Snowshoeing and wild nature in the Clarée Valley
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationNévache / Hautes-Alpes
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AgeFrom 14 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions40.05 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Nestled in a pristine setting , the Haute-Clarée valley offers complete seclusion in winter, accessible only on foot or snowshoes. This stay invites you to experience an authentic getaway , far from the hustle and bustle of the resorts, in a carefully renovated mountain chalet that blends traditional charm with modern comfort. From this haven of peace, numerous snowshoeing trails await you, rewarded each evening with the soothing warmth of a wood-burning stove.
Surrounded by nature, in the heart of a mountain hamlet, you'll enjoy a complete immersion in the mountain environment. On site, a member of the team, acting as both guide and cook , will prepare delicious meals using local and organic ingredients . The itinerary is designed so you can fully dedicate yourself to exploring the natural surroundings and the pleasure of hiking. Let yourself be guided , breathe, and savor the experience.
The highlights
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Unique accommodation in the heart of a wild and unspoiled valley
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No vehicle transfers during the week
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Gourmet cuisine prepared with local and organic products
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
Please remember that you must be able to participate in this trip. You can contact us ( [email protected] ) with any questions you may have about the trip's schedule and the required skill level. Any information about you that could affect your participation in this trip must be communicated to us.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 392 m
- Average daily descent: 384 m
Management
French
English
Whether still wearing my mountaineer's cap, passionate about hiking, or my chef's hat , in Cervières, Burgundy, Iceland, or elsewhere, I invite you to explore unspoiled nature and enjoy healthy and delicious cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere !
To live a passion through one's profession, to travel the world, to discover, to share.
With my energetic and cheerful personality, I'm eager to share with you everything that inspires me when I hike. Open to connecting with others, I'm enriched by every encounter I have with you. See you soon on the trails!
The stay is supervised by a member of our partner agency, a qualified and passionate Mountain Guide, with snowshoeing qualifications and extensive knowledge of the valley.
Our partner is based in Cervières, at the foot of the Col d'Izoard. In every season, they invite you to discover extraordinary and unspoiled natural spaces, combining adventure, comfort, and enjoyment, all while respecting your fitness level and desires. Join them for a hike and immerse yourself in breathtaking nature, letting yourself be captivated by its beauty!
At the heart of its approach: exchange, sharing and conviviality, with the desire to combine tourism and respect for the environment.
Program
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Welcome to Névache and hike to Chalet Baille
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 20km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After a quick introduction to the trip and taking care of our luggage, we walked along the Clarée River, which gives its name to the valley. We strolled leisurely upstream along its clear waters to reach our accommodation. A perfect warm-up for the rest of our stay.
Day 1 -
The balconies of the Clarée
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin the day by exploring the wild Clarée valley floor, all the way to the isolated Laval refuge. From there, we climb back up the hillsides to gain altitude and follow a balcony trail that leads us back to our accommodation.
Day 2 -
Buffère Valley
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This day takes us to an open valley, in the heart of which lies the Buffère refuge. We can, if we so desire, explore the small plateau of Lac de Privé, beneath the impressive cliffs of Tête Noire.
Day 3 -
Lake Laramon via the Ricou refuge
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Lake Laramon is a glacial lake perched at an altitude of 2,350 meters, above the Clarée Valley. From there, weather permitting, we can admire the highest peak in the Écrins massif, the Barre des Écrins, which rises to 4,102 meters. It will also give us a panoramic view of tomorrow's hike, as we will be on the opposite slope.
Day 4 -
Chardonnet Valley
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
With our compass set to west, we climbed the slopes of the Chardonnet valley. Initially, we walked through an open larch forest and passed through a few isolated hamlets. The scenery changed as we approached the Chardonnet refuge; we were now navigating a completely open landscape, between high rocky ridges and snow-covered slopes.
Day 5 -
Return to Névache via the valley floor
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 20km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 6 km
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The last day will gently awaken us from our hibernation in the wilderness as we descend peacefully along the Clarée River towards civilization. We arrive in Névache late in the morning.
Day 6
Note
We reserve the right to modify the program (weather conditions, snowpack conditions, participants' physical condition and technical level, the guide's preferences, etc.). These modifications are always made in your best interest: for your safety and to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Accommodation
The accommodation for this stay is a fully renovated former alpine chalet. While it offers all modern comforts, it's the chalet's location that makes it truly exceptional. Nestled in the heart of the valley, it's a two-hour walk from the nearest access point by car. This also makes it an ideal starting point for our snowshoeing excursions. We offer you a genuine immersion in the wilderness .
No registration or special request from you will be processed directly by the accommodation provider, who is not responsible for the scheduling or organization of this stay. Room allocation and other accommodation details are handled exclusively between the hotel and us. Thank you for your understanding.
Access
We will meet you on day 1 at 2 pm in the parking lot of the Névache Tourist Office. Please ensure you are fully equipped for the hike, dressed appropriately, and with your daypack.
Your guide will distribute snowshoes and poles, then we will begin the first day's hike which will take us to our accommodation.
