Tour of the Haute-Clarée valley on snowshoes
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration5 days
-
LevelConfirmed
-
DestinationNévache / French Alps
-
AgeFrom 15 - 75 years
-
CO₂-Emissions26.84 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages
French
English
In a few words
Between snow-covered forests, wild valleys, and high mountain passes, the Upper Clarée Valley offers a privileged setting for snowshoeing . This mountain range in the Hautes-Alpes region captivates with its accessible and varied alpine terrain: ideal mountains for your first snowshoeing trip!
Your mountain guide , Tanguy Trompette, uses his extensive knowledge of the terrain to guide you on a moderately difficult route. Hikers seeking a more intense physical challenge can take advantage of optional, more athletic variations starting from the mountain huts to extend their hike.
After each stage, you'll find the comfort of warm and inviting shelters . These convivial stops are always welcome for reading or chatting over delicious homemade pastries.
A complete winter crossing combining a breath of fresh air and comfort.
The group size is limited to 10 participants to promote a friendly and safe stay.
The highlights
-
A snowshoeing trip in one of the most beautiful valleys of the Alps
-
The lovely mountain huts where the food is excellent
-
A trek in a small group for greater conviviality and safety
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
This trip is suitable for people who participate in a weekly sporting activity. No prior snowshoeing experience is necessary, but good balance is required to feel comfortable in all snow conditions. Expect 5 to 6 hours of walking and up to 800 meters of elevation gain per day.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 608 m
- Average daily descent: 600 m
Management
French
English
Hi, I'm Tanguy, a Mountain Guide based in Briançon. I organize and lead treks with bivouac camping and stays in mountain huts in the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps. And in winter, I take you on snowshoeing trips, with nights spent in mountain huts or even igloos!
My specialties are bivouacking, the study of avalanches... and wolves!
Program
-
Clarée Valley, introduction to avalanche transceivers and ascent through the forest to the Ricou refuge
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 50 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet in Névache, at the Tourist Office parking lot. Briefing, backpack check and distribution of equipment: snowshoes, poles, avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.
And so begins this wonderful week in the mountains!
After passing through the village, it goes up the valley between the banks of the Clarée, the forest and the snowy meadows.
During a break, you will learn how to use avalanche rescue equipment. A new experience for some, a refresher for others. But it's always a good idea to handle safety equipment at least once a year.
In the afternoon we reach our refuge, located at the edge of the forest, high above the valley. We settle into the dormitories and have free time for a hot shower, an aperitif, or a hot chocolate by the wood-burning stove: that's also part of the pleasure of hiking in the cozy refuges of the Clarée Valley!
Night at the Ricou refuge.
Day 1 -
Haute Clarée, Col des Rochilles and Refuge des Drayères
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 720 m
- Negative elevation 660 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We'll traverse the valley's heights and then descend to the banks of the Clarée River, which we'll follow upstream to the Drayères refuge. After a break and lightening our packs, we'll set off again, with those who wish to continue, to climb to the Seuil des Rochilles, Lac Rond, and Lac du Grand Ban. The gentle landscape contrasts sharply with the surrounding ridges and peaks of over 3,000 meters. Overnight at the Drayères refuge.
Basic route: 4 hours of walking, elevation gain +400m and -340m, 6km.
Optional 3-hour loop hike, elevation gain +320m and loss -320m, 6km
Day 2 -
Muandes Pass
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off with those who wish to tackle the Col des Muandes: a pass at 2828m that promises a magnificent setting with high mountain panoramas, small snow-covered lakes, and rolling hills that are very pleasant to descend. We return to the refuge to meet up with those who preferred a more leisurely morning, and then we descend to the Laval refuge. Overnight at the Laval refuge.
Optional loop of 5 hours of walking, elevation gain +700m and -700m, 9kms.
Then 1 hour walk, elevation change -150m, 3km.
Day 3 -
Col du Chardonnet
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 870 m
- Negative elevation 640 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A gentle descent along the Clarée river followed by an ascent through the larches towards the Chardonnet refuge.
After a short break at the refuge, we set off again with light packs, with those who wish to continue, to reach the Col du Raisin: in good weather, it offers a magnificent panorama of the highest peaks of the Écrins. Overnight at the Refuge du Chardonnet.
3 hours of walking, elevation gain +400m and -170m, 4.5km.
Then an optional 3-hour walking loop, elevation gain +470m and -470m, 5km.
Day 4 -
Crossing over the heights - Buffère valley - Névache
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
From the Chardonnet refuge we will make a beautiful crossing on the heights of the valley, up to the pretty Buffère valley where we will begin our descent towards Névache through the forest.
Picnic together and return to the car park at 2pm to allow shuttle transfers to Briançon and Oulx train stations.
Day 5
Note
This program may be modified at the guide's discretion if mountain conditions, weather or the physical condition of the participants require it.
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in charming mountain huts, with 30 to 40 beds:
Day 1 Ricou Refuge
Day 2 Drayères Refuge
Day 3 Laval Refuge
Day 4 Chardonnet Refuge
Access
The schedule for this stay has been specially designed to allow you to travel by public transport. The site is easily accessible from the train stations of Briançon (day or night trains from Paris), Oulx (Italy) then bus line 76, and Grenoble then bus line 55.
Go to the starting point
Between Briançon and Névache: Res'Alp bus line 7, or taxi, or carpooling from Briançon to Névache with your mountain guide, subject to availability.
Briançon SNCF train station: direct night trains from Paris.
Oulx Italian Station. Direct trains from Paris in 4 hours 30 minutes, then Res'Alp bus to Briançon (line 76), stop at Val des Prés "La Vachette Tourist Office" (1 hour journey): book on the Res'alp website
Grenoble train station: direct TGV in 3 hours from Paris, then Blablacar or Res'Alp bus line 55.
If you are coming via Grenoble and the Col du Lautaret, check the traffic conditions before you leave: + 33 (0)4 65 03 0005 www.inforoute05.com.
The Lautaret Pass is closed in case of snow or strong winds. Chains, winter tires or snow socks are mandatory.
From Briançon to Névache: take the direction of Montgenèvre / Turin. Then turn off shortly after leaving Briançon onto the Clarée valley RD 94. You will pass through the villages of La Vachette, Val des Prés and the hamlets of the commune of Névache: Plampinet, Le Roubion, Le Cros, Ville Basse and Ville Haute where you will find yourself at the tourist office parking lot.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a state-certified Mountain Guide.
- Accommodation in staffed mountain huts in dormitories
- Full board from dinner on day 1 to picnic lunch on day 5, featuring organic and local produce
- Loan of technical equipment: snowshoes, adjustable poles, avalanche detection and rescue equipment (latest generation avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe)
The price does not include
- Travel to and from your home to the arrival/departure point of the stay,
- Day 1 picnic
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Your trail snacks (dried fruit, energy bars, biscuits, etc.) for your small snacks during hikes
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Repatriation and rescue insurance is mandatory. Cancellation insurance is recommended.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- TSL Symbioz Hyperflex high-end snowshoes
- Avalanche rescue equipment (latest generation Pieps IPS Mini avalanche transceiver, shovels, probes)
- hiking poles
Equipment to bring
- Backpack with a capacity of 35 to 40 liters
- Sleeping bag sheet
- A very detailed list will be sent to you upon registration.
Clothing to bring
- mountaineering or ski touring clothing
- A very detailed list will be sent to you upon registration.
The Tanguy team
Our local expert, Tanguy, primarily works independently, creating his own trips. His approach involves choosing less-traveled routes and maintaining flexibility to adapt to the group's level and the conditions encountered. It's an ideal opportunity to explore off the beaten path while learning.
