Snowshoeing in the Alps for Foodies

From $1,750 pp

  • Duration

    8 Days
  • Departure Date

    Jan 25, 2025
  • Trip Style

    Small Group
  • Country

    France
  • Physical Rating

    Mildly Strenuous

Overview

Explore the French Alps by snowshoeing through its pristine winter wilderness, tasting regional delicacies sure to please foodies!

This is a week-long, guided snowshoeing holiday in the southern French Alps' stunning Ecrins National Park. You'll stay in a luxury farmhouse accommodation famous for its excellent cuisine prepared by our chef, Meg.

Make tracks in virgin snow away from the well-trodden paths, snowshoe through forests, around frozen lakes, across open snow meadows, up to a summit, over a col, along a ridge, or along the valley floor with the snowy mountains, ice gullies, and cliffs dramatically towering over you.

At the end of your day in the snowy mountains, you will be welcomed back at the cozy farmhouse where you can snuggle in front of the log burner, or chill out in the bar before sitting down to a four-course meal prepared by your hosts. Frenchman Jean and Meg from Taiwan are the owners of the Luxury Farmhouse Guesthouse and they have developed a strong reputation in the valley for their exquisite food. They use local ingredients and fresh produce for all their recipes which are prepared and created by Meg. By adding a creative Taiwanese twist to traditional alpine recipes she manages to produce an array of unique and delicious dishes!

Highlights

  • Explore a wild and authentic Alpine destination, away from the crowds.
  • Discover a wide variety of snowshoe walks and landscapes, from forests, to meadows, to ice gullies.
  • Indulge in authentic luxury farmhouse accommodation with 4-course gourmet meals.
  • Experience the expertise of UIAGM* High Mountain Guides – ensuring your safety and maximizing your snowshoeing opportunities in the mountains.
  • Support ethical travel by embracing non-skiing winter activities and contributing to the local Alpine community.

*UIAGM is the Union Internationale des Associations de Guides de Montagnes, or the International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations in English. This is the highest qualification mountain guides can obtain in France, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria.

The Southern French Alps – Écrins National Park

Discover the stunning Écrins National Park, one of the most beautiful and dramatic in the Alps. Spot wildlife such as chamois, ibex, deer, wild boar, and golden eagles, with wolves roaming the nearby wilderness.

Explore untouched snow far from the crowds. Snowshoe through forests, around frozen lakes, across snow meadows, and along ridges or valleys, surrounded by majestic peaks and ice cliffs.

Snowshoeing Adventures

A variety of snowshoe routes await you, with the itinerary tailored daily for the best conditions. Choose from cols, summits, alpine plateaux, and peaceful woods. Expect 300m to 800m of ascent each day, walking for 4 to 6 hours with plenty of breaks.

On your free day, relax at your accommodation, take a self-guided snowshoe walk, or visit the nearby resort of Orcières for a swim and spa session. For more adventure, try ice climbing, husky dog sledging, or cross-country skiing.

Your Guides

All guides are UIAGM High Mountain Guides, the highest qualification for mountain guiding. Their top priority is your safety and enjoyment, and their expertise allows for flexibility, leading you to areas other guides may not be qualified to explore.

Departure Dates

  • Jan 25, 2025 - Feb 1, 2025
  • Mar 8, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025

Seasonal Notes

We have chosen these two dates for our snowshoeing trip as they fall outside of the French school holidays for a quieter stay.

Itinerary

Overview

Nestled on the edge of the Écrins National Park, the Champsaur and Valgaudemar valleys remain a hidden gem, far from mainstream tourism. These valleys offer a true winter wilderness experience, serving as a refuge for wildlife in the heart of the Alps. With endless snowshoeing possibilities in and around the area, this itinerary provides just a glimpse of what’s available.

In reality, your snowshoeing routes will be adapted each day based on the conditions, ensuring the best possible experience. The guides will assess the weather, snow, and terrain to choose the most suitable and rewarding paths for that day. Whether you explore peaceful alpine forests, frozen lakes, or reach high cols and ridges, each day will offer something unique.

Your safety and enjoyment are the top priorities of our fully qualified UIAGM High Mountain Guides. Their expertise allows for flexibility, enabling you to experience the true wilderness of the region, away from the crowds and in harmony with nature. Every day will be a new adventure, tailored to the conditions, ensuring you make the most of your time in this extraordinary winter landscape.

Please note that the average distance and ascent each day is between 8 and 15km with 300m-900m of ascent to give you an idea of effort but this will vary greatly depending on conditions. Snowshoeing through fresh powder does not require the same energy as the same distance on hard-packed snow!

Day 1 Gap [France] (Arrival Day)

You will need to make your own way to Gap train station, and we are happy to help you plan your journey. We’ll collect you from Gap station at 17:00 and take you to the luxury farmhouse accommodation, just in time for an aperitif and dinner!

