Snowshoeing without borders between Briançonnais and Piedmont
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationQueyras Massif / Cervières
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AgeFrom 14 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions56.25 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Starting from the hamlet of Laus , nestled at 1750 meters altitude at the foot of the legendary Col d'Izoard , we'll begin with a warm-up hike through wooded valleys, under the majestic gaze of the Pic de Rochebrune (3300 m). We'll then cross the border to reach the Capanna Mautino refuge in Piedmont for two nights. The perfect opportunity to enjoy convivial evenings after superb days of hiking in both France and Italy .
The highlights
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An original, little-traveled route, wild paths and magnificent landscapes
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No transfers during the stay
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A wonderful discovery of Piedmontese cuisine
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
Important : 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: 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
Meet at 5pm at the Auberge l'Arpelin in Lieu-dit le Laus, at the foot of the Col d'Izoard. Settle into your rooms and then, at 7pm, a welcome drink will be offered, giving your guide the opportunity to tell you more about the itinerary and also to share a convivial moment.
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
- Transportation Minibus - 00h05 - 3km
- 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
You will be accommodated at the Auberge l'Arpelin, an 18th-century building converted into a friendly and family-run guesthouse, located in the hamlet of Laus at an altitude of 1750 meters, in the heart of the mountains and 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 Capanna Mautino, owned by the Turin Ski Club, is located in the Upper Susa Valley, in the Monti della Luna (Mountains of the Moon), near Lago Nero. Thanks to its location, it is accessible all winter, making it an ideal destination for snowshoeing excursions while enjoying a magnificent panorama of the Piedmont and Briançon mountains.
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 from 5pm at the Auberge l'Arpelin in Lieu-dit le Laus, at the foot of the Col d'Izoard. Settle into your rooms and then, at 7pm, a presentation of the stay will be held over drinks.
The stay ends on day 6 after the last walk, around 3pm. We can enjoy the gîte one last time to have a drink and a shower before leaving.
Our free shuttle will drop you off at Briançon station no later than 4:45 pm.
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 6:50 pm at Briançon train station, in the parking lot to the right as you exit the main 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 €40.
🚘 From the North: Grenoble - Col du Lautaret - Briançon - Cervières. 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 - Cervières.
🚘 Via Italy : Chambéry - Fréjus Tunnel - Montgenèvre Pass - Briançon - Cervières.
You can park all week in the hostel's free parking lot.
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 lunch on day 6.
- tourist taxes
- 5 days of supervision
The price does not include
- Optional cancellation insurance (3.5% of the price of the stay)
- Optional repatriation assistance (1.5% of the price of the stay)
- hot showers at the Mautino refuge
- drinks and personal expenses
- The supplement for a single room (subject to availability)
Options
- Free shuttle between Briançon train station and the Arpelin hostel : CHF0.00 / person
- Single room at the Arpelin : CHF73.18 / unit
- Half-board extra before the stay (subject to availability) : CHF60.38 / unit
- Half-board extra after the stay (subject to availability) : CHF60.38 / 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
- towels at Arpelin
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
