The Queyras balconies on snowshoes in 4 days
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration4 days
-
LevelIntermediate
-
DestinationQueyras Massif / Hautes-Alpes
-
AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
-
CO₂-Emissions47.46 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
In a few words
Imagine yourself enjoying a cozy hotel with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and hearty local cuisine in the stunning village of Saint-Véran, the highest commune in Europe, nestled within the exceptional Queyras Regional Natural Park. Each morning, you'll set off on snowshoes to explore a different valley in the Queyras , discovering new landscapes and experiencing new sensations. Your guide will share their knowledge of the mountain range, local history, and crafts , and will teach you the essential techniques so you can fully enjoy this wonderful winter activity!
The highlights
-
3 days of snowshoeing in the heart of the Queyras
-
Located in Saint-Véran, the highest commune in Europe
-
2-star hotel with sauna
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
Accessible to all.
Don't hesitate, even if you've never hiked before, this trip is accessible to everyone! You'll hike on mountain trails with a daily elevation gain and/or loss of 300 to 600 meters, for approximately 3 to 5 hours of walking. You'll carry a light pack containing your essentials for the day (picnic, warm clothing, water bottle, etc.).
This trip is designed to be an introduction or a rediscovery of the pleasures of snowshoeing and other snow sports! Don't panic, your guide is there to assist you and reassure you, whatever your physical level.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average daily elevation gain: 394 m
- Average daily descent: 394 m
Management
Our team is made up of mountain enthusiasts, happy to help you discover the Queyras in winter!
You will be accompanied by a qualified professional, an expert in snowy terrain. He will guide you safely and share his love of nature with you: reading animal tracks, observing winter landscapes, local stories and anecdotes…
Always attentive to your comfort and pace, he will advise you on your equipment, ensure your safety, and put you at ease. With him, every outing becomes an opportunity to fully enjoy the mountains, discover their hidden treasures, and experience a true moment of disconnection.
Program
-
Welcome
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet on the day of your choice (Sunday, Monday or Tuesday) at 7:30 p.m. at the hotel** in the village of Saint-Véran (see further on the "reception" section of the practical information sheet).
If arriving on Sunday : stay from Sunday evening to Wednesday after the snowshoe hike
If arriving on Monday : stay from Monday evening to Thursday after the snowshoe hike
If arriving on Tuesday : stay from Tuesday evening to Friday after the snowshoe hike
Below, you will find examples of possible hikes that your guide will suggest during your stay. These hikes will be carefully chosen based on snow conditions and, of course, the weather.Day 1 -
The balconies of Saint-Véran: warm-up and introduction to avalanche transceiver training
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Below, you will find examples of possible hikes that your guide will suggest during your stay. These hikes will be carefully chosen based on snow conditions and, of course, the weather.
On this first day, you'll get to know your group, your guide, and most importantly, your equipment! You'll learn how to use an avalanche transceiver (DVA), and also get acquainted with snowshoeing! Give yourself time to acclimatize to the altitude and the dry cold of the Queyras. Don't forget to enjoy the breathtaking panorama that surrounds you, amidst the Gardiole alpine pastures, at over 2200m altitude.
Elevation gain/loss: +300 m, -300 m Time: 4 hours
Day 2 -
La Monta (1,660 m) - La Médille (1,995 m): encounter with wildlife
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 20km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, you might have the chance to encounter wildlife in a little corner of paradise where nature is still preserved… Let's walk stealthily to reach the heart of the reserve. Let's be guided by the silence and the only sound of the snow crunching under our feet, so as not to disturb the animals that are around the bend in the path. You won't know where to look, between Mont Viso rising majestically before you and the chamois, or even sometimes ibex, that you can observe almost face to face!
Elevation gain/loss: +400 m, -400 m Time: 4 hoursDay 3 -
Le Raux (1,919 m) - Pont du Moulin (1,849 m): from balconies to summits, the Curlet cross (
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 10km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 480 m
- Negative elevation 480 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This hike will take your breath away from beginning to end. Your guide will share the secret to distinguishing between Swiss pines and larches in one of the most beautiful forests of the Queyras. The wind, blowing in from Italy, will sting your face as you proudly walk along the ridge before reaching the Curlet cross with its breathtaking view overlooking the village of Saint-Véran. Finally, you'll be captivated by tales of traditional life in the highest village in Europe, amidst sundials and wooden fountains…
Elevation gain/loss: +480 m, -480 m Time: 4 hours 30 minutesThe stay ends at the end of the hike.
This is where we part ways! For participants arriving by train, you will reach Montdauphin-Guillestre station via a local bus (departing from St Véran around 6:00 PM). But this is only goodbye for now; the Queyras region awaits you for future explorations…Day 4
Note
This is an example program; depending on your arrival day, Sunday, Monday or Tuesday, the guide will plan the week.
Don't take this itinerary at face value! Depending on the weather, snow conditions, or for any other reason beyond our control, we may exceptionally modify it. Your guide knows every corner of the mountain range like the back of their hand and will adapt to ensure you make the most of your stay, for example, if certain trails are very busy. For your enjoyment, you'll discover enchanting and unspoiled routes…
Accommodation
You'll be staying in a 2-star hotel in the heart of Saint-Véran, the highest village in Europe, situated at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, where the air is pure and invigorating. Your hotel offers magnificent views of the valley and surrounding peaks . Furthermore, its location makes hiking easy and convenient, eliminating the need for long car journeys. You'll receive a warm welcome.
