Tour of the Chartreuse mountains on snowshoes, staying in mountain huts.
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration6 days
-
LevelConfirmed
-
DestinationChartreuse Mountains / Savoy
-
AgeFrom the age of 18
-
CO₂-Emissions71.67 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages
French
In a few words
Chartreuse Mountains on Snowshoes: A Mysterious Journey from Gîte to Gîte
Embark on an unforgettable winter adventure with the new Tour de Chartreuse snowshoeing tour! Having become as essential as the Tour du Mont-Blanc in summer, this hike from gîte to gîte plunges you into the heart of one of the most mysterious and preserved alpine massifs.
Alpine Immersion and Secrets of the Chartreuse
Accompanied by a passionate local guide, a true son of these mountains, you will discover the many secrets of the Chartreuse Natural Park over the course of the week. Expect total immersion in this pristine environment, ideal for snowshoeing. Our circular route offers a wide variety of stops, combining the discovery of charming Carthusian villages nestled under the snow, the ascent of beautiful, easily accessible peaks offering breathtaking panoramas, and the magic and serenity of the famous Grande Chartreuse Monastery under its winter mantle.
Lightweight and Comfortable Travel
This trip is designed to allow you to fully enjoy the exertion and the scenery without being weighed down. Your main bags are transported separately and will be waiting for you each evening at the gîte (rural guesthouse). You will only need to carry a small daypack for your belongings for the day and your lunch. Accommodation is simple and friendly, in dormitories and guesthouses, fostering evenings filled with conversation and sharing between Savoie and Dauphiné.
The highlights
-
The wild and unspoiled atmosphere of the Hauts de Chartreuse Nature Reserve.
-
Discovering the Monastery of the Grande Chartreuse, a haven of serenity.
-
Accompaniment by a passionate local guide, an expert on the mountain range.
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
The walking pace is leisurely and steady, emphasizing discovery rather than athletic effort.
Average elevation gain: 670 m Maximum elevation gain: 900 m
Average length: 13 km Maximum length: 16 km
Average time: 5 hours Maximum: 6 hours
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 13 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 690 m
- Average daily descent: 680 m
- Maximum altitude: 1821 m
Management
French
Your guide is a state-certified professional, specializing in snowshoeing and possessing extensive knowledge of the Chartreuse mountain range. They ensure the safe and enjoyable experience of your hikes by selecting routes, adapting the pace, managing logistics, and taking into account weather and snow conditions. They also strive to maintain group dynamics and cohesion, while facilitating your exploration of the mountain environment and passionately sharing their knowledge of nature. Throughout your stay, they remain available and attentive to your needs to make your experience as pleasant as possible.
Program
-
Welcome
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 520 m
- Maximum altitude 1215 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet at Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux station (main exit) at 11:30 if you are coming by train, with transfer possible on reservation when registering, or directly at the village of Entremont-le-Vieux (73) at 12:00, in the village centre parking lot, next to the campsite.
We will share a picnic with the participants before starting the hike towards the hamlet of La Plagne, an ideal walk to get to know each other and settle the last organizational and technical details.
The day ends with settling in for the night at the Ferme de l'Ours refuge, located in the hamlet of La Plagne.
Walking time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Distance: 8 km
Elevation gain: +520 m
Day 1 -
Immersion in the Chartreuse High Plateaus
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Maximum altitude 1209 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For this first big adventure, we set off directly from the hamlet towards the Alpette pass in order to reach the plateaus of the nature reserve.
The crossing, shaped by the snowpack and the whims of the weather, offers unusual landscapes.
We will then descend through the Pratcel valley to reach the Cirque de Saint-Même inn, a place combining comfort and an exceptional setting.
Walking time: 5 hours
Distance: 12 km
Elevation gain/loss: +700 m / -850 m
Day 2 -
Change of valley, heading towards the Col de Porte
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Maximum altitude 1821 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a transfer by minibus to the foothills of the Col de Porte, we discover a different side of the Chartreuse, famous for cross-country skiing and the great pages of the sporting history of the massif.
Our hike on the Montfromage ridges offers a 360° panorama, with Mont Blanc, the Chartreuse peaks and the great Southern Alps as a backdrop.
We end the day at the Col de Porte gîte, comfortably settled and warmly welcomed by Sébastien.
Walking time: 5 hours
Distance: 14 km
Elevation gain/loss: +750 m / -600 m
Day 3 -
The Charming Som and the Hamlets of St Pierre de Chartreuse
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Maximum altitude 1139 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This magnificent day takes us to the summit of Charmant Som, immersed in its wild winter world.
The descent continues through the forest and hamlets to the Diat sector, where we are welcomed by the couple who manage the 4 Chemins gîte.
An escape that can be adapted according to the state of the snowpack, offering moments that are both authentic and memorable.
Walking time: 6 hours
Distance: 16 km
Elevation gain/loss: +600 m / -900 m
Day 4 -
The silence of the Carthusians, the Col de la Ruchère
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 840 m
- Negative elevation 540 m
- Maximum altitude 1407 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We take the paths of the silence zone of the Monastery of the Grande Chartreuse, a place conducive to reflection on the history and austere life of the Carthusians, who have been present here for more than nine centuries.
We reach the Habert de Billon, former sheepfold of the Carthusians, and discover the chapels of Notre-Dame de Casalibus and Saint-Bruno, built on the site of the first monastery.
Finally, at the Col de la Ruchère (1407 m), we change sides to make a stop at the village of the same name.
