Snowshoeing in the heart of the Bellebonne Massif, facing Mont Blanc
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationFrench Alps / Isère
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions81.85 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Escape to the Belledonne Massif, the most secluded of the Alpine ranges, for a snowshoeing holiday where nature, relaxation, and energy come together. Our charming and fully renovated 3-star hotel, ideally located in the small village of La Ferrière, will be your haven of peace, just steps from the starting points of your hikes.
This trip is a true invitation to discover Belledonne in all its winter splendor. Between mountain streams, frozen high-altitude lakes, and vast spruce forests, you will be amazed by these wild and unspoiled landscapes. All this against the backdrop of the majestic Mont Blanc and the Dauphiné Alps.
Let Jean-Louis or Laurent, locals and passionate lovers of their mountains, be your guides. They will share with you the joy of hiking in the snow, observing the elusive wildlife, and contemplating breathtaking panoramas. With their help, you'll access high-quality routes, tailored to your skill level, for a complete immersion in this captivating world.
The Belledonne mountain range offers a winter environment of exceptional quality, with easily accessible snow-covered areas. During the week, a chairlift ride will take you to the summit plateaus. Up there, you can admire the unique landscapes of this mountain valley, an unforgettable experience to thrill you at every moment.
The highlights
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Discovering the wild and unspoiled Belledonne mountain range
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A small group limited to 13 participants, for a more convivial atmosphere.
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The comfort of a 3-star hotel for a truly peaceful stay
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
This stay is level 2 medium.
Average elevation gain: 450 m Maximum elevation gain: 600 m
Average length: 10 km Maximum length: 12 km
Average time: 4 hours 15 minutes Maximum: 5 hours
The hike takes place at a slow and steady pace, emphasizing discovery and exploration rather than the sporting aspect.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 440 m
- Average daily descent: 470 m
- Maximum altitude: 2400 m
Management
French
State-certified mountain guide and expert on the region,
This passionate professional is committed to:
- Ensuring the smooth running of your hike in complete safety: choice of route, management of pace, logistical organization, monitoring of the group's health, adaptation to weather and snow conditions.
- Promote group dynamics and cohesion for a friendly and enriching experience.
- To share his passion for the mountains with you by sharing his knowledge of nature and the mountain environment.
- Remain available and attentive to your needs throughout the activity.
Program
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Welcome and setup
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We will welcome you from 5 pm at the Hotel Le Madame, located in La Ferrière, in the commune of Haut-Bréda. For travelers arriving by train, the meeting point is at 6:30 pm at the Pontcharra-sur-Bréda train station.
After you have settled in, we will share a welcome drink before enjoying dinner.
Day 1 -
The Ridges
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Maximum altitude 2400 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You will start the day with a panoramic hike on a magnificent ridge, offering a discovery of the Belledonne range and its majestic peaks reaching 2,980 m, as well as a preview of the circuits for the coming days.
From the Pincerie chairlift, at the foot of the 7 Laux resort, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of four alpine massifs.
A great warm-up to start the stay!
Walking time: 5 hours
Distance: 10 km
Elevation gain/loss: +350 m / -500 m
Day 2 -
The chalet at the end and the Henri IV fir trees
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Maximum altitude 1600 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You will start your day from the hamlet of Gleyzin or Piat, going up the Bout mountain to enter this sensitive natural area, where majestic centuries-old fir trees stand alongside a refuge worthy of Jack London's novels.
A wonderful immersion in the high mountain environment!
Walking time: 4h30
Distance: 11 km
Elevation gain/loss: +500 m / -500 m
Day 3 -
The Tavern Ridges
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Maximum altitude 1550 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You will start the hike from the Jeu de Paume, climbing to the summit of the Grand Crêt and discovering the lake of Tavernes, a true paradise for deer that have made their home in the heart of these vast coniferous forests!
Walking time: 5 hours
Distance: 11 km
Elevation gain/loss: +550 m / -550 m
Day 4 -
Heritage of the valley and walks in the heart of our mountains
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For this day, your guide invites you to a historical immersion in the heart of the valley, with a visit to Allevard and its museum which reveals all its secrets.
The afternoon will be dedicated to a discovery walk in the valley, for a truly relaxing moment.
A few kilometers of walking, with a slight elevation gain.
Walking time: 3 hours
Distance: 8 km
Elevation gain/loss: +400 m / -400 m
Day 5 -
Hiking in the Upper Bréda Valley, Fond de France
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Maximum altitude 1400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For this last day, a beautiful hike along the Bréda stream will take us near the hotel, with the discovery of the electricity production facilities.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon, with dispersal planned around 4:30 p.m.
Walking time: 4 hours
Distance: 10 km
Elevation gain/loss: +400 m / -400 m
Day 6
Note
The times indicated were established based on a pace of 250 meters of elevation gain per hour uphill, 300 meters per hour downhill, and 3 km/h on flat terrain, in order to allow for a consistent comparison between the different hikes. They only refer to actual walking time: breaks, meals, or observation periods must be added.
Occasionally, we may make slight adjustments to the planned itinerary, whether for organizational reasons (booked accommodations, trail conditions, etc.) or at the guide's discretion (weather, group level, etc.). These adjustments are always made in your best interest, for your safety and comfort.
Depending on the snow conditions, we may leave the snowshoes behind and use only crampons for some walks. In any case, the pleasure of enjoying the scenery and the outdoors remains undiminished.
Accommodation
You are staying at the Hotel Le Madame.
Individual bookings are grouped into single-sex rooms for 2 to 3 people, in comfort rooms with private bathrooms.
