Champagny-en-Vanoise
/ Vanoise Massif
Snowshoeing, Pilates and a mountain refuge in the heart of the Vanoise
Réf : YFGRJM
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationChampagny-en-Vanoise / Vanoise Massif
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions11.49 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
A mountain refuge in the heart of a glacial valley in the dead of winter can be intimidating. Yet, the Refuge du Bois, in Champagny-le-Haut, is accessible by road, and even by public transport: no avalanche risk, no weather to prevent your arrival. Wild mountains, with no risk of getting there.
I propose a 3-day, 2-night stay with a low environmental impact, but a high impact for you and the connections you make: the long time, the simplicity of the refuge, the encounter with those who live here.
The format is flexible. You can come alone, or with others if you register together, on the dates of your choice.
I am preparing three tailor-made hikes for you, either on snowshoes (equipment provided) or on foot, with a paper and digital road book, and audio clips to listen to along the way on an application designed for this stay.
On-site, I'll meet you for sessions focusing on breathwork (sophrology, meditation), conscious movement and strengthening exercises (yoga, Pilates), and winter elixirs inspired by Bach flowers. I'll also provide insights into the local environment: environmental news, local associations to get involved in, and cultural offerings.
Gaining resilience here means learning to navigate, to read the snow and the sky, and to pace yourself. A desirable future means leaving with concrete ideas for experiencing the mountains and your daily life differently.
The highlights
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A high-altitude refuge accessible without any uncertainty of access and without technical equipment
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3 tailor-made, self-guided snowshoe hikes (equipment provided)
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On-site sessions with a professional coach with over 15 years of experience
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Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
Everyone can participate in this trip. The supervision, program, or group will be tailored to each person's level.
The expert's opinion
Hiking (snowshoeing or on foot)
No prior snowshoeing experience is necessary, but a good level of fitness is required. Expect 2 to 4 hours of walking per day, with 100 to 200 meters of elevation gain: it may seem like a small amount, but in fresh snow, each step requires more effort. A simple guideline: you should be able to climb three flights of stairs without getting too out of breath, or you should be able to jog for at least 30 minutes. The routes are custom-designed to suit your fitness level and preferences.
Pilates
All levels welcome. Beginners are welcome, and sessions can include physical preparation work for experienced athletes.
Yoga
Suitable for all levels, from the first postures to a more refined practice of breath and subtle energies.
Sophrology, meditation, winter elixirs
No prerequisites.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 2h
- Average distance/day: 4 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 181 m
- Average daily descent: 181 m
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average distance/day: 7 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 150 m
- Average daily descent: 150 m
Management
The digital roadbook is your travel companion.
Digital Roadbook
Digital Roadbook
The format is hybrid, semi-guided: I meet with you each day upon your arrival, before each hike, and at your departure. These meetings are used to choose the day's route with you, to give you your equipment, and to practice wellness sessions together (Pilates, yoga). Then, you head out into the mountains on your own, following marked trails chosen for their safety.
Program
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The song of the Doron (mountain stream) all the way to the frozen waterfall
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Late morning : arrival at the Bois refuge. We get acquainted, you choose whether to go on foot or snowshoes (rental included) and we pay for your equipment.
Afternoon : Épena trail, 7.2 km round trip, 150 m elevation gain, approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. Departure no later than 2 p.m.
You ascend the left bank of the Doron in a U-shaped valley sculpted by glaciers, a protected site since 1992. On the slopes lies one of the largest green alder groves in Europe. In the snow, you'll find traces of foxes, mountain hares, and chamois.
At the end of the path lies Laisonnay d'en Bas and d'en Haut, the oldest inhabited settlement in the valley. Its stone houses with slate roofs huddle together, sheltered from avalanches. Facing you is the Py waterfall, often frozen; higher up, the Grande Casse (3,855 m).
Along the way, your audio capsules: the formation of the valley, life in Laisonnay, animals in winter, a sophrology break by the stream and a first winter elixir ritual.
Return at dusk, using headlamps and torches (provided). Arrival at the refuge around 5 pm, dinner, and perhaps a short nighttime torchlit walk around the hamlet.
Day 1 -
Gaining a new perspective: A day in the village, with two hikes to choose from
- Transportation Bus - 20h - 15km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 360 m
- Negative elevation 360 m
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Distance 2 km
- Positive elevation gain 125 m
- Negative elevation 125 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
10am : Pilates session with me at Alpages de Champagny (free shuttle from Le Bois at 9:15am).