Walking time: 5 hours
Distance: 13 km
Elevation gain/loss: +840 m / -540 m
Day 5 -
The summit of Petit Som and the return
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 730 m
- Negative elevation 1190 m
- Maximum altitude 1646 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We begin a new wild and magnificent stage. After crossing the Col de Léchaud (1704 m) and the Petit Som (1772 m), which overlook the monastery, a small pass leads us to the perched valley of the Col de Bovinant (1646 m) and its sheepfold, the "habert".
The long descent into the Vallon des Éparres, steeped in wild nature, leads us to the hamlet of Château. From the ruins of the former residence of the Counts of Montbel, lords of Entremonts, we have a breathtaking view over the entire Entremonts valley before returning to Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont.
We then organize the return to the parking lot, the collection of luggage, then a transfer to the Chambéry train station, with arrival scheduled for around 6:00 pm (transfer on reservation when registering).
Walking time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Distance: 13 km
Elevation gain: +730 m / -1190 m
Day 6
Note
We may need to make slight adjustments to the planned itinerary, depending on logistical conditions and snow cover in the mountain range. However, these adjustments are always made with the aim of preserving the wild character and quality of the experience.
Snow cover
As hiking enthusiasts, we guarantee the departure of our trips, even if there's a lack of snow, especially at the beginning or end of the season. The winter atmosphere and the light are always there, and even if we sometimes have to carry our snowshoes on our packs to reach the snow, it doesn't detract from the experience at all. Since we started organizing this hike, we've rarely had to resort to this solution.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in small, single-sex rooms for 3 to 6 people. Only one night will be spent in a shared, mixed-gender dormitory.
Towels and bed linen are provided.
All cottages are equipped with adapted toilets and bathrooms. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, "just like home"!
Access
Welcome :
On Day 1, if you are arriving by train, meet at 11:30 am at Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux train station (inside, in front of the newsstand). A transfer from the station is available upon reservation during registration.
If you arrive by car, we will be waiting for you at 12:00 in the parking lot in the centre of the village of Entremont-le-Vieux (73).
Please indicate your mode of transport when registering.
In case of a last-minute delay, please let us know on 04 51 20 50 50.
Dispersion:
Day 06, from 5pm, dispersal in Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont.
If you have booked a return transfer, it will take you to Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux train station, with an expected arrival around 6:00 PM.
Please book this transfer when registering.
Go to the starting point
Meet at 11:30 am at Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux train station (inside, in front of the newsstand). A transfer from the station is available upon reservation during registration.
We will be waiting for you at 12:00 in the parking lot in the center of the village of Entremont-le-Vieux (73).
Price details
The price includes
- Organization and supervision costs.
- Full board food and accommodation.
- Loan of snowshoes and poles.
- The transfers planned in the program.
- The transfer of luggage from one stage to the next.
- Tourist taxes
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Personal equipment.
- The journeys to and from the reception location.
- The different types of insurance
- Everything that is not listed under "The price includes".
Options
- Round-trip transfer from Chambéry train station : CHF18.30 / 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
We offer robust and lightweight snowshoes, equipped with plate bindings and anti-slip tips, compatible with all mountain or trekking shoes, as well as rigid poles and specific hiking safety equipment.
- TSL Snowshoes
- Winter hiking poles
- Walking crampons
Equipment to bring
Equipment
- Backpack 35-40 litres, flexible frame, with waist belt and snowshoe attachments
- Plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack
- High-quality sunglasses with side protection
- Water bottle or insulated thermos (minimum 1.5 liters)
- Opinel-type pocket knife
- Small waterproof pouch for money, ID card, health insurance card and assistance contract
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Airtight plastic container (0.5 l minimum), cup and cutlery
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
Personal pharmacy
- Usual medications
- Elastic adhesive strip (Elastoplast type, 8 cm)
- Adhesive bandages and disinfectant compresses
- Double-layer blister plasters (like Compeed or SOS Blisters)
- Tweezers
Clothing to bring
Clothing principles for the upper body
- The three-layer system allows it to adapt to almost any situation:
- Long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material (hollow fiber).
- Warm fleece jacket for breaks or very cold weather.
Waterproof and breathable windproof jacket (Gore-Tex type) to protect against wind, rain or snow.
When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In bad weather, a waterproof jacket is enough, and a fleece becomes essential during breaks or in very cold conditions.
Opt for quick-drying clothing: wool (merino underwear), silk, or synthetic fibers. Avoid cotton.
Dress warmly before you get cold, but undress before you get too hot. Sweat dampens clothing and can quickly lead to chills. Avoid anoraks or ski suits, which are too warm and bulky.
Ideal clothing list (to be adapted according to the hike and the season)
- Sun hat or cap
- Scarf or neck warmer
- Cap
- A pair of mittens, possibly accompanied by silk gloves and an extra pair
- Breathable short-sleeved T-shirts
- Long-sleeved undershirt or breathable shirt
- Fleece jacket
- Waterproof and breathable windproof jacket with hood (Gore-Tex type)
- Rain poncho or sleeping bag cover if the waterproof jacket is already provided
- Loose-fitting trekking trousers
- Waterproof and breathable overtrousers (Gore-Tex type)
- Hiking socks (1 pair for 2 to 3 days, wool or hiking-specific, avoid cotton)
- High-top, waterproof hiking boots with Vibram-type soles (test the boots before departure; avoid boots or après-ski boots)
- gaiters
