Snowshoeing and Gastronomy in the Ecrins

This morning, your guides will meet you at 9 a.m. They will take you on your first snowshoe hike.

After a warm welcome and equipment check, they will drive you by minibus to the starting point. There, you will be given snowshoes and poles, along with a safety briefing. Then, you will embark on your first adventure, beginning with some tips on the best way to walk on snowshoes.

The exact destination of your snowshoe hike will be determined by the conditions.

An example of a hike is the Plateau de la Coche, a full day hike with an ascent from the Champoléon valley to a high plateau offering spectacular views.

The Champoléon Valley is a wild alpine valley and a sanctuary for dozens of chamois and ibex. With a mountain stream flowing down the valley floor and picturesque little villages scattered throughout, Champoléon looks like a picture postcard. You'll be surrounded by peaks reaching nearly 3,000 meters, magnificent alpine forests, and dramatic cliffs. This is where you'll begin your ascent to the Plateau de la Coche.

Once you reach the Plateau, you can admire the magnificent panoramic views over the Champsaur and Champoléon valleys. Take the opportunity to explore the pristine alpine meadows before retracing your steps. This first snowshoe hike is a pleasant warm-up, with gentle slopes ideal for getting your legs moving. Your guide will also take this opportunity to provide you with a comprehensive presentation on safety in the winter mountain environment.

Your guides will meet you at 9 a.m. at your accommodation to take you on the day's hike.

Again, the actual choice will depend on the conditions of the day.

But here is an example of the type of snowshoeing you can expect in Saint-Léger les Mélèzes.

Saint-Léger les Mélèzes is a small village resort in the Champsaur Valley, surrounded by magnificent larch forests. Numerous forest and mountain trails offer easy ascents. After the forest, you'll be rewarded with a magnificent view over the Champsaur Valley and the Vieux Chaillol, the valley's iconic peak.

Today's snowshoe hike can be adapted to suit the preferences and abilities of the group. The varied terrain, from easy trails to steeper slopes leading to the summit of Cuchon, makes it a leisurely outing or a first physical challenge!

Here is another example of a snowshoe hike that we really enjoy doing and which will take you to a spectacular summit.

This third day of your snowshoeing trip is as intense as it is rewarding. Now that your legs are in top condition, we'll take you to the summit of Palastre, a magnificent peak that rises to nearly 2,300 meters. The ascent is gradual, and the snow conditions are always excellent (Palastre is a popular destination for many locals). The 720-meter elevation gain will take you through forests and beautiful mountain meadows with gentle slopes. There are plenty of photo opportunities, with stunning views of the Champsaur valley, numerous animal tracks, and picturesque rock formations.

After arriving at the Col du Palastre, where you can enjoy a well-deserved and delicious picnic, all that remains is to continue your journey to the summit itself. Up there, amidst the panoramic views and the high-mountain atmosphere, you will (re)discover that unique feeling of being on top of the world! The descent, meanwhile, will be all about sliding, jumping, and running through the powder – a truly exhilarating experience in the snow!

The region offers a multitude of activities, from a day of ice climbing to a well-deserved break in a spa and hammam. If your legs need rest, you can simply relax in your charming accommodation, enjoy the view, and immerse yourself in the winter atmosphere of the Champsaur Valley.

If you're still full of energy, this is the perfect opportunity to try one of our many winter activities such as ice climbing, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, and more. You can also put on your snowshoes and go for a short hike around Chabottes, where your accommodation is located, as there are many trails and tracks to explore!

This day is yours to personalize according to your wishes and desires. We will discuss the many options available upon your arrival. Please note that additional activities, transportation to and from these activities, and ski passes are not included in the price of your stay. You can pay for these extras either when booking if you already know what you would like to do during this free day, or on-site.

Full day snowshoeing through a classic alpine village to the Écrins National Park.

Today's hike begins in the beautiful little village of Prapic, one of the most picturesque and authentic spots in the Hautes-Alpes. Although two or three families still live there year-round, you'll mostly feel like you're at the end of the world when you start your hike by crossing the village's main "street".

The climbing options are varied, but the setting in this part of the Écrins National Park is such that you'll be captivated by the scenery wherever you go. At the top of today's route is a waterfall, the Saut du Laire, which is usually frozen at this time of year and holds a legend that your guide will be delighted to share with you. You'll also pass a charming little chapel perched high on the mountain, a testament to the religious past of this remote valley and its former inhabitants.

For your final day, we have an exciting challenge in store: reaching the Col de La Pourrachière during a memorable snowshoe hike in the Alps. Here's a glimpse of what this day might hold:

The hike begins with a gradual ascent through a snow-covered forest. You follow your guide single file, listening to their explanations about the local flora and fauna. The breathtaking snow-covered landscapes offer numerous opportunities for stunning photos.

As you gain altitude, the snow-capped peaks surrounding you come into view, creating a magnificent alpine cirque. The Col de La Pourrachière becomes increasingly visible as you approach. Your guide provides advice on snowshoeing, particularly on managing deep snow and powder.

Once you reach the Col de La Pourrachière, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. It's the perfect place to take a break, enjoy a delicious picnic prepared by your guide, and simply soak in the serenity of nature.

After regaining your strength, it will be time to head back down. Snowshoeing is often easier and more fun, allowing you to glide safely through the fresh snow. Your guide will show you the best trails to fully enjoy the descent.

At the end of the day, you'll return to the original starting point by minibus, tired but thrilled by this unforgettable snowshoeing experience. Back at your accommodation, you can relax, share your memories with the other members of the group, and enjoy a final dinner prepared by Meg.

That day when everyone has to say goodbye after experiencing so many wonderful things together, we always dread it! But everything comes to an end, and above all… “it’s only goodbye for now!”

We will pick you up in the morning and take you to Gap train station (SNCF) for approximately 8:30 am. You can request a transfer at another time of day, but an additional fee will apply.

For those with a later train departure, Gap boasts a charming traditional market that runs all morning. A wonderful way to extend your Alpine experience before you leave!