Two accommodation options are available:
- In a double room or single room depending on availability. Bed linen and towels provided.
- Shared room with 4 people. The room usually has two single beds and two bunk beds. Bed linen and towels are provided. No daily housekeeping.
Access
Welcome
The meeting is scheduled at the accommodation at 7:30 pm on day 1.
Depending on your arrival day (Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday), you will meet at the hotel during the day. Dinner with the group is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.; details will be provided at that time.
Dispersion
After the hike. For participants arriving by train, transfer by local bus to Montdauphin-Guillestre train station is at your own expense. A regular shuttle service runs daily around 6 pm to the station.
Shuttle journey time to reach the station: approximately 55 minutes after departure.
Go to the starting point
Travel by train to Montdauphin-Guillestre Station
Arrive easily from Paris by day or night train. Check the timetables on SNCF Connect. For travelers coming from the south, take the Marseille-Briançon line.
From the train station to the meeting point
Regular shuttle services are available from mid-December to the end of March, although their schedules are not yet finalized. Please note that during the off-season, outside of school holidays, they may be less frequent or even unavailable. For more information, please consult the regional website, call 0809.400.013, or visit zou.maregionsud.fr before booking your train tickets.
Access to the hotel when you arrive by shuttle
Arrival in Saint-Véran approximately 1 hour after departure from the train station. The bus stop is at the entrance to the village, about 850 m from the accommodation.
In low season: you have to walk up to the hotel, a 15-minute uphill walk.
During peak season: you can walk or use the village shuttle which serves the accommodations (check with the driver). Please note that there is usually one shuttle in the morning (around 9:30 am) and one in the afternoon (around 3:30 pm).
From the north, take the Lautaret pass via Briançon (RN 94) or Grenoble (RN 94/D902). Alternatively, from Grenoble, take the A51 motorway towards Gap, then the RN94 towards Guillestre (D902).
From the south, go via Valence or Sisteron, continue towards Gap, then Embrun, and finally Guillestre. Once in Guillestre, follow the signs for "Queyras" via the D902 and the D947.
Hotel access
When you reach the crossroads below the village (large parking lot on the right side of the road and the "La Carotto" shop nearby), take the road on your left to reach the accommodation. Access to the village center by vehicle is prohibited; we advise you to park in the parking lot near the bus stop located at the entrance to the village, approximately 150 meters from the accommodation.
"Road conditions" for the Hautes-Alpes department
To reach the Hautes-Alpes, special equipment (snow tires, snow chains, or snow socks, etc.) is mandatory from November 1st to March 30th. You can consult the website: https://inforoute.hautes-alpes.fr
Plan your journey in advance: We remind users of GPS navigation systems that some routes indicated are impassable in winter! Indeed, the major Alpine passes are not cleared of snow in winter and therefore remain closed to traffic. For example, it is impossible to reach the Queyras region from Briançon via the Col d'Izoard between November and May.
Price details
The price includes
- Full board from the evening of your arrival until late afternoon on day 4
- Accommodation in a double room (1 large bed) or twin room (2 separate single beds)
- Bed linen and towels provided
- The hikes are led by a state-certified mountain professional.
- The provision of safety equipment, snowshoes and poles
- Transfers required for the hiking program
- The tourist tax
The price does not include
- Drinks and wine during meals
- Insurance
- Transfer from the train station to the hotel on day 1 and from the hotel to the train station on day 4
Options
- Additional night with half-board before the stay - Single room : CHF96.05 / unit
- Additional night with half-board before the stay - Double or twin room : CHF155.52 / unit
- Additional night with half-board after the stay - Single room : CHF96.05 / unit
- Additional night with half-board after your stay - Double or twin room : CHF155.52 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the formalities required for entry and stay in the destination country.
You can also consult 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 that you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after your return), visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations.
And don't forget to take into account any customs restrictions and other possible obligations of the country of destination or transit.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
⚠️ For this stay, you must also bring your health insurance card and a European health insurance card.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- A pair of snowshoes
- Walking sticks
- An avalanche transceiver (DVA)
- A small, collapsible snow shovel and a folding probe
Equipment to bring
- A 35/38L backpack with a flexible frame and a waist belt
- A pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support and are waterproof, with Vibram-type soles.
- A pair of high gaiters that cover your shoes and lower leg well
- A large plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack
- A pair of category 3 to 4 sunglasses
- A thermos for a hot drink is essential in winter.
- A water bottle
- A cup and a folding knife/fork for picnics
- A small pouch (preferably waterproof) to put your money, ID 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)
- A survival blanket
- Toilet paper with a small lighter to burn it
Clothing to bring
Follow the 3-layer principle:
- A long-sleeved base layer or t-shirt made of breathable material such as merino wool, or thermal underwear
- A warm jacket made of fleece, Polartec, or stretch polyester
- A windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket (gore-tex type)
The perfect equipment for snowshoeing:
- A BUFF© type multifunctional beanie and/or neck warmer
- A pair of warm gloves or mittens (bring a spare pair) + a pair of thin silk or merino gloves for those who get cold easily
- Two short/long sleeve t-shirts suitable for physical activity (made of breathable material)
- A fleece fur jacket
- A windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket with a hood (gore-tex type or equivalent)
- A protective cover for the backpack against bad weather (often integrated into the bags)
- Warm merino wool underwear or thermal underwear
- Waterproof and breathable overtrousers (gore-tex type or equivalent)
- Two to three pairs of hiking socks or ski socks, high and warm
They traveled with us
