Vercors: New Year's Eve spent snowshoeing among the mountain peaks
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationIsère / Vercors Massif
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions35.55 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Once upon a time in the Vercors Natural Park, there was a year-end full of stories of snow, nature and discovery.
From our hotel in the heart of the charming village of Lans en Vercors with its traditional architecture, from one window to the other we observe the snow-covered peaks and dream of tomorrow's hike...
With snowshoes on our feet, our guide leads the way, slaloms between the spruce trees, navigates along the snowy ridges and alpine pastures abandoned by the herds to the great delight of the black grouse, the "emblematic bird" of the Park.
A rejuvenating winter break, with picnics overlooking the Alps and cozy evenings at Deborah and Vincent's, to end the year in complete tranquility…
The highlights
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Easily accessible, 3 hours by TGV from Paris then connecting to a regular bus in 45 minutes
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A short break ideal for a breath of fresh air around New Year's Eve
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The family-run Logis-hotel, in the center of the village, features typical local architecture.
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
Average elevation gain: 450 m Maximum elevation gain: 600 m
Average distance: 10km Maximum distance: 15km
Average time: 5 hours Maximum: 5 hours 30 minutes
For those who have never tried snowshoeing, there's nothing complicated about the activity. However, depending on the snow conditions, it can be more physically demanding than walking. The snow can be hard or soft, deep or stable. Furthermore, wearing snowshoes adds extra weight, which can significantly impact how you manage your effort.
For this trip, please note that the focus is primarily on discovering the natural environment.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 12 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 517 m
- Average daily descent: 517 m
Management
French
Program
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Arrival
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Head to Lans-en-Vercors , a charming traditional village nestled at the foot of the great eastern barrier of the Vercors, which gives this massif the nickname of "French Dolomites".
Meet in front of the Tourist Office at 5:50 pm.
Deborah welcomes us to her two-star hotel, Logis de France, in the center of the small village of Lans en Vercors, opposite the church. We settle into our peaceful , cozy home .
Dinner and presentation of the stay.
Day 1 -
Molière Alpine Pasture
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a good breakfast and receiving our equipment, it's time to set off on our "adventure"!
On the way to the ascent of the Molière alpine pasture. A true natural balcony overlooking the Alps, it offers one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Vercors region, perched on a plateau. From the Chartreuse to the Dévoluy, passing by the peaks of Belledonne, the snow-covered ridges define the horizon. In the distance, the silhouette of Mont Blanc rises majestically.
On the alpine pastures, we discover the astonishing fairy chimneys, geological curiosities sculpted by erosion. Our route continues between beech and spruce forests. The soft undergrowth gives way to magnificent panoramas, offering a new face of the Vercors at every turn.
We enjoy our picnic in the heart of these wide open spaces before leisurely making our way back.
In the late afternoon, we return to the comfort of the hotel to enjoy a well-deserved moment of relaxation by the fire.
Day 2 -
The Flycatcher
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a short transfer to the Lans Mountain, we head towards the Moucherotte.
From its 1,901 m summit, this promontory overlooks Grenoble and the Isère valley. If conditions are right, a vast sea of clouds covers the plain as far as the eye can see, from which only the alpine peaks emerge, sublimely illuminated by the light of the season.
Along the way, we cross the summer pastures of the Ramées plateau. In summer, flocks of sheep graze freely there. In winter, silence reigns. Under the blanket of snow, the landscape softens and the hushed atmosphere invites contemplation.
For the New Year's stay: a simple New Year's Eve party with a festive menu prepared by Chef Vincent.
Day 3 -
The Allières
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
To conclude in style, we set off on a magnificent crossing linking the meadows of Machiret to the alpine pasture of Allières.
Before us, the Vercors reveals one of its most spectacular faces: the eastern range unfolds its crests and ridges, forming a veritable natural rampart. The eye follows the elegant lines of the Roc Cornafion before lingering on the impressive ridges of the Gerbier.
As we progress, the panoramas constantly change. On one side, the jagged peaks of the Vercors foothills. On the other, the view plunges down to the Val de Lans and the heart of the massif. A beautiful way to close this winter interlude, in the heart of the magnificent landscapes of the Vercors.
Descent to Lans en Vercors. Dispersal at 4:45 p.m.
Day 4
Note
INTERNAL TRANSFERS
Our minibus can carry 8 people in addition to the guide. If your group exceeds this number, we may ask you to use your own vehicle. In this case, you will be reimbursed at the end of your stay. We may also need to use the village shuttle.
Note : We may sometimes need to make slight changes to the program due to organizational issues, weather conditions, snow conditions, the group's skill level, exceptional pandemic situations, etc. Rest assured, these changes are always made in your best interest, for your safety and comfort!
Snow conditions: We are, above all, outdoor enthusiasts. If there is a lack of snow, we will still run the hiking trip. We will never cancel the trip. The winter atmosphere and light will be there even if we can't use snowshoes. The mountains are very different in winter; the colors are not the same as in summer, and the sun is lower on the horizon, offering warm sunset light throughout the day!
Note: It goes without saying that when snowshoeing, the estimated walking time is only a guideline. Experienced hikers on hard snow will find the times overestimated, while less experienced hikers on fresh snow will find them significantly underestimated.
Accommodation
Your hotel enjoys an ideal location on the village square. The Hôtel du Col de l'Arc is a family-run establishment . For over 100 years, the Mayousse family has lovingly cared for this beautiful house and its guests. A member of the "Logis de France" network , its stone-clad gables face the charming village church. Tranquility and a mountain setting await you! The comfortable rooms accommodate 2 to 3 people and have private bathrooms. Single rooms are available for an additional fee, subject to availability at the time of booking.
