In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationÉcrins Massif / Gap
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions82.76 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Immerse yourself in the winter wonderland of the Hautes-Alpes with this snowshoeing trip. Discover the unspoiled Champsaur Valley , nestled among snow-covered forests , charming villages , and sunlit peaks . Led by a passionate guide, you'll learn to navigate safely on winter trails: progression techniques , terrain reading , and avalanche transceiver use will make you more independent. Each outing offers the chance to explore the authentic landscapes of the Southern Alps, bathed in the brilliant winter light. In a friendly atmosphere and at a relaxed pace, this trip combines the pleasure of gentle gliding with progressive learning , allowing you to fully enjoy the winter mountains, far from the hustle and bustle of the resorts.
The highlights
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Snowshoeing exploration of the unspoiled Champsaur valley
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Accommodation in a comfortable cottage with local cuisine
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Friendly atmosphere in a small group and a gentle pace away from the hustle and bustle of the resorts
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
A stay suitable for all levels
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 480 m
- Average daily descent: 480 m
Management
French
A 60-year-old independent guide with a lifelong passion for the mountains, I offer immersive experiences to discover the mountains in a new way. Through my outings, I aim to share a deeper understanding of the fauna, flora, and mountain environment, while teaching participants how to move safely and with respect for nature.
My guided walks are designed as genuine moments of sharing: local stories, observing wildlife, understanding ecosystems, and raising awareness of environmental fragility are integral parts of the experience. I guide you to the most beautiful sites I have explored for many years, primarily in the Hautes-Alpes region but also elsewhere in France.
Program
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Arrival at the gîte
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival at the gîte is from 4 pm . You will have time to settle in before your first meeting with the guide. This time is dedicated to an introduction to the trip , adjusting equipment , and discussing the organization of the coming days.
Day 1 -
Serre Eyraud
- Transportation Minibus - 00h40 - 30km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A snowshoe hike begins near Serre-Eyraud , a small hamlet perched in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes. The day unfolds at a leisurely pace, with a gentle ascent through the forest to the mountain huts nestled in a winter wonderland. The route allows you to explore the valley's edge and admire the snow-covered north faces . This first outing is an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the equipment , warm up, and discuss everyone's expectations . An introduction to mountain safety is also planned, including a demonstration of how to use an avalanche transceiver (DVA) . Return to the gîte is expected around 4:00 PM .
Day 2 -
Wildlife Discovery Outing
- Transportation Minibus - 00h50 - 40km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, snowshoeing is a discreet way to observe alpine wildlife . Depending on the conditions, head towards the Champoléon valley or Prapic , a typical village on the edge of the Écrins National Park. With binoculars and a spotting scope , you'll search for chamois and ibex , often seen on the sunny slopes. A picnic lunch on site allows you to fully enjoy the winter atmosphere. Return is expected around 4 pm .
Day 3 -
On the Réallon side
- Transportation Minibus - 00h50 - 40km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Snowshoeing departure towards the Réallon area for a gradual ascent through the forest . The route leads you to Clot la Règue , a natural viewpoint offering a 360° panoramic view of the Chabrières peaks and the Serre-Ponçon lake below. An outing punctuated by the beauty of the landscapes and the satisfaction of exertion. Return to the gîte is expected around 4 pm .
Day 4 -
The hidden lakes of Orcières
- Transportation Minibus - 00h55 - 50km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Head to the hidden high-altitude lakes of the Orcières area, accessible by snowshoe via a wild and little-used route. The ascent is at your own pace, amidst a pristine snow-covered landscape. Lunch will be enjoyed near Paravar , with breathtaking views over the Prapic valley . A day of contemplation and exploration, with a return to the gîte expected around 4 pm .
Day 5 -
The Céuze mountain
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 15km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Excursion to the Céuze mountain, lunch near the summit with magnificent views of the Gap region, return around 4pm.
Day 6 -
departure
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure from the cottage no later than 10am
Day 7
Accommodation
Access
The cottage is in the countryside near Gap, accessible by car; pick-up is possible from Gap train station.
Go to the starting point
We can pick you up at Gap train station.
Parking at the gîte for parking your car if you come with
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a shared room in a warm and comfortable guesthouse
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6
- Loan of snowshoes/poles, avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
- Minibus transfers to reach the departure point for the outings
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- The journey to get to the place of stay
Options
- single room : CHF130.82 / person
- 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
- You will be provided with a pair of snowshoes and poles.
- an avalanche transceiver, a shovel and a probe
Equipment to bring
- One backpack of at least 45 liters with a reinforced frame and a hip belt. Please note: choosing the right backpack is crucial! To avoid back pain and fully enjoy your trip, it must be suited to your body type and the weight you will be carrying. Backpack rental available (€5).
- 1 large plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack,
- 1 pair of category 3 sunglasses,
- 1 water bottle (allow 1 to 1.5 liters per person) or a thermos
- Race food, and snacks for breaks…
- 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) to put your money, identity card, bank card, health insurance card, assistance contract (the rest of your papers and car key can be left at the hotel during your stay),
- 1 survival blanket,
- Toilet paper with a zip-lock bag to put it in.
- Sunscreen without nanomaterials, SPF 4
- 1 headlamp,
- A whistle, to hang on the strap of your backpack.
Change of clothes
- 2 changes of underwear.
- 2 pairs of socks
- 1 short-sleeved t-shirt, 1 long-sleeved t-shirt
- 1 pair of trousers or shorts
Your toilet:
- The essentials you'll need: keep them to an absolute minimum! A toothbrush, an open tube of toothpaste (or better yet, your homemade biodegradable toothpaste), a bar of soap (like Marseille soap) or a tube of liquid soap, a small microfiber towel, a washcloth. Two clothespins
In case:
- Earplugs if you are a light sleeper (or in case of snorers!),
In case of minor injuries (your guide will also have a group first-aid kit, please note that no medication will be provided by the guide):
- Your prescribed medications (see your prescription)
- Pain medication: paracetamol preferably,
- Elastic adhesive tape, Elastoplast type, 8 cm wide.
- Sets of adhesive bandages + disinfectant compresses,
- Double skin (like Compeed or SOS blisters).
Clothing to bring
- 1 BUFF-type multifunctional beanie or neck warmer
- 1 pair of lightweight and warm Gore-Tex type gloves
- 1 long-sleeved base layer suitable for exertion (merino type),
- 1 insulating garment such as: fleece or down jacket,
- 1 waterproof and breathable windproof jacket with a hood if possible (Gore-Tex type or equivalent)
- 1 protective cover for the backpack against bad weather (often integrated into the bags),
- 1 winter trekking pants
- 1 pair of gaiters
- 1 pair of waterproof hiking socks.
They traveled with us
