy. For your enjoyment, you'll discover enchanting and unspoiled routes…
Accommodation
During this multi-day trek, you will stay in mountain huts every night. You will be fully immersed in the mountains for 5 days, far from civilization!
• Nights 1-2: Laval Refuge
Upon reaching the end of the Clarée Valley, you'll be charmed by this mountain chalet nestled against the rock face. Here, everything is optimized and well thought out! Completely energy self-sufficient thanks to its small power plant, the refuge has a dryer fueled by its excess heat. Warm up in this cozy atmosphere by the wood-burning stove or under a hot shower.
• Night 3: Chardonnet Refuge
Arriving majestically at the foot of the Cerces mountains, with a breathtaking view over the Névache valley, the Chardonnet refuge makes its grand entrance! Here, you'll be pampered with refined and inventive cuisine, a far cry from the simple fare of mountain huts of yesteryear. You can relax your muscles (but not for too long, we're conserving water here!) under a hot shower.
• Night 4: Ricou Refuge
Nestled at an altitude of 2,115 meters in the heart of the Névache alpine pastures, the Ricou refuge is a true haven of nature in the upper Clarée Valley. It offers exceptional panoramic views of the Cerces massif and Mont Thabor. Enjoy the breathtaking vista from the terrace or warm up by the wood fire in the cozy dining room. The warm welcome and authentic setting will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Access
Welcome
Arriving by train: Meet on Sunday at 8:30 am at Briançon SNCF train station
Arriving by car: Meet on Sunday at 9:00 AM directly in the parking lot in front of the Névache tourist office.
Dispersion
The stay ends at 11:30 am after the last day of walking, following the picnic (on Thursday).
Transfer to Briançon station for train users at 13:00.
(times to be adjusted according to the first trains after 1 p.m.).
Some of these trains run periodically, it is imperative to check your return times with SNCF at 36 35 or https://www.sncf-connect.com/.
Go to the starting point
Travel by train to Briançon 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 tour guide or an agency representative will meet you at the train station at 8:30 a.m. for the transfer to the meeting point. Please note that to organize this transport and guarantee your seat, you must book your transfer at least one week before your trip. As space is limited, any changes must be reported no later than 72 hours before your arrival (i.e., Thursday evening at the latest).
From the north, take the Lautaret Pass then Briançon (RN 94) or Grenoble (RN 94/D902). Alternatively, from Grenoble, take the A51 motorway towards Gap, then the RN94 towards Briançon.
From the south, go through Valence or Sisteron, continue towards Gap, then Embrun, then Briançon.
Once in Briançon, continue towards the Clarée valley / Névache.
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
Price details
The price includes
- Full board from Sunday lunchtime to Thursday after the hike
- Supervision by a state-certified mountain guide
- The supply of snowshoes and telescopic poles
- Rental of safety equipment (avalanche transceiver + shovel + probe)
- Transfers from the train station to Névache and back
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Insurance
Options
- Additional night with half-board before the stay - Single room : CHF137.22 / unit
- Additional night with half-board before the stay - Double room : CHF173.81 / unit
- Extra night with half-board before the stay - Triple room : CHF249.74 / unit
- Extra night with half-board before the stay - Room for 4 : CHF325.67 / unit
- Additional night with half-board after the stay - Single room : CHF137.22 / unit
- Additional night with half-board after the stay - Double room : CHF173.81 / unit
- Additional night with half-board after the stay - Triple room : CHF249.74 / unit
- Additional night half board after stay - Room for 4 : CHF325.67 / 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.
• Your travel insurance leaflet received upon registration (if you purchased this insurance) or your personal insurance (contract number + telephone number).
• Health insurance card
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
LUGGAGE CARRYING
SELF-PORTATION (You carry your own belongings) - No luggage transfer
To fully experience a trek between small, isolated mountain huts, you'll have to use your muscles!... Unleash your inner sherpa, become an active, responsible, and independent participant in your trip.