Access
Lans-en-Vercors Tourist Office
246, avenue Léopold Fabre
38250 Lans-en-Vercors
Go to the starting point
Train/TGV to Grenoble then bus to Lans-en-Vercors.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region buses : line T64 or T65 to “Lans-en-Vercors Tourist Office”
This service is regular and cannot be booked in advance.
You can only buy your ticket on site :
- on the platform, within the hour before your departure , or by SMS by sending 3Z to 93 222
- at a terminal in the station (click on the "3 zones" option)
- or, as a last resort, directly from the driver ( bring exact change ).
In principle T64 Grenoble 5:00 p.m. - arrival Lans en Vercors 5:43 p.m. or 5:54 p.m.
Lans en Vercors is located at an altitude of 1,000 m. You are in a mountain environment, snow equipment is MANDATORY (snow tires / chains).
From the North - Grenoble: From the A48 towards Grenoble, take exit 14 “St Egrève Sassenage Villard-de-Lans”. At the Lans-en-Vercors roundabout, turn left towards the village center. The tourist office is on your right.
From the South - Valence: From the A49 towards Grenoble, take exit 8 "Aire Royans-Vercors, Villard de Lans". Follow signs for Villard-de-Lans through the Bourne gorges. Then follow signs for Lans-en-Vercors and the Tourist Office.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a room for 2 to 3 people
- Half-board
- Picnics
- The framework
- Loan of snowshoe equipment
- The transfers planned in the program
The price does not include
- Drinks
- Insurance
- Round-trip transportation to the meeting point and dispersal
- Walking shoes for snowshoeing
Options
- 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
We lend you snowshoes with plates and poles.
However, you must be equipped with good hiking shoes.
Clothing to bring
The principles :
For both your upper and lower body, opt for "multi-layering". This means wearing several layers of clothing that you can remove or add depending on the temperature and the level of exertion.
For example :
- a long-sleeved thermal base layer made of breathable material
- a warm fleece jacket or a down jacket.
- a windproof, waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket
In calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In rain, snow, or wind, simply add this waterproof jacket. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is an essential addition.
Don't neglect your lower body. The "layering" principle also applies: trousers + over-trousers or tights + trousers.
Choose clothes that dry quickly , so avoid cotton. Opt for synthetic fibers that will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible.
Remember to dress warmly before you get cold , but especially to remove layers before you get too hot . Sweat is a hiker's enemy, as it dampens clothing that quickly becomes icy during breaks. Therefore, it's very rare to undertake a climb wearing a fleece jacket.
Avoid ski suits, which are too warm and bulky.
In your bag for the day:
- 1 small backpack (35 to 40 L) equipped with a waist belt, which must allow the snowshoes to be attached to the bag.
- If you have any "forest hiking crampons".
- 1 thermos or a preferably insulated water bottle (2 litres recommended).
- Picnic essentials: 1 pocket knife, 1 fork-spoon.
- Race snacks (energy bars, dried fruit or chocolate for those with a sweet tooth).
- 1 small waterproof pouch containing identity card, health insurance card and assistance contract received upon registration if you subscribed to this insurance or that of your personal insurance.
- 1 personal first aid kit (see complete kit suggestion below)
- 1 pack of tissues.
- 1 pair of sunglasses + sunscreen.
- A scarf or a "buff" (neck warmer) provides a solution for all situations to cover the neck and head, whether it is hot or cold.
- 1 beanie
- 1 pair of gloves + 1 spare pair of gloves
- Thin silk or synthetic undergloves (very useful in very cold weather)
- Optionally: a rain cover (to protect it from the rain) + 1 sturdy plastic bag (to protect the inside) + 1 headlamp or flashlight + 1 survival blanket.
Your complete luggage:
- 2 short-sleeved t-shirts made of breathable material.
- 1 long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material.
- 1 fleece jacket or 1 down jacket.
- 1 waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type windproof jacket with hood.
- 1 rain cape.
- 1 pair of soft, thermal, comfortable and water-repellent trekking or outdoor trousers. Alpine ski trousers are not recommended.
- 1 pair of waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type overtrousers.
- Hiking socks. Opt for wool or specific hiking socks like terry cloth, which prevent your feet from overheating. Be careful with cotton, as it can cause blisters.
- One pair of hiking boots in good condition, with high tops, good ankle support, and waterproof soles (Vibram type). Remember to "test" new boots and those that haven't been used for a long time beforehand (check in particular if the sole glue is still holding and re-waterproof them).
- 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes for the evening.
- 1 comfortable outfit for the evening.
- 1 pair of gaiters. If your trousers have "gussets", this is not necessary.
- Toiletries (opt for the essentials and small sizes).
- Earplugs or ear pads (optional).
- If you wear prescription glasses, remember to bring a spare pair.
Suggestions for a personal first aid kit:
- Your usual medications.
- Pain medication: Paracetamol preferred.
- Elastic adhesive strip, Elastoplast type, 8 cm wide.
- Disinfectant compresses.
- Adhesive bandages.
- Double skin (like Compeed or SOS blisters).
- Lozenges for sore throats.
- Vitamin C.
- 1 pair of tweezers.
- Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
And then:
- a dose of good cheer and why not a little specialty from your home to share during a picnic!
They traveled with us