Single rooms, available depending on availability, must be reserved upon registration.
New this winter: Justine and Sylvie welcome you to their new relaxation area, with an outdoor spa bath, a hammam, a yoga and relaxation room, a fitness area and a tea room.
You can take advantage of a welcome offer including 3 sessions during the week for €45 per person. Reservations can be made directly at your accommodation, at the hotel reception.
Access
Reception: At the Hotel Le Madame, located in La Ferrière, Le Haut Bréda, reception will be from 5 p.m. for participants arriving by car.
The hotel address is: 1030 route du Haut Bréda, Le Curtillard, 38580 Le Haut Bréda.
You will be able to park your vehicle safely and easily near the accommodation.
Please specify your access method when registering.
For those arriving by train, the meeting point for the transfer organised by us is set for 6:30 pm at the Pontcharra-sur-Bréda train station.
A transfer service is available to take you from Pontcharra train station to the hotel.
Price: €20 per person for the round trip, to be booked when registering.
Arrival information: In case of delay on the day of your arrival, please notify us at 04 51 20 50 50 or directly to the hotel at 04 58 47 01 00.
Dispersion:
On day 06, departure at 4pm from your accommodation, or at 5pm from the Pontcharra-sur-Bréda train station if you have booked the transfer.
Return by train: Pontcharra-sur-Bréda - Allevard station.
Go to the starting point
Pontcharra-sur-Bréda - Allevard Station
A transfer service is available to take you from Pontcharra train station to the hotel.
Price: €20 per person for the round trip, to be booked when registering.
La Ferrière, 38580 - Commune of Haut Bréda
From the A41 motorway between Grenoble and Chambéry, take exit 22 (Pontcharra). Then follow the D523b, then the D925b to Détrier. Continue on the D925, then the D525 to Allevard, and then follow the D525a to the village of La Ferrière. The hotel is on the right, just after the hamlet of Grand Thiervoz.
You will be able to park your vehicle safely and easily near the accommodation.
Price details
The price includes
- Organization costs.
- Mountain excursions are supervised by a local guide.
- Full board food and accommodation.
- The transfers planned in the program.
- Welcome drinks on the first evening
- Snowshoes and hiking poles, crampons for walking in the snow.
- The ascent by chairlift.
The price does not include
- Wine with meals.
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Personal equipment.
- The journeys to and from the reception location.
- Access to the relaxation area (to be booked on site)
- The different types of insurance
- Everything that is not listed under "The price includes".
Options
- Single room supplement : CHF219.55 / person
- Return transfer from Pontcharra-sur-Bréda train station : CHF18.30 / person
- Additional night supplement based on 2 people : CHF90.57 / person
- Extra night supplement for single occupancy : CHF136.31 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
During the hike, you must have the following documents in your possession:
- Valid identity card or passport.
- Your travel insurance leaflet received upon registration (if you purchased the insurance we offer) or your personal insurance (contract number + telephone number).
- Health insurance card.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Snowshoes
- Hiking poles
- Crampons for walking in the snow
Equipment to bring
Equipment :
- 1 backpack of 35/40 litres with a flexible frame, equipped with a waist belt.
- A large plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack.
- 1 pair of excellent quality sunglasses with side protection.
- A water bottle (1.5 liters minimum).
- 1 Opinel-type pocket knife.
- 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) to put your money, identity card, health insurance card and assistance contract in.
- Sunscreen + lip balm.
- 1 survival blanket.
- Camera, binoculars (optional).
For the evening at the accommodation:
- Your pocket-sized hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
- You have a sufficient quantity of masks.
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers.
- 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes.
- Toiletries (opt for the essentials, small sizes, samples and travel kits).
- Earplugs or ear pads (optional).
- 1 headlamp or flashlight.
Personal pharmacy:
- A tick remover.
- Your usual medications.
- Elastic adhesive strip, Elastoplast type, 8 cm wide.
- Sets of adhesive bandages + disinfectant compresses.
- Double skin (like Compeed or SOS blisters).
- 1 pair of tweezers.
Clothing to bring
For the upper body, the 3-layer principle allows you to manage almost all situations:
- A long-sleeved base layer made of breathable material (hollow fiber).*
- A warm fleece fur jacket.
- A windproof, waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket.
In calm weather and while walking, a simple base layer may suffice. However, rain, snow, or wind necessitate the addition of a waterproof jacket. During periods of extreme cold or during breaks, a fleece becomes an indispensable companion.
It's essential to choose clothes that dry quickly. Cotton should be avoided, as it retains moisture. It's better to opt for wool, especially merino wool, which is comfortable and odor-free, silk, or synthetic fibers that keep you warm and dry for longer.
It's important to dress warmly before you get cold, but also to remove layers before you get too hot. Sweat is a hiker's enemy: it soaks into clothing, which, once damp, cools down very quickly during breaks. This is why, during a climb, a fleece is rarely worn continuously.
The ideal list: (to be adapted according to the hike and the season)
- 1 sun hat or cap.
- 1 scarf or neck warmer.
- Short-sleeved T-shirts in breathable material preferred (1 for 2 to 3 days of walking).
- 1 long-sleeved undershirt in breathable material or a shirt.
- 1 fleece fur jacket.
- 1 windproof, waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket with hood.
- 1 rain cape or a sleeping bag liner
- 1 pair of loose-fitting trekking trousers.
- 1 pair of shorts or bermudas.
- 1 pair of high-top hiking boots with good ankle support and waterproof soles (Vibram type). Remember to test new shoes and those that haven't been used for a long time beforehand.
- A swimsuit.