Then, choose one:
- Option 1 – In the silence of the forest
Châtelard Trail, from Villard-Dessus. 2 hours 30 minutes round trip, up to 360m elevation gain: the most challenging hike of the trip.
The path climbs through the spruce trees to the alpine chalets of Châtelard (1,500 m).
- Option 2 – Facing the Vanoise glaciers
Cable car to La Rossa (1,970 m), pedestrian pass included. 1.4 km, 126 m elevation gain, 1 hour 30 minutes to Roc des Blanchets (2,100 m), facing the Vanoise glaciers.
Both are done on snowshoes, on a marked trail.
Before leaving, put together your picnic (at your own expense) in the village's grocery stores and cooperatives: cheeses, cured meats, bread.
Along the way, your audio capsules: the forest and glaciers in winter, the history of the alpine pastures, a sophrology break and your winter elixir ritual.
Afternoon : break at the spa area of the Champagny swimming pool: two saunas, a hammam, two hot baths, a cold bath, "experience" showers and a relaxation lounge.
Optional massages include: Ouréa, tailor-made mountain energy; Gaïa, a ritual of grounding and regeneration; or Hygie, a ritual of harmony and detox.
Late afternoon : free shuttle back to Le Bois and free evening at the refuge.
Day 2 -
Shadow and light: A final morning in the valley before heading back down
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Distance 2 km
- Positive elevation gain 170 m
- Negative elevation 170 m
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Distance 1 km
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Morning : departure on foot from the Nordic chalet of Bois, without shuttle.
Your choice:
- Option 1 – The shady side: the Taillette
1 hour 30 minutes, 170 meters of elevation gain. The trail climbs through the forest, on the slope that remains shaded in winter, where the snow retains its freshness. The inclines are steep, but the ascent is short. Through the trees, the view plunges down to the valley traversed in previous days.
- Option 2 – Sunny side: Les Teppes
1 hour, 100m elevation gain, easy. The path joins the sunny side of the valley, with a beautiful view of the hamlet of Bois and its snow-covered roofs.
Both hikes can be done on snowshoes or on foot, following a marked trail. Look for tracks in the snow: fox, hare, squirrel, or deer. Short and close to the refuge, these two trails also serve as alternative routes on other days, should the weather or fatigue require it.
Along the way, your audio capsules:
- reading animal tracks
- The sunny and shady sides, or how the mountain shares the sun
- your winter elixir ritual to end your stay
Late morning : we meet at the refuge for a sophrology session. We review these three days, what you take away from the mountains and how to live with it at home.
Departure : free shuttle to the village, then bus to Moûtiers train station.
Day 3
Note
- The choice of hike depends on the weather. Option 2 (La Rossa) is at altitude: it's not feasible in fog or immediately after heavy snowfall. On those days, we'll go with option 1, in the forest. We'll decide together during the Pilates session.
- On foot or snowshoes , depending on the snow conditions. Snowshoes and poles provided.
- On option 2 , the route runs alongside the ski area: you stay on the marked path, without ever walking on the slopes.
- The cable car does not operate in strong winds : in this case, we also switch to option 1.
- On Saturdays , there are fewer shuttles: the departure from Bois is at 9:05 am.
- The picnic and spa treatments are at your own expense. Treatments must be booked in advance.
- Remember to bring your swimsuit and a towel for the spa.
Accommodation
🏔️ Mountain refuge - Days 1 to 2
The Bois refuge is a refuge in the Vanoise National Park, at an altitude of 1,463 m, at the end of the road to Champagny-le-Haut.
In winter, it is guarded and open every day, from December 12, 2026 to April 18, 2027.
If you follow a particular diet, please mention it when registering: I will inform the shelter.
On site, you can pay for your drinks and extras by credit card, check, holiday vouchers or cash.
Access
Departure
Champagny le Haut, Champagny-en-Vanoise, France
Day 1
: 10h30
End of stay
Champagny le Haut, Champagny-en-Vanoise, France
Day 3
- 15h30
Arrival and departure times are completely flexible as you arrive independently; I will be on site according to our prior discussions before the stay.
Moûtiers train station → Champagny-en-Vanoise (village): line S66
- Moûtiers / Champagny / Pralognan regional line, in service from the beginning of December to the end of April.
- Departure from Moûtiers bus station, stops in Champagny: Tourist Office stop
- Several departures per day, more numerous on Saturdays (arrival day at the resort). Some departures require reservations.