We designed this itinerary to lighten your load as much as possible by lightening your pack whenever feasible. Depending on the routes, you will only need to carry all your belongings for certain days or half-days. Meals will be taken at your accommodations, so you won't need to carry food or a camping stove.
We'll also give you some tips to help you keep your pack light. Because yes, organization is also part of the joys of backpacking!
PROGRAM
Day 1:
You set off with your bag containing all your belongings to reach the first refuge. Don't worry, the duration and elevation gain of this hike have been planned for a slower pace than usual, due to the weight of the bag.
You'll be staying at the Laval refuge for two consecutive nights. So you can really relax!
Day 2:
Today, you can travel light, with just your day's essentials and your lunch! You'll be hiking out and back from the Laval refuge for a day trip. Your pack will therefore be light, carrying only the essentials (picnic, thermos, rain cover for your pack, possibly warm clothing, etc.).
Day 3:
You leave the Laval refuge, your pack neatly packed with all your belongings, to reach the Chardonnet refuge where a picnic lunch is planned. After unloading the bulk of your pack at the refuge, you set off again with a light pack for a short out-and-back hike in the afternoon.
Day 4:
Depending on the conditions, in the morning, with a light pack, you'll set off on a round-trip hike from the refuge. You won't need to carry your picnic lunch, as you'll return to the refuge at midday for lunch. Alternatively, you can go to the Ricou refuge, leave your belongings, and continue your hike after lunch.
Day 5:
We will have to carry everything for the last walk before reaching Névache.
To optimize the weight of your backpack, here is a list of the bare essentials to pack in your backpack along with your belongings for 5 days:
• Your essentials (gore-tex, gloves, hat, neck warmer),
• A comfortable outfit for the evening (1 long-sleeved t-shirt or undershirt, 1 fleece or down jacket, 1 pair of trousers/leggings/warm underwear) + underwear, wool socks,
• Your sleeping gear (sleeping bag liner essential!),
• A small toiletry kit (toothbrush, an already opened tube of toothpaste, a small piece of soap, some essential medications, a small microfiber towel + a glove).
Backpack preparation:
A key moment at the start of your stay, with the expert advice of your guide on day 1, you will take the necessary time to properly organize your backpack.
This exchange will be an opportunity to prepare yourself well and optimize the weight distribution in your bag, with the aim of achieving better carrying comfort and relieving some of the strain on your broad shoulders.
Packing is a key step in your preparation before your trip. Keep in mind that we always tend to overpack rather than underpack, and every gram saved will allow you to set off like a mountain goat. There's a saying that the extra weight in our backpacks represents our fears and doubts...
Don't panic if you're not yet a fan of ultralight hiking! Start by planning what you want to bring a few days in advance and ask yourself if you'll really wear that fourth t-shirt, or if you truly need your favorite book. The idea is to immerse yourself in the mindset of the trip and enjoy yourself while visualizing the experience. This journey away from "modern" comforts will be an opportunity to disconnect from your gear, feel liberated, and focus on your needs to be in harmony with nature.
In order to carry with complete peace of mind, your backpack must of course be light and adapted to your body shape, and above all its weight once filled should not exceed 15 to 20% of your weight (=carrying weight).
To optimize its weight, we recommend limiting the weight of your personal belongings to a maximum of 2kg (or 20% of your carrying weight calculated above).
Example :
I weigh 60kg. I can carry a maximum of 9 to 12kg.
Within those 9 to 12kg, I can count a maximum of 1.8 to 2.4kg of personal belongings.
The rest will consist of your sleeping gear (sleeping bag liner), food (picnic and race food), hydration (thermos), and of course the essential safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe).
This means making tough choices about non-essential items. Keep in mind that any extra gear will be added to the equipment and food you'll need to carry.
Your bag's bottom
• 35/38 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 down jacket
- 1 breathable long-sleeved t-shirt
• 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
They traveled with us