Please ensure your arrival aligns with this time. If you arrive earlier, or even the night before, Gap is a charming town with plenty to explore while you wait.

Accommodation: Luxury Farmhouse Guesthouse
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Snowshoeing Plateau of La Coche

Enjoy a full day of snowshoeing up to the Plateau of La Coche, offering stunning views over two valleys. Starting in the wild Champoléon valley, known for its untouched winter wilderness and home to chamois and ibex, you'll trek through alpine villages and forests, and beneath the towering 3000-metre peaks lining the valley.

As you ascend through the woods to the plateau, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views over the Champsaur and Champoléon valleys. Take time to explore the open snow meadows on the plateau before descending. This gentle introduction to snowshoeing is perfect for easing into the week, getting accustomed to the equipment, and warming up your legs. Your guide will also provide an introduction to winter mountain safety along the way.

Accommodation: Luxury Farmhouse Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Snowshoeing through the Larches in St Leger Les Melezes

Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes is a charming ski village nestled halfway up the mountain in a forest of larch trees ("mélèzes" in French). A network of forest trails crisscrosses the mountainside, offering stunning views over the Champsaur Valley and of Vieux Chaillol, the highest peak in the region. As you climb through the forest, you’ll emerge onto a breathtaking ridge with the option to snowshoe all the way up to the summit.

This snowshoe walk can be made challenging or leisurely, with the flexibility to adapt the route. Whether you choose the steep path up to the summit of La Cuchon or a gentle traverse through the forest, the choice is yours on the day!

Accommodation: Luxury Farmhouse Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Snowshoeing to the Summit of Palastre

This is a stunning and rewarding full-day adventure to the summit of La Palastre at 2,278m. The ascent is gradual, taking you through open snowfields and rocky outcrops, with breathtaking views of the Champsaur Valley. You'll cover about 720m of ascent in total.

Along the way, you’ll pass icefalls, wooded areas, and unique rock formations, offering plenty of chances to pause, admire the scenery, spot animal tracks, and snap some photos.

After a well-deserved picnic lunch at the col, basking in the sun, you'll continue up to the summit for that exhilarating "top of the world" feeling! The descent is all downhill, and on snowshoes, you can slide, run, jump, and enjoy the fun of getting down the mountain—the snow makes it all the more forgiving. A fantastic day out in the mountains!


Accommodation: Luxury Farmhouse Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Free Day - Rest Day

There are plenty of activities to enjoy in the area, whether you prefer a day of adventure or relaxation. You can unwind and let your legs recover, relax at your accommodation while admiring the views, or try something different like ice climbing, husky dog sledding, or cross-country skiing. If you'd rather keep snowshoeing, you can explore one of the self-guided snowshoe routes nearby.

The choice is yours, and we can discuss all the options once you're here. Please note that any additional activities, transport to get there or ski passes for this day are not included in the package price and would need to be paid separately, either when booking in advance or locally during your stay.

Accommodation: Luxury Farmhouse Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 Snowshoeing in Prapic

This snowshoe walk begins in Prapic, a charming, ancient farming village still inhabited year-round by about four families. The village, with its classic alpine architecture and layout, is very picturesque. From here, you'll enter the Écrins National Park, walking through a beautiful U-shaped valley.

There are several route options—either heading up to a plateau or following the river—but whichever path you choose, you’ll be treated to breathtaking scenery. At the head of the valley, you’ll find the Saut du Laire, a waterfall often frozen in winter, with a fascinating folk tale your guide will be eager to share.

On the return, you'll pass a quaint little chapel, standing alone in the winter wilderness, a reminder of the valley's religious heritage.

Accommodation: Luxury Farmhouse Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Col de Pourrachière

This is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding day out to the Col de Pourrachière at 2,173m. The snowshoe walk begins in the picturesque Rouanne valley, departing from Ancelle. As you make your way through the valley, you'll gradually start the ascent, zigzagging through a beautiful mixed forest, with views of the dramatic cliff face of Le Lauteret across the valley.

As the forest begins to thin, you’ll emerge onto open snowfields with breathtaking panoramic views. There are several routes to reach the col, but the most popular takes you up to Col de la Pourrachière. This spot, at 2,173m, is perfect for a picnic and offers an optional resting point for those not keen on tackling the summit.

From here, you can soak up the sunshine and enjoy stunning views over the Gapencais and Champsaur valleys.

The descent is all downhill, and on snowshoes, you can slide, run, jump, and have a blast navigating your way down—the forgiving snow makes it all the more fun!

Accommodation: Luxury Farmhouse Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Gap (Departure Day)

This is the day we must say goodbye—but hopefully, it's more of an "à bientôt!" We will drive you back to Gap train station, ensuring you arrive by 8:30 am. If you need a transfer at a different time, this can be arranged at your own cost.

