The trip

LEVEL ***

Elevation: +/- 400m approximately per day.
Walking time:4 to 6 hours per day.
Type of trek: this tour is not technically difficult and is open to children from 12 years. You need to be in good physical condition and have some hiking experience.

This trip is organised in collaboration with our local partners, who share our commitment to offering you an authentic holiday.

GUIDING

From 6 participants and limited to 13. French mountain leader, state-qualified and specialised in snowshoeing.

ACCOMODATION

3 nights in a dormitory
First night in a gite in Rousset in Vercors, then two nights in unguarded refuges.

In these unguarded, rustic, but warm refuges, the toilets are outside in Pré Grandu, in nature in Chaumailloux, and you have to melt the snow or transport water to make yourself a meal and possibly make a bit of toilet! Wipes are also a good compromise. Solidarity among all members of the group is a guarantee of success. When we get to the huts, we have to make a fire (the wood is on site) to warm up, but the hut is quite small and very quickly hot.

MEALS

Breakfast, dinner, lunch picnic and snacks included.

In the gite in Rousset-en-Vercors, the group is in half board; in the refuges not guarded, the dinner is made by the group and the guide. Help is always welcome. For lunch, your guide prepare a picnic, usually consisting of a variety of salads and regional products.

Please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary requirements at the time of booking.
We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring a few extra items for your own picnics.

TRANSFERS

Transfer in your own vehicle to the start of the trail at the Beure car park.

THE IGLOO IN A NUTSHELL...

Building an igloo requires a bit of technique, which your guide will be happy to teach you! An igloo for 3 or 4 people can be built in around 3 hours. Once built, a simple candle transforms the place into a cathedral of light... why not spend the night?
Don't worry, we have a well-equipped hut nearby that you can use if you don't fancy a night in the igloo.
You'll also learn an incredibly effective safety technique in a hostile environment that you'll never forget!
If the snow conditions aren't good enough to build an igloo, we'll opt for a snowshoe walk on the high plateaux.

MAPS

IGN Top 25 : 3136 ET, 3236 OT, 3235 OT

Practical information

ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT

Meeting at 2 pm on the first day at your accomodation in Rousset en Vercors.

BY CAR      
Access by Valence then Die.
From Die, drive to the Col de Rousset.
Special equipment (snow tires, snow chains or socks, etc.) are mandatory from 1 November. Practice putting them on before you leave.

You leave your car in the Beure car park or at the Col du Rousset on day 2. You can collect it at the end of your stay.

BY TRAIN
Train station in Die then taxi. Check the timetable on the SNCF website

CLOSEST AIRPORTS
Lyon (LYS) 2h by car to Rousset en Vercors

End point at 4pm at the parking of Beure or at le Col de Rousset.

CONTACT US

If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07

Equipment & luggage

EQUIPMENT LIST

Clothing

• Waterproof ski or winter walking trousers
• Wind stopper or Goretex jacket
• Breathable or merino wool t-shirts
• Breathable or merino wool leggings
• Fleece or jumper
• Insulating down jacket
• 2 pairs of ski gloves and a warm hat
• Walking socks (1 pair per day)
• Sturdy waterproof walking boots

Snowshoeing equipment

• Snowshoeing in good condition
• Two snowshoeing (or ski) poles

Other Equipment

• A warm sleeping bag but not too big (think you will carry it); both refuges are heated by the wood stove, but it can be cool in the early morning
• Rucksack 30-40 liters capacity
• Towels and toilet paper
• Sunglasses and ski mask
• Sun cream
• Water bottle and Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
• Knife and spoon
• Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches
• Plastic cup for coffee
• Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
• A flashlight or headlamp
• Candle, matches or lighter
• Survival blanket
• Identity card or passport 

LUGGAGE TRANSPORT

You carry your belongings in pulkas (Scandinavian sledges)  and drawn by the participants; we plan a pulka for 2 to 4 people to draw alternately. The pulka slides over the snow and requires less effort than wearing a loaded backpack. The weight of personal belongings in the pulkas must not exceed 8 kg per person.

You also carry your backpack (30 liters max) in which you will have your belongings of the day (a warm garment, a rain cape, a canteen, box and cutlery for the picnic, sun protection and identity papers) and some room to carry a picnic.