Snowshoeing Escape: 3-Day Hut-to-Hut Adventure

This hut-to-hut snowshoe adventure has been thoughtfully designed to offer an authentic taste of the winter mountains, balancing adventure with flexibility.

As snow conditions can dramatically affect the effort required we’ve created a modular itinerary, with a minimum snowshoe hike each day to reach our welcoming refuges.

Once at the refuge, we can unload our heavy backpacks and, for those who wish, head out on optional lightweight extension hikes to explore the beautiful surroundings.

As always, the mountains in winter are dynamic and unpredictable. Your experienced guide will assess conditions daily and reserves the right to adapt the itinerary, change refuges, or modify plans to ensure everyone's safety. While we always aim to stay within the planned itinerary and budget, in rare cases — for example, if an extra night in a refuge is needed — additional costs may apply. These situations will be discussed with you in advance, and no decisions will be made without your agreement.

Get ready for an experience that is wild, beautiful, and perfectly attuned to the rhythm of the mountains — an unforgettable winter adventure for those ready to embrace it.

Please note that the trip kicks off this morning, so if you're travelling from further afield, we highly recommend arriving the night before. We can suggest a selection of cosy local hotels, or you might prefer the night train from Paris. We will collect you from Briançon (either from the train station or your hotel) in the morning at 8h30 and take you to meet your guide and fellow adventurers in the charming alpine village of Névache. Once together, we’ll start with a kit check to make sure everyone’s well-prepared, before setting off on our unforgettable three-day snowshoeing adventure.

Today's route:
Our first journey takes us up the spectacular Clarée Valley, beginning gently through peaceful forests before emerging into wide, sparkling snowfields.

It’s the perfect warm-up, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful rhythm to get you into the spirit of the mountains.

Distance: 5 km  | Ascent: 500 meters  | Altitude: From 1,601m to 2,059m

Afternoon options:
Upon arrival at the welcoming Buffère Refuge, you have the choice to simply relax and soak up the cosy atmosphere— enjoy a hot drink by the fire, chat with your companions, and experience your first night in an authentic mountain refuge.

For those feeling energetic, there’s the option to continue with a gentle extra hike up towards the Col de Buffère or surrounding areas (weather and snow conditions permitting). The best part? You can leave your heavy pack safely at the refuge and travel light for this additional exploration.

Evening:
Settle in for a magical first night at the refuge — sharing stories, enjoying hearty mountain food, and feeling the unique camaraderie that comes from life high in the snowy Alps.

After a cosy night at Buffère Refuge, we set off again, with a dramatic and rewarding traverse via Casse Pinier through peaceful open snowy slopes, rocky outcrops and forests towards our next mountain haven — the charming Chardonnet Refuge. Today’s route offers a beautiful variety of landscapes — from woodlands to open snowy slopes and cliffs where the views stretch out for miles.

Distance: 5 km | Ascent: 379 meters  | Descent: 248 meters | Altitude: From 1,818m to 2,194m

Afternoon options:
Once we reach Chardonnet Refuge and drop off our heavy backpacks, the adventure doesn’t have to end! For those feeling strong, there are several exciting options for an afternoon challenge:

Snowshoe up to a high-altitude lake, now hidden under a thick, magical blanket of snow or ascend towards a nearby mountain pass, for sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding peaks (weather and snow conditions permitting).

These optional excursions are done lightweight, so you can move freely and enjoy the incredible scenery without the burden of a full pack.

Evening:
Tonight, we enjoy the special experience of a second night in a different refuge — another chance to experience the welcoming atmosphere, hearty mountain meals, and to compare notes with your companions about the day’s adventures!

After a final breakfast at the refuge, we put on our snowshoes one last time for the grand finale of our adventure — a beautiful snowshoe hike all the way back to Névache.

The trail starts with a downhill, and then gently climbs back up through different relief to do a loop before heading back down the valley to Névache. After two days immersed in the high mountains, today's walk feels wonderfully free and flowing, offering plenty of time to soak up the stillness and beauty of the Clarée Valley.

Distance: 9.77 km  | Ascent: 150 meters  | Descent: 459 meters | Altitude: From 2,011m to 1,602m

A rewarding and fun final day — the perfect opportunity to reflect on the journey and savour every last step.

Arrival:
We reach Névache by mid afternoon, where a well-earned celebration awaits! Whether it’s a hot drink, a slice of local cake, or simply taking a deep breath of the crisp mountain air, it’s a time to feel proud of what you’ve accomplished.

Departure:
After some final farewells and a few last photos, you'll continue your onward journey, taking with you not just tired but happy legs — but also memories of a truly unforgettable winter adventure.

We will take you back to Briançon and can also help you book an extra night in Briançon if you need. For those catching the night train, you will have time to get dinner in Briançon before a night to dream of your adventures!