If you're a fan of markets, Gap has a fantastic one on Saturday mornings. If your schedule allows, it's worth booking a later train or bus to enjoy a visit!

Meals: Breakfast

Customization

You can customize this trip just for your group during the months of January, February, March, and December.

Route Map

Snowshoeing in the Alps Map

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • 7 nights' accommodation at a Luxury Farmhouse

  • 7 breakfasts

  • 7 4-course dinners

  • 5 picnic lunches

  • 5 full days of guided snowshoeing with a qualified UIAGM high mountain guide

  • Snowshoes and poles

  • One free day with options to try out other winter activities (activities are extra)

  • Transport to and from snowshoeing

  • Return transfers from Gap train station

  • A tree planted on your behalf to help with your carbon offsetting

  • A personalized app for your phone with all your trip details and practical information

  • Getting to Gap (we can help you organize your journey here)

  • Drinks / spending money

  • Lunch on your free day 

  • Tips for the Guide

  • Alcohol/ drinks other than water

  • Insurance

  • Visa

Pricing

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

  • Deposit per person

    25% of the trip price

  • Shared Room - sleeps 2 - price per person

    $1,750

  • Single Supplement

    $450

Sustainability

We are Travelife Certified and we plant a tree with our partner, Mossy Earth, for all our travelers as part of their rewilding program in Europe.

We operate a paperless office and all our communication with you and all your trip details will be given to you digitally via a smartphone app.

If you are traveling from Europe, we offer a 3% discount if you travel here by train rather than plane. To claim this please ask at booking. It is not accumulable with other discounts and the train journey needs to be international, eg Eurostar to France and then onward on local French TGV or trains.

Environmental Initiatives

We have purposefully chosen a one base stay rather than changing accommodations each night on this trip to avoid unnecessary washing and cleaning of rooms after just one night and avoid excessive baggage transfers, both of which are known sustainability issues in tourism.
Your fully qualified snowshoeing guides are also vetted for their passion for the area and local knowledge of plants, wildlife, and sustainability measures for protecting fragile mountain flora and fauna. They will share this knowledge with you and ensure you are respecting local guidelines, like not disturbing wildlife in sensitive areas when snowshoeing..

Economic Initiatives

We use local independent suppliers and accommodations for all elements of this trip to ensure your money is plowed straight back into the local economy.

Your fully qualified snowshoeing guide is also local to the area, rather than a helicoptered-in gap year student or other non-local person. We pay them a fair rate ensuring there is no exploitation and making sure your money is going back into the local economy also.

All our partners are local to the Champsaur valley in the French Alps and by booking this holiday you are contributing to the development of non-ski tourism in this area to help spread the tourist benefits to the villages and area outside of ski resorts.

Sociocultural Initiatives

Our choice of accommodations is important as we have handpicked this boutique accommodation as it is locally owned and culturally important in the area offering an insight into local Alpine food and culture for you and ensuring your money is plowed straight back into the local economy. We encourage them to create single-use plastic-free picnics for this trip and ask that you bring your own water bottle and lunch box to help with this.

Health & Safety

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.

FAQs

What does the Physical Rating of Mildly Strenuous mean?

This trip is an excellent fit for anyone who enjoys regular hiking, has a passion for great food, and adores mountain scenery. To fully enjoy this adventure, you should have a good level of walking fitness. While you don't need to be super fit, being comfortable with spending a full day out in the mountains (including breaks for photography and appreciating the views) and experiencing walking uphill is important. If you're uncertain about whether this trip suits your fitness level, please don't hesitate to inquire. We're here to help ensure it's the right match for you.

What are the accommodations like?

The farmhouse is a traditional stone farmhouse of the region which has been renovated in the style of the region, keeping its Alpine character with additional modern comforts.

The owners are local and they operate a minimal plastic packaging philosophy for their purchases and picnics.

They prioritize local produce for cooking. Evening meals are a set menu four course meal.

Do I need to have had any snowshoeing experience to join this trip?

No previous snowshoeing experience is needed to join this trip but a reasonable level of fitness is recommended to be able to make the most of it. Regular hill walkers, nordic walkers, hikers and trekkers will love it!

What is the general profile of people on this trip

Whilst this trip is online so anyone can book, the majority of people on the trip tend to be solo travellers or couples over 50 and all have a shared passion for the mountains, France, nature and wildlife, snowshoeing, hiking and walking. They come from a wide range of different backgrounds - conversation flows no problem!

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Departure Dates

  • Jan 25, 2025 - Feb 1, 2025
  • Mar 8, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025

6 required for departure.

  • Jan. 25th departure: Guaranteed! 5 spots left.

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