6-day snowshoeing tour around the Hautes Alpes

Explore the beautiful valleys of the Hautes Alpes, on this 6-day snowshoeing tour through stunning landscapes, with local UIMLA Mountain Leader Marc.

Alps

6 Days

Jan - Mar, Dec

Intermediate

Description

I invite you to join me on a great 6-day snowshoeing tour (7 nights) around the beautiful Hautes Alpes. Every morning, we will set out to discover new landscapes and massifs, enjoying incredible views.

From the central location of Gap, the most important town in the Gapençais region, we are able to snowshoe from valley to valley, walking across beautiful larch forests. We will also visit dairies, with the opportunity to taste the delicious regional cheese variety!

The Southern Alps lie right where Mediterranean and Alpine cultures get together, giving this region a very special character.

During these 6-day tour we will go snowshoewalking on the border between Dévoluy and Champsaur, on the heights of the Gapençais. We will also get the chance to visit the Serre-Ponçon Lake, the largest reservoir of water in Europe. Not to mention the spectacular view from a cliff over Gap and Sisteron, facing the majestic Bure peak.

You can check the day-by-day itinerary at the bottom of this page. We will walk an average of 4 to 6 hours a day on quite easy trails, with an average altitude gain of 400 to 900 meters. All you need to take is a small backpack with your lunch picnic for the day walk.

Besides, you have the option of preparing your own meals, or to hire the full package with meals included. In this case, get ready to enjoy generous and varied cuisine in our cottage! Also, every day, you can prepare your own picnic lunch according to your wishes.

If you wish to have more privacy, it is also posible to stay in a completely independent accommodation, with an extra charge. It would be just 5 minutes away from my cottage.

So join me on this fantastic guided snowshoeing week! Send me a request and we will start planning this unique tour in the Hautes Alpes. You should also take a look at my Embrun 1-day guided snowshoeing tour!

Price includes

Guiding fee

Price details

The price includes the guiding fee for the 6 days, the snowshoes and the hiking sticks. For the accommodation (7 nights), you should foresee to pay between 150 and 200€.

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet and greet at the cottage

We meet at 5 pm at the cottage. Welcome and rooms alocation. We go over the program for the next days, over a welcome drink.

Day 2: Dévoluy-Champsaur-Dairy

Short walk on the border between the Dévoluy and Champsaur, on the heights of the Gapençais. Walk through larch forests and pastures. We reach the first slopes. Map reading, tracking and ARVA(avalanche victim search device) team search game.
On our way back, we visit a dairy, with the possibility of buying delicious regional cheese.

Day 3: Col de la Gardette-Serre-Ponçon Lake

Snowshoeing through snow covered pastures. We have the opportunity to discover shepherd’s huts and cross small streams to get to the Col de la Gardette. Once at the top, we will be able to contemplate the Serre-Ponçon Lake, the largest reservoir of water in Europe. On the way back, we can visit the dam, paying a small fee.

Day 4: Dévoluy Massif

Discovery of the Dévoluy Massif, known for its lamb, its chorums (huge holes created by water), its huge screes (pierriers) which create a lunar landscape. In short, a very special mountain that will not leave you indifferent.

Day 5: Spectacular view of Bure peak

Stroll in the heart of the Gapençais, on the crests of a mythical cliff worldwide known by climbers. Spectacular view over Gap and Sisteron, facing the majestic Bure peak.

Day 6: Champsaur Massif-Palastra ascent

Snowshoeing to the Champsaur Massif in the Parc des Ecrins. The ascent to the Palastra (South side) will make us walk up among huge blocks for several meters and meet the face of the Chaillol (3200 m). On the way back, we can appreciate local products in a cheese dairy in Champsaurine.

Day 7: Champsaur Valley

Back in the Champsaur Valley, but this time walking on a larch forest on the north slope, a great opportunity to compare the north and south and enjoy the snow and the light.
P.S: Hopefully, during these snowshoe hikes, we may come across a chamois, a hare and why not a black grouse!

About the guide

Marc

5.0

(3)

Mountain Leader

My love for the mountains, which provide me a sense of freedom, led me to leave my home town to settle in the Hautes Alpes. Born in 1967, I am married and the father of 3 girls.

I hold a Sports Educator Certificate since 1999, a State Mountaineering Diploma and a Mountain Leader Certificate since 2000. I’m also a Mountain Rescuer since 2001.

I have been practicing mountain activities for many years and this experience allows me to guide you in a mountain environment in complete safety. I think of myself as a mountain artisan and believe that adapting and customizing each outing according to the group and their desires is key to providing a great experience.

My passion for the mountains and my experience as a teacher help me share my knowledge with you in a way that will allow you to take full advantage of the experience. Nature takes us back to basics and time spent in nature is fundamental in this high-tech world.

My job allows me to get to know people from very different backgrounds. I find this very enriching and I do my best to adapt to each one of them. I also love that my profession allows me to exercise and be in contact with nature. This is key to my well-being!

The Southern Alps are my favorite place in the world and I have been exploring them for many years. I enjoy their diversity — from the Provence to the 4-thousanders, and from its lakes to its cliffs and glaciers. The mild Mediterranean weather is the cherry on the cake!

Languages

French | English

Certificates

UIMLA

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What people are saying about this trip

John

Our six days with Marc was a highlight of our 8 weeks in Europe. Marc is very knowledgeable of the greater Ecrins area. We snowshoed locations we could have never visited without local know-how and Marc's expertise. Very flexible with the itinerary to match conditions and client capability and preferences.

Benedict

Marc was a wonderful guide! His trip into the alps introduced me to snowshoeing and the amazing scenery!