A welcome drink will be offered to you once you arrive at the accommodation, giving your instructor the opportunity to tell you more about the course of the stay and also to share a friendly moment by the fire!
Important : To limit the impact of motorized vehicles in this wild valley, please carry all your food for the week and your luggage. will be transported to the chalet in pulkas (sleds) which we will pull ourselves! As space in the pulkas is limited, it is essential to use reasonably sized travel bags (60cmX40cmX30cm) rather than large suitcases.
The trip ends on day 6 after the last walk, around midday. Our free shuttle will drop you off at Briançon train station no later than 1 p.m.
Go to the starting point
The main source of fine particulate pollution in our mountains is the combustion of fossil fuels generated by cars, particularly during the holiday traffic.
That is why we are doing everything we can to welcome you at Briançon station.
🚂 Briançon SNCF train station:
From the north, on the Paris-Lyon-Valence-Briançon or Grenoble-Gap-Briançon line
- Daytime trains: TGV then TER
- The direct night train from Paris-Austerlitz is the most convenient for people coming from northern France.
From the south, on the Marseille-Briançon line (TER)
🚂 Oulx SNCF station (Italy):
TGV Paris-Oulx on the Paris-Turin-Milan line then Oulx-Briançon shuttle.
For those arriving by train and wishing to use our free shuttle service, we will meet you on day 1 at 1:15 pm at Briançon train station, in the parking lot to the right as you exit the station hall. Please let us know in advance by selecting the free shuttle option when making your reservation.
If your train arrival time doesn't coincide with the shuttle's arrival time, you'll need to take a taxi to get to the hostel. We recommend contacting Transalp Taxi at 06.81.69.88.39; the fare is approximately €60.
🚘 From the North: Grenoble - Col du Lautaret - Briançon - Névache. If the Col du Lautaret is closed, you will have to go via the Col Bayard and Gap. You will then reach Briançon from the south.
🚘 Via the South : Valence or Sisteron - Gap - Embrun – Briançon - Névache.
🚘 Via Italy : Chambéry - Fréjus Tunnel - Montgenèvre Pass - Névache.
You can park all week around the free parking lot of the Névache Tourist Office.
Important :
- Regardless of the route you take, it is mandatory to be equipped with snow tires or chains (practice putting them on before you leave).
- The Fréjus tunnel is a toll tunnel. If you plan to return via the same route, purchase a 7-day return ticket (information and prices at www.sftrf.fr ).
- At the exit of the tunnel, beware of the GPS which wants to take you towards Bardonecchia and the Col de l'Échelle which is closed in winter because of the snow!
Price details
The price includes
- Full board with picnic lunch from dinner on day 1 until breakfast on day 6
- the tourist tax
- 4 full days and 2 half-days of supervision
The price does not include
- insurance
- Drinks and personal expenses (payment in cash or by check only)
Options
- Free shuttle between Briançon train station and Névache : CHF0.00 / 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
For hiking:
- the snowshoes
- hiking poles
- Safety equipment: avalanche victim detectors, shovels and probes
For picnics:
- fabric bags and towels
- containers for soups and salads
- spoons
- thermoses for hot drinks
- cups
- Bedding: sheets, duvets and pillows
- bath towels
- indoor shoes
Equipment to bring
- A medium-sized backpack (30 to 40 liters) for the day's essentials (water bottle, warm clothes, binoculars, camera, etc.) and a picnic lunch. Straps for attaching snowshoes are often a welcome addition.
- a rain cover to protect belongings in case of snowfall
- High-top, waterproof hiking boots
- an insulated water bottle preferably (1.5 liters minimum)
- a pocket knife
- a pair of highly protective sunglasses
- a tube of sunscreen and a lip balm, both very protective
- a waterproof pouch for carrying your important documents
- Optional: a camera, a pair of binoculars...
Clothing to bring
It is essential to use reasonably sized travel bags (60cm x 40cm x 30cm). Suitcases are not permitted!
To protect yourself from the winter chill, the best method is the "layering" approach: adjust your temperature by wearing layers of clothing that aren't too warm , so you don't sweat too much. We recommend choosing garments made from natural merino fibers, which are warm, breathable, and odor-resistant should you perspire.
For hiking:
- warm, waterproof trousers or lighter trousers and tights
- a Gore-Tex type windbreaker
- A down jacket to protect against the most biting cold.
- a not-too-thick sweater, possibly fleece or merino wool.
- Warm and quick-drying underwear (tights, long-sleeved t-shirts, etc.), perhaps made of merino wool.
- a warm hat that protects the ears well
- a cap or other hat to protect you from the sun
- two pairs of gloves, thin ones and warm, waterproof "snow" gloves (or mittens)
- Gaiters are recommended if the snow pants don't have good elastic and/or hooks to stay on the boot.
For the evening:
- 2 to 3 pairs of warm socks
- spare clothes
- indoor shoes or slippers
- a pharmacy, with the necessary supplies to treat everyday minor ailments, think about possible foot care (Compeed, strapping and other dressings), and of course your personal treatments.
- toiletries