- Prices: €12.50 one way, €21 return (€8.90 / €15 for those under 26)
- Information: https://booking.altibus.com/Reservation
Champagny village → Champagny-le-Haut: free shuttle
- Shuttle service to the resort, every day in winter, with 8 to 17 trips depending on the season
- It directly serves the refuge area
Go to the starting point
Take the train toGare de Moûtiers-Salins-Brides
The train station:
- Its full name is Moûtiers - Salins - Brides-les-Bains : that's the one you need to look for on SNCF Connect or Trainline.
- It has a ticket office and waiting room open every day, as well as TER ticket vending machines.
- The bus station is right in front of the train station : that's where the S66 bus leaves for Champagny (about 40 min).
- In winter, it becomes very busy, especially on Saturdays, the day of arrivals at the resort. It's best to allow extra time for the bus connection.
From Paris Gare de Lyon, direct TGV trains will take you to Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains station in approximately 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours. The OUIGO TGV runs daily from December 17, 2026, to March 29, 2027, and there are frequent TGV INOUI trains on weekends, especially Saturdays. Opposite the station, at the bus station, take bus S66 to the village of Champagny-en-Vanoise (approximately 40 minutes). Reservations are recommended and can be made in advance at booking.altibus.com. The free shuttle bus then takes you to the hamlet of Le Bois, at the foot of the refuge (approximately 25 minutes). To arrive late morning, plan an early morning train or spend the night in the valley the night before.
Travel to the place of stay
with parking
available
From Albertville, follow the N90 to Moûtiers, then follow signs for Bozel and Champagny-en-Vanoise. Drive through the village and continue to Champagny-le-Haut and the hamlet of Le Bois. Free parking is available in front of the refuge. Snow tires are mandatory.
A regulatory clarification: in Savoie, the Mountain Law requires winter tires or chains (or snow socks) to be in the trunk from November 1st to March 31st.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation at the Bois refuge in a dormitory
- Half-board (breakfast and dinner) at the refuge
- The tourist tax
- 3 sessions with a professional in the chosen discipline: Introductory meditation on Day 1, Pilates on Day 2, Sophrology on Day 3
- The welcome upon your arrival and the support throughout your stay
- 3 tailor-made hikes, with a paper and digital roadbook
- Access to audio clips on the stay's app (sophrology, winter elixirs, discovering the environment)
- Snowshoe and pole rental
- The pedestrian pass for the Champagny gondola lift (ascent to La Rossa)
- Entrance to the spa and relaxation area of the Champagny swimming pool
- Shuttles between the Bois refuge and the village of Champagny
- The torch
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point and during the stay
- Lunches on days 2 and 3
- Optional spa treatments
- Drinks and personal expenses
- The sleeping bag liner, pillowcase and towels (including a spa towel)
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- 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
- Snowshoes and poles: provided and adjusted with you upon arrival
- High-top, waterproof hiking boots, compatible with snowshoes
- Gaiters (optional)
- For the walking option (optional): anti-slip chains to attach to the bottom of the shoes
- Torch: provided for the return trip on day 1
- Pilates mats and small equipment: provided
Equipment to bring
- A 20-30 litre backpack
- An insulated bottle and some snacks
- Category 3 or 4 sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- A headlamp with batteries or a charged battery pack (required)
- Your phone must be charged, and you'll need headphones for the audio capsules.
- A meat bag
- Your bathroom linen
- Slippers or indoor shoes
- A small personal first aid kit
- For the spa: a swimsuit, a towel and sandals
Clothing to bring
- Breathable technical underwear (wool or synthetic, not cotton)
- A fleece or a light down jacket
- A waterproof and windproof jacket
- Warm pants or ski pants
- Warm socks, with a spare pair
- A hat and a neck warmer
- Two pairs of gloves: one thin and one warm
- An extra layer in the bag
- A comfortable and warm outfit for the sessions
- A comfortable and dry outfit for the evening at the refuge
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Loréleï team
5/5
(4 reviews)
• 6 stays
Our local partner was born from a desire to share and the conviction that physical movement transforms the mind. Specializing in the transmission of mountain traditions, the team offers a wide range of seasonal activities focused on experimentation and pushing personal limits. Combining sport, health, and environmental awareness, each stay aims for the rejuvenation of participants. The technical expertise and friendly atmosphere of the groups guarantee an enriching experience.
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