Snowshoeing In The Nevache Valley of France

Undiscovered corner of the Alps
3 nights in remote mountain huts
Superb snow record

Group shot at the top of the Col des Muandes

The name Nevache or enneigé in French means 'covered in snow'. This valley is probably the area with the most snow in the Southern Alps and the perfect location for a fantastic, challenging snowshoe expedition.

The charming village of Nevache has plenty of original alpine chalets, and the superb 15th Century church of Saint Marcellin. Here we stay in a lovely gite built in 1780, with a cosy fireplace and excellent local cuisine. Following a steady circular walk to warm up, we set off on a spectacular four-day snowshoe trek.

The scenery is incredibly inspiring as we walk across plateaux of virgin snow, along high ridges and scale summits. Accessing such remote mountainous terrain is a tough physical challenge, but your efforts will be constantly rewarded with panoramic views as far as Chamonix, the Cerces range and the Ecrins National Park. En route we stay in three excellent mountain huts, known for their superb hearty cuisine and warm welcome.

OFFER

Book this trip back to back with a week in the Queyras Regional Park - Southern Alps Snowshoe Trek (Trip code: CEQ) and you can claim GBP100 off your total trip price.

What makes this trip responsible?

Walking with snowshoes from one guesthouse to the next requires no ski lifts, groomed pistes and leaves no impact apart from tracks in the fresh snow. Snowshoers search out the quieter corners of the mountains, where development and facilities are few. As this sport continues to develop, it will offer mountain communities alternative low impact forms of winter tourism. Our groups will visit remote mountain huts for cake and drink stops helping to support the economy of this remote community. Using local leaders who are committed to responsible tourism is helping to preserve the way of life in their area.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: France

Day 1

Fly to Turin; transfer to the Nevache Valley (approx 2 hours).

Day 2

Circular walk to the Thures Plateau for panoramic views of the Stretta Valley across the border in Italy.

Day 3

Start of four-day expedition. Walk to the Chardonnet hut, surrounded by huge cliffs of the Queyrellin Ridge and the 'Tete de Cassille'.

Day 4

Climb to the 'Col du Raisin' (2662m) with views of the Dome des Ecrins, Continue to the remote Drayeres hut. des Ecrins. Continue to the remote Drayeres hut.

Day 5

Explore the peaceful Muande Valley, then if conditions are suitable climb to the Col des Muandes (2828m). Sleep in the Ricou hut.

Day 6

Discover the Gardiole Valley with its snow-covered lakes and views of the Cerces range. Descend to Nevache.

Day 7

Free day to relax, visit the UNESCO town of Briancon or try various local winter activities.

Day 8

Transfer to Turin; fly to London.

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Exodus images from SNOWSHOEING IN THE NEVACHE VALLEY

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Crossing the Col des Muandes