Snowshoeing getaway in the heart of the Queyras
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationQueyras Massif / Hautes-Alpes
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AgeFrom 14 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions56.01 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
This trip offers a true panorama of the Queyras Regional Natural Park, a unique territory nestled against the Italian border. This high-altitude land has evolved into small, family-friendly resorts while preserving mountain traditions and an exceptional natural heritage. Discovering these harmonious landscapes and villages, steeped in human history, on snowshoes is to encounter simplicity and beauty.
This multi-day trek gives us the opportunity to explore numerous valleys, passes, and peaks throughout the week. We plan two consecutive nights in mountain huts for a complete immersion in this natural environment. This also gives us access to more remote locations that are otherwise difficult to reach. The Great White awaits!
The highlights
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A semi-itinerant route with 2 nights in mountain huts
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Magnificent and varied landscapes
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Climbing an easy "3000"
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
Important : Please remember that you must be able to participate in this program. You can contact us with any questions you may have about the program and the required skill level. Any information about you that could affect your participation in this program must be communicated to us.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 13 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 614 m
- Average daily descent: 624 m
Management
French
English
Whether still wearing my mountain hat as a passionate hiker or my chef's toque as a lover of gastronomy, I invite you, in Cervières, Burgundy, Iceland or elsewhere, 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 and presentation of the stay
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 12km
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We will meet you at 6:30 pm at the Gîte la Teppio in La Chalp d'Arvieux. You can settle into your rooms and then an aperitif will be offered, giving your guide the opportunity to tell you more about the stay.
Day 1 -
The Oules Breakdown
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 555 m
- Negative elevation 555 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Walk along the wooded valleys at the foot of La Casse des Oules to an old shepherd's hut (2300m) dominated by the highest peaks of the valley: the Turge de la Suffie (3024m), the Escalinade (3087m) and its majesty the Pic de Rochebrune (3320m) which will offer us a breathtaking spectacle.
Day 2 -
The Wood of Péméant
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 640 m
- Negative elevation 640 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In an atmosphere reminiscent of the Canadian Far North , we will ascend the secluded valley of the Péméant forest to a lovely little high-altitude clearing at the foot of the north face of the Arpelin summit (2604m). From there, we will simply climb to a small viewpoint (2391m) offering breathtaking views of the southern slopes of the Écrins massif.
Day 3 -
Lake Gignoux
- Transportation Minibus - 00h05 - 3km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From the village of Cervières, we'll head towards the hamlets of Alp. These small clusters of old alpine chalets still powerfully bear witness to the harshness of agricultural life in bygone days. We'll find ourselves in the heart of the valley where chamois winter , the ideal spot to try and spot them. The hike will then take us through the striking, barren landscapes of the Chenaillet volcanic massif to Lake Gignoux (2329m). From there, we'll reach the border ridge (2370m).
All that remains is for us to descend to reach the friendly little refuge of Capanna Mautino (2100m) in Italian territory.
Day 4 -
Dormillouse Ridge
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We will continue our journey along the Italian border. After crossing the Bousson (2154m) and Chabaud (2213m) passes, we will climb the Dormillouse Ridge, the marmot ridge (2852m), the highest point of our trek. A wild atmosphere is guaranteed! From there, we will have a breathtaking view of the string of peaks rising to over 3000 meters above the Piedmont valleys. Our descent will take us through vast, north-facing alpine pastures… powder snow guaranteed!
Day 5 -
Fournier Peak
- Transportation Minibus - 20h - 15km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 325 m
- Negative elevation 825 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
To return to Cervières, we'll begin a beautiful descent towards the magnificent marshy plain of Le Bourget. But before that, we'll climb one last border peak: the Cime de Fournier (2425m). From there, we'll enjoy a breathtaking view of the Lasseron massif overlooking the Vallée des Fonts.
The stay ends after the walk, around 3pm. We can enjoy the gîte one last time to have a drink and a shower before leaving.
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
For the first 2 nights, you will be accommodated at La Teppio, a friendly and family-run gîte, located in the hamlet of La Chalp d'Arvieux, at the foot of the famous Col d'Izoard.
The hostel's free parking is easily accessible even in winter.
Regardless of your mobile network operator, your mobile connection should be good. Wi-Fi access is free and available.
Subject to availability, it is possible to arrive before the start date of your stay and depart after the end date. You can select these options when you register for your stay.
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.
The third night you will be accommodated at the Auberge Costebelle, located at an altitude of 2050 meters, in the heart of Saint-Véran, the highest village in Europe!
Regardless of your mobile network operator, your mobile connection should be good. Wi-Fi access is free and available.
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.
The last two nights, you will be accommodated at La Blanche, a friendly and family-run refuge nestled in the mountains of the highest commune in Europe... Saint-Véran! Perched above the Blanche valley, the refuge overlooks a wild valley which offers hikers a neutral playground free from any traces of man.
No network, no Wi-Fi!
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
The stay begins on day 1 at 6:30 pm at the Gîte la Teppio in La Chalp d'Arvieux. After settling into your rooms, a welcome drink will be offered, giving your guide the opportunity to tell you more about the itinerary and share a friendly moment.
The trip ends on day 6 around 5 pm at Mont-Dauphin station. If you are returning to Paris, you can take the night train from Mont-Dauphin station.
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.
🚂 Mont-Dauphin - Guillestre SNCF train station
From the north, on the Paris-Lyon-Valence-Mont-Dauphin or Grenoble-Gap-Mont-Dauphin 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)
For those arriving by train and wishing to use our free shuttle service, we will meet you on day 1 at 6:50 pm at Mont-Dauphin train station, in the parking lot in front of the station hall. Please let us know in advance by selecting the free option when making your reservation.
🚘 From the North: Grenoble - Col du Lautaret - Briançon - Guillestre - La Chalp d'Arvieux. If the Col du Lautaret is closed, you will have to go via the Col Bayard and Gap. You will then reach La Chalp d'Arvieux from the south.
🚘 From the South : Valence or Sisteron - Gap - Embrun - Guillestre - La Chalp d'Arvieux
🚘 Via Italy : Chambéry - Fréjus Tunnel - Col de Montgenèvre - Briançon - Guillestre - La Chalp d'Arvieux
You can park in the free parking lot at the station or in the one in Ville-vieille.
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
- The stay will be supervised by a qualified guide.
- Accommodation in guesthouses and mountain huts
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 6
- Tourist taxes
- The transfers and baggage transport included in the program
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Free shuttle between Mont-Dauphin - Guillestre train station and the La Teppio gîte : CHF0.00 / person
- Half-board extra before the stay (subject to availability) : CHF58.55 / 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
- containers for soups and salads
- spoons
- thermoses for hot drinks
- cups
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
- 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...
- a sleeping bag liner (not a duvet)
- a headlamp
- A first-aid kit, stocked with essentials for everyday minor ailments, including foot care products (Compeed, bandages, and other dressings), and of course, your personal medications.
Clothing to bring
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 and a towel for the refuge
