Snowshoeing Short Break for Foodies in the French Alps

Tucked on the edge of the Écrins National Park, the Champsaur valley is among the Alps’ last true winter wildernesses — remote, peaceful, and rich with wildlife. Far from the ski crowds, this region offers some of the most rewarding and untouched terrain for snowshoeing in the French Alps. This itinerary gives a sample of what you might experience — but in reality, each day is guided by the mountains themselves.

Snowshoeing requires more effort than walking on dry ground — often 20 to 40% more, depending on the snow which can vary from deep powder (most demanding) to hard packed snow (easiest).

So whilst we aim to follow this programme, our fully qualified mountain leaders adapt the route daily to match snow conditions, weather, and group ability, ensuring every outing is safe, scenic, and unforgettable. Expect around 5 hours of snowshoeing per day, with breaks to enjoy the views, take photos, or simply breathe in the crisp mountain air. 

Please note, we’ve purposely left the final night’s accommodation flexible for people with limited time: the snowshoeing finishes at 17:00 in Gap, giving you time to catch an evening train to Marseille or the night train to Paris. If you prefer to stay an extra night or don’t have evening travel plans, we can easily arrange additional accommodation for you.

We'll meet you at Gap train station at 17:30 and transfer you to your luxury farmhouse accommodation, just in time to settle in and enjoy an aperitif before dinner.

If you arrive earlier, Gap is a charming town worth exploring — or consider spending the night before to ease into your adventure at a relaxed pace. Just be sure to plan your journey to match the 17:00 pick-up.

Today's snowshoe adventure begins in Prapic, the last village of the valley before it’s cut off by steep mountains and winter snow. With only a handful of residents living here year-round, Prapic is a true high-alpine hamlet, often isolated by avalanches in the colder months. Its traditional stone houses, narrow lanes, and timeless setting offer a rare glimpse into authentic mountain life.

From this peaceful starting point, you'll follow a classic U-shaped glacial valley deep into the Écrins National Park, surrounded by dramatic peaks and pristine snow-covered landscapes. Your guide will adapt the itinerary depending on the snow conditions — whether leading you to a panoramic plateau or tracing the river through the valley floor. Along the way, you’ll encounter the Saut du Laire, a frozen waterfall steeped in local legend, and pass a solitary mountain chapel, standing as a quiet witness to the valley’s rich spiritual heritage. A stunning, immersive day in one of the Alps’ most remote and beautiful winter corners.

This is a peaceful, immersive day in nature, offering the perfect balance of mountain beauty, gentle physical challenge, and authentic alpine atmosphere — a rewarding but manageable day on snowshoes. 

Distance: 10 km | Ascent: 500 m

This spectacular day takes you to the summit of La Palastre, combining steady alpine ascent with unforgettable scenery. The route winds through open snowfields, peaceful woodland, and rugged outcrops, offering ever-changing views across the Champsaur valley. Along the way, there are plenty of chances to pause — whether it’s to admire a frozen waterfall or simply soak up the stillness of the mountains.

After reaching the col, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the snow-drenched sunshine, before tackling the final stretch to the summit at 2278 metres. The reward? Jaw-dropping views and that unbeatable “top of the world” feeling. On the descent, the mood shifts to pure fun — snowshoes make it easy to walk, slide or even bounce your way down. This is a joyful, full-day adventure blending natural beauty, physical challenge, and playful winter energy.

Distance: 8.5 km | Ascent: 630 m

Today is your last day so you need to pack up your bags and check out of your rooms before we set off for snowshoeing. You can leave your bags at the farmhouse whilst we snowshoe.

Today we will set off from the quaint alpine village of Serre-Eyraud (1,373 m), a historic ski village for locals. Snowshoe through enchanting larch forests as the trail winds gently upward, offering serene woodland views and occasional glimpses of the towering Champsaur peaks. 

After a steady climb of around 500 meters, you’ll reach the charming Cabane de Tante Yvonne (1,809 m), a rustic mountain refuge with benches and a stove, perfect for a cosy break. For those craving even grander vistas, a short extension leads to a panoramic viewpoint (1,887 m) overlooking the spectacular snow-covered valley. The circular 8 km route promises both adventure and tranquillity, making it a true hidden gem for winter explorers.

At the end of the day we will head back to the farmhouse to collect your bags and then the guide will drop you off in Gap for 17h in time for you to get the night train or evening train or bus back to Marseille.

Distance: 8.5 km | Ascent: 521 m