High plateaus of the Vercors in unguarded mountain huts
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationVercors Massif / Drome
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AgeFrom 14 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions28.38 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Explore the Vercors High Plateaus during a week of total disconnection in the heart of unspoiled nature. This self-guided snowshoeing trip invites you to experience immersion in these vast snow-covered landscapes.
Our semi- itinerary connects two comfortable mountain huts , accessible only on foot. Each day, you'll hike from a central point through an exceptional wilderness. Observe animal tracks and admire spectacular winter panoramas.
To limit the weight of the backpack, a food drop-off is organized halfway through the trip before the stay. Shared moments punctuate the daily routine: preparing meals together, splitting wood, fetching water from the spring, and warming up around the wood stove .
An authentic and restorative winter immersion , ideal for experiencing a collective adventure far from everyday life.
The highlights
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Explore a wild territory on snowshoes
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Resting in unguarded and private shelters reserved just for our group
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Participating in daily tasks: splitting wood, cooking, playing cards!
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
This trip is suitable for people in good physical condition who already have experience with multi-day hiking or snowshoeing. If you have any doubts about your fitness level, please don't hesitate to contact me.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 12 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 400 m
- Average daily descent: 390 m
Management
French
English
Hi, I'm Tanguy, a Mountain Guide based in Briançon. I organize and lead treks with bivouac camping and stays in mountain huts in the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps. And in winter, I take you on snowshoeing trips, with nights spent in mountain huts or even igloos!
My specialties are bivouacking, the study of avalanches... and wolves!
Program
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Ascent to the High Plateaus
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Our stay begins in the Combeau valley. Backpack check, food distribution, equipment distribution: snowshoes, poles, sleeping bags, gas stoves.
We climbed up the valley until we reached the High Plateaus: these vast expanses opened up before us. A magnificent place to explore in the coming days!
Day 1 -
Hike facing Mont Aiguille
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h15
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today we're traveling light, as we'll be sleeping in the same hut tonight. A long, rolling climb takes us to the eastern edge of the High Plateaus, facing Mont Aiguille. In my opinion, one of the most beautiful panoramas in the High Plateaus! The descent winds through valleys and hollows, bringing us back to the warmth of our refuge.
Day 2 -
Western edge of the High Plateaus
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Changing shelters today! We're leaving our little haven, which we'll return to tomorrow evening. We're heading towards the western edge of the High Plateaus, with vast fir forests to cross.
Day 3 -
Due East!
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave our lovely forest refuge to head due east: a day alternating between climbs, large forests, and very beautiful clearings.
Day 4 -
One last summit
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h15
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After a thorough cleaning of our refuge together, we set off again for a lovely little summit on the edge of the High Plateaus. We enjoy one last panoramic view of this exceptional site before a long and beautiful descent into the Combeau valley to conclude our magnificent stay!
Day 5
Note
This program is given as an indication only: it is subject to change depending on weather conditions, snow conditions, and the level of the group.
Accommodation
We will be staying in 2 unguarded mountain huts during this trip, which will be reserved exclusively for our group.
The shelters are not accessible by car. They both have a wood-burning stove, dormitories with mattresses, dry toilets, and depending on the sunshine, a little electricity for lighting and charging electronic devices.
Water must be collected from a nearby spring. At one of the two cabins, the spring sometimes dries up in winter; in that case, snow must be melted and mineralized to refill the water supply.
Sharing daily tasks in our 2 shelters is part of the community spirit during this stay: maintaining the fire, splitting wood, cooking, filling up with water, and cleaning our shelter before leaving.
Access
Accommodation is possible the night before in Combeau or Châtillon-en-Diois.
Go to the starting point
To get here by public transport: the nearest train station is Valence, then carpooling is possible with the other participants.
Combeau Valley Parking (Free): A large open-air parking lot is located at the end of the paved road. It is completely free , open to all, and serves as the direct starting point for hiking trails.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a qualified mountain guide.
- 4 nights in unguarded and private mountain huts
- Technical equipment rental: snowshoes, poles, sleeping bags, gas stoves
- Full board from picnic lunch on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 5
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation between your home and the meeting point
- Trail snacks (dried fruit, biscuits, energy bars) for your small snacks during hikes
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Repatriation and rescue insurance is mandatory. Cancellation insurance is recommended.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Snowshoes
- Hiking poles
- Down sleeping bag for those who don't have one
- Cooking stoves
Equipment to bring
- Backpack with a capacity of 40 to 60 liters
- Your sleeping bag, if you have one, with a recommended comfort temperature between 0 and +5°C
- A detailed checklist will be sent to you after your registration.
Clothing to bring
- For snowshoeing, mountaineering clothing is well suited
- A detailed checklist will be sent to you after your registration.
The Tanguy team
Our local expert, Tanguy, primarily works independently, creating his own trips. His approach involves choosing less-traveled routes and maintaining flexibility to adapt to the group's level and the conditions encountered. It's an ideal opportunity to explore off the beaten path while learning.
