Snowshoeing In The Nevache Valley

Day 1
We spend our first night in Nevache village, where the Claree Valley widens. This is a very pretty and authentic village, with old alpine style chalets and a superb church, Saint Marcellin,dating back from the 15th century and known as one of the most beautiful in the region. We stay in the gite 'Creux des Souches'; this chalet built in 1780 has a cosy fireplace room and excellent local cuisine.

Day 2
There is no better way to start the trip than to enjoy a panoramic view of France (Nevache Valley) and Italy (Stretta Valley) from the Thures plateau. Being on a south face we will be in the best conditions to enjoy the sun and blue skies, so often present in the Southern Alps. We come back to our gite in the evening. Ascent: 890m Descent: 890m Distance: 14km

Day 3
This morning, we leave our main luggages at the Gite in Nevache, taking only enough personal belongings and equipment for the next 3 nights. After an early start, we climb up to the Chardonnet hut and explore the Chardonnet Valley, where we enjoy the wonderful scenery of an untouched part of the Alps, surrounded by the cliffs of the Queyrellin ridge and the Tete de Cassille. Tonight, we stay in the Refuge du Chardonnet, a lovely hut where we enjoy some good food. Ascent: 1250m Descent: 627m Distance: 12.5km

Day 4
In the morning we walk towards the Raisin Valley and depending on the conditions continue to the Col du Raisin (2662m). From the col, we enjoy breathtaking panoramic view over the Ecrins National Park and the Dome des Ecrins. Then the junction walk to the Drayeres hut brings us to the heart of Nevache Valley, where superb views over the Cerces mountain chain on the west await us. The Drayeres Hut is our home for the night; here we get a real feeling of remoteness. Ascent: 848m Descent: 908m Distance: 13km

Day 5
Today we explore the Muande Valley, very popular area for ski mountaineering enthusiasts. In this vast open valley, we may catch a glimpse of some Chamois, and if the weather and snow conditions allow, we continue to the Col des Muandes (2828 m) where we can enjoy a great view over the Stretta Valley on the other side. Ascent: 829m Descent: 900m Distance: 14km

Day 6
For our last day snowshoeing, we head to the Gardiole Valley. On our way, we discover numerous mountain lakes covered with snow and some other superb views of the Cerces mountain range. We then snowshoe down to Nevache, where we spend the night back at the gite 'Creux des Souches'. Ascent: 653m Descent: 1150m Distance: 13km

Day 7
Today we get an opportunity to relax and enjoy a stroll through the village of Nevache, local shops, nice cafes and restaurants. There are various optional activities possible in the area.

Day 8
Enjoy the morning at your own pace in Nevache. End in Nevache.