Snowshoeing expedition in the La Jarjatte valley
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationJarjatte Valley / Vercors Massif
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AgeFrom 14 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions81.05 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Away from the main tourist routes, the La Jarjatte valley lies hidden at the eastern edge of the Vercors Regional Natural Park. It is overlooked by the soaring peaks of the western Dévoluy massif. In a warm and welcoming atmosphere, we offer comfortable accommodations in the heart of this spectacular natural setting. This snowshoeing trip is guided by mountain guides. They will lead you to discover the alpine landscapes of the Dévoluy, the beautiful high-altitude pastures of the southern Vercors, and the wildlife-rich forests of the high valleys of the Buëch and Diois.
The highlights
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The discovery of the La Jarjatte valley, a listed site in the Vercors Regional Park.
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Warm and comfortable facilities for a relaxing and enriching stay.
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Local professional guides for an immersion in the country and its nature.
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
This trip is level 2. The outings average 500m of elevation gain and 10km of distance. They take place in mountainous terrain. This level is suitable for a wide range of participants.
public. However, it is necessary to have:
- regular sports activities or hiking,
- a reasonable level of physical fitness allowing one to walk regularly at a rate of 250m of positive elevation gain per hour excluding breaks.
- sufficient balance and motor skills to progress on uneven, sloping terrain and which may include off-trail sections.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 510 m
- Average daily descent: 510 m
- Maximum altitude: 1800 m
Management
French
For 20 years, Jean-Marc Jacquet has been based in the protected valley of La Jarjatte, where he has designed hiking trips to showcase the exceptional potential of the region: Dévoluy, Southern Vercors, Trièves, Buëch, and Haut-Diois. Several decades of mountaineering and 15 years of experience as a Mountain Guide have given him countless anecdotes to share about his passion: the mountains. Geology, prehistory, fauna, flora, local life… 180 days a year, he leads you on the trails with the same enthusiasm for sharing and conviviality.
Program
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Welcome
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Check-in from 4pm or, if you are coming by train, at Lus la Croix-Haute station during afternoon arrival times.
At 6:30 p.m., we meet to study the program.
Clairette de l'amitié before the meal.
Day 1 -
Col de La Croix, alpine pastures of Pointe Feuillette
- Transportation Minibus - 00h05 - 2km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Maximum altitude 1750 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We explore the protected Natura 2000 site of the Jarjatte valley before climbing to the Col de La Croix. A small refuge offers shelter for our picnic if needed. In the early afternoon, we continue our walk through the vast, panoramic alpine pastures of Pointe Feuillette, which offer exceptional views of the Trièves, Dévoluy, and Vercors regions.
Day 2 -
Col de Tournerond and Montagne du Chevalet
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 10km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Maximum altitude 1750 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The heights of Les Sièzes are a paradise for winter hiking. They offer easy, wide-open alpine terrain leading to the Chante and Tournerond passes. In every direction, the view stretches far across the Vercors, the Dévoluy, and the Buëch valley. Those who wish can climb a little higher to the panoramic summit of Le Chevalet.
Day 3 -
The Templars' Path and the summit of Sarrier
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 10km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Maximum altitude 1700 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This beautiful route follows the Templar Trail. It owes its name to the old commandery that we discover shortly after setting off. From this historically rich site, we continue towards the Navite Pass and, for the more adventurous, towards the beautiful and isolated Sarrier Mountain. We picnic around a campfire in the heart of a lovely beech forest.
Day 4 -
The Lacau pass in Haut-Diois
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 18km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Maximum altitude 1700 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This day is dedicated to exploring the heights of the Haut-Diois. A magnificent landscape, rich in diverse forests and alpine pastures, leads us beneath the impressive western slope of the Jocou. This beautiful mountain is the last spur of the Vercors massif's ridges.
Day 5 -
Le Quigouret, viewpoint of the Upper Buëch
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 14km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Maximum altitude 1800 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This superb hike takes place on a summit perfectly suited for snowshoeing. In summer, in this southern part of Lus la Croix-Haute, you have to zigzag between lavender fields! From the summit of Guigouret, the panoramas are exceptional: Ventoux, Trois Bec, Pic de Bure, Glandasse, Mont Aiguille....
Day 6 -
End of stay
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The stay ends after breakfast.
We will organize your departure and any transfer to the station at the time of your choice.
The rooms are vacated but the communal areas remain accessible to you while you wait for your departure.Day 7
Note
For organizational reasons, weather conditions or the fitness of participants, we may need to adapt the program to ensure your safety and the success of the stay.
Accommodation
You are welcomed into a large , family-run house offering 14 bedrooms. The weekly capacity for stays is 16 to 20 people, divided into two groups following different activity programs.
Access
If you are travelling by train, we will drop you off at Lus la Croix-Haute station on the day of departure.
Go to the starting point
TER Grenoble-Gap line
Arrival: We will meet you at the station during the afternoon hours.
Departure: We will take you to the train station. The house will remain at your disposal until your departure time.
Price details
The price includes
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7.
- Welcome drinks on the first evening.
- Snowshoes and poles.
- The supervision and activities described.
- Registration fees.
- Tourist taxes.
The price does not include
- Drinks, wine with meals and personal expenses.
- The optional picnic on the day of departure.
- The options include Nordic bath, sauna, and yoga.
- Cancellation insurance.
Options
- Private room with shared bathroom : CHF45.74 / person
- Private room with en-suite bathroom : CHF100.63 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
- Your identity documents.
- Your health insurance card.
- A health and contact information form will be given to you upon arrival: you will keep it in your backpack.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Walking sticks and snowshoes.
Equipment to bring
For snowshoeing outings :
- High, waterproof hiking boots with soles in good condition.
- A hiking backpack of approximately 30 liters.
For the Gîte:
- Your bath towel.
- Indoor shoes.
- A swimsuit and a bathing suit (sauna, Nordic bath).
Clothing to bring
- A pair of warm and waterproof hiking boots.
- A base layer, warm tights.
- Pairs of warm socks.
- Comfortable trousers for walking.
- A close-fitting fleece sweater and a fleece jacket.
- A waterproof jacket with a hood.
- A warm hat, a pair of gloves and a pair of thin glove liners.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses.
- A water bottle.
