Snowshoeing Short Break in the Alps (tailor made)

The Champsaur and Valgaudemar valleys are situated just on the edge of the Ecrins National Park and remain one of the true winter wildernesses and wildlife refuges of the Alps.

There are numerous possibilities for snowshoeing in and around the area and this itinerary is just an example. In reality when you are here, the guides will decide where to go to make the most of the conditions of the day.

All our guides are fully qualified UIAGM high mountain guides. They will have your safety and enjoyment as their priority through out the trip.

We'll welcome you at your accommodation,  go through the holiday with you and bring your snow shoes to try on! Depending on what time you arrive you can go for a short walk around the area, visit the local village or just relax in your accommodation and drink in the views!

Full day introduction to snowshoeing, winter wild life and snow safety.

The Champoleon valley is a wild winter wilderness frequented by chamois and ibex. It is walled by 3000 meter peaks with a river along the valley bottom, a scattering of traditional alpine villages, trees and cliffs.

There are several walks to be done in this valley including a fabulous snowshoe up to the plateau of La Coche. The guide will decide on the day where will be best. You'll be looking out for signs of wildlife and if you're lucky you'll get to see the chamois frolicking in the snow. This will be a gentle start to your holiday, to help you get used to wearing snowshoes and warm up your walking legs. The guide will also explain the safety of the mountains in winter - useful knowledge to have!

This is a big but very rewarding day out up to the col de Pourrachiere 2173m. This snow shoe walk starts off following the beautiful Rouanne valley from Ancelle. Then about half way up you start to climb, zig zagging through mixed forest with a view of a dramatic cliff face (Le Lauterat) across the valley.

Then as the woods start to thin you walk out on to open snow fields with magnificent views all around you up to the col de la Pourachiere at 2173m.

What better place to eat your picnic with views over two the Gapencais and Champsaur valleys. Then it is all down hill and on snow shoes you can slide, run, jump and generally have lots of fun getting down the mountain - the snow is very forgiving!

A beautiful and very rewarding day out up to the summit of La Palastre at 2278m.

It is a gradual ascent through open snow fields and rocky outcrops with beautiful views over the Champsaur valley - about 720m of ascent in total. You will see ice falls, woods, interesting rock formations and magnificent views so plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the scenery, look out for animal tracks and take photos.

After reaching the col for a well deserved picnic lunch in the sun, you head up to the summit for that real top of the world feeling! Then it is all down hill and by now you wil have masterd the downhill techniques of snowshoeinga dn will have loads of fun!  A really good day out in the mountains!!