The Queyras, the highest inhabited valley in Europe, a small country where nature has preserved its rights with its vast spaces of virgin snow. Queyras is also made up of men who, in their villages, have been able to maintain an authentic welcome, traditions and spirit that is not found in any other alpine valley. It is in this unique atmosphere that we offer you to indulge in easy hikes, on secure routes, that will take you from typical hamlets to classified villages. We have chosen for you the best hotels that will offer you back to your return of hiking comfortable services. Sumptuous landscapes and cozy comfort on the program of this unforgettable stay.
Departure from December 18, 2023 to March 18, 2024
With luggage transport:
770€ per person, base 2 people minimum
Information and booking by phone or email.
Includes:
Accommodation in B&B (night and breakfast), 4* hotel in standard room;
The road book: description and IGN cards (1 complete road book for 1 to 4 people, additional file for 5 people or more. Additional file: supplement from 10 to 25€);
Rental of snowshoes and sticks;
Loan of safety equipment (ARVA, excavators, probes);
The tourist tax;
Transfers by vehicle planned during the hike;
Organization and booking fees.
Does not include:
Cancellation assistance insurance (4.2% of the cost of the trip);
The dinners;
The picnics;
Transportation to and from Montdauphin-Guillestre station
Personal expenses (drinks, visits, etc.);
The return journey from your home to the meeting point and dispersion;
Airport taxes and other exclusions clearly and duly described on the corresponding data sheet.
ATTENTION: For a stay between December 26 and January 3, the price of this stay is only on quote.
The price refers to the meeting point to the dispersion point.
ARVIEUX VALLEY
Meet during the day at the Chalp d'Arvieux, in the hotel «la Ferme de l'Izoard». Possibility to visit the factory of wooden toys, free ride in the valley.
Night in hotel **** with SPA
ARVIEUX - WHEEL LAKE - SHOES
Safety briefing with a licensed attendant. From La Chalp, beautiful crossing to Lac de Roue (frozen in winter, but with fabulous viewpoints over the Guil valley). From the lake, head to the pastoral hamlet of Souliers. Possibility to break the crust at the refuge. From Souliers, return to Lac de Roue, then by the GR, towards the Arvieux valley, to enjoy the hotel’s heated swimming pool.
Night in hotel **** with SPA
5h walk/ Altitude difference: +550; - 550 m
PRATS HAUTS - PIERRE GROSSE - SAINT VERAN
In the morning, transfer from the hotel to Chalp for Aiguilles or the small hamlet of Prats-Hauts. From this hamlet perched at 1800m above sea level, a balcony path leads to Saint Véran, the highest village in Europe. Via a route in the forest, then in full sun, crossing peacefully in the middle of the alpine pastures overlooking the valley of Aigues. Passage to Pierre grosse, one of the most typical villages of Queyras. You will then reach the ski area of Molines – Saint Véran before reaching the village of Saint Véran (2040m).
Night in hotel **** with SPA
4h to 5h walk/ Altitude difference: + 300 to 600m/ - 200 m
SAINT VÉRAN - REFUGE DE LA BLANCHE - SAINT-VÉRAN
Early departure for a day of about 15km. From Saint-Véran, down the track to the old bridge and then up along the torrent of the Aigue Blanche to the Clausis Chapel… Large white at the foot of the border ridge. From the chapel, follow the trail to the refuge, which is not very far away, dominated by the fabulous Tête des Toillies. Return to the valley and overnight in Saint-Véran.
Night in hotel **** with SPA
6h walk/ Altitude difference: +/- 500m
THE CURLET CRETE
After having cleared your room, departure to a beautiful promontory on the village of Saint Véran. Fast descent to the Pont du Moulin, then through a century-old larch forest, you will reach the Croix de Curlet which proudly dominates this vast valley and the village of Saint-Véran. Descent in the powder until the Pont du Moulin then the Chalp. Transfer to your vehicle if you have come by car, or regular shuttle from Saint Véran.
5h30 walk/ Altitude difference: - 500 m
Elevation : 200m
Walking time : in average 4 hours per day. Forest tracks and trails.
Route without exposure to avalanche risks, wide paths or forest tracks. Snowy winter environment requiring suitable equipment.
Maximum altitude of the accommodation: between 1800m and 2500m
Maximum altitude of passages: 2500m
The tour has been developed along with our local partners who are very mindful about organising an authentic journey.
Hotel accommodation****: double or twin room, according to your choice, in standard room. Sheets and towels are provided, bathrooms are private. Possibility of upgrade, with supplement (subject to availability).
Service included: night + breakfast in standard room.
You only carry your backpack of the day. The rest of your luggage remains at the accommodation.
Before your departure we give you a road book specially designed for this circuit, composed of precise indications that will allow you to make your days of discovery and hiking in complete freedom. To fully enjoy and appreciate your hiking trip, you must be able to ensure your autonomy in the field with the documents provided.
Your hiking file will be mailed to you upon receipt of the balance of your stay. It includes:
Be able to easily walk 15 km (plain) in 3 hours maximum.
If this is not the case, within three weeks before departure, 2 to 3 times a week, we advise you to undertake a good workout: 4 to 5 km of jogging or 3 to 4 hours of hiking or cycling. Your physical preparation will facilitate your stay and allow you to appreciate it all the more.
At the hotel La Ferme de l'Izoard in Chalp d'Arvieux (05).
BY CAR
To plan your journey, please visit : www.viamichelin.fr & www.mappy.fr
Beware : several montain passes are closed during the winter. Some websites or GPS will guide you this way but this is impossible.
>> The Izoard pass is closed from early November to mid-May.
BY TRAIN
Please consult the SNCF, www.voyages-sncf.com when registering. Montdauphin-Guillestre station, Briançon line (Hautes-Alpes).
Regular shuttles between Montdauphin station and Chalp d'Arvieux (35km, 40mn, 10€), i
End of stay late afternoon on day 5:
If you are late please let us know as soon as possible : +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Material for snowshoeing (snowshoes and poles) is provided. However, if you have your own and would like to use them you are free to do so. Avalanche safety equipment including (transceiver, shovel and probe) is also provided.
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
Other Equipment
- Rucksack minimum 35 litre capacity
- Sunglasses and ski mask
- Sun cream
- Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
- Knife, fork and spoon
- Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches
- Plastic cup for coffee
- Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
- Survival blanket
- Identity card or passport
You must pack all of your belongings in 2 bags: 1 backpack and 1 travel bag.
The backpack for the day :
Hiking backpack of about 35 liters, it will be useful for transporting your personal belongings during the day (warm clothes, water bottle, picnic, sun protection, identity papers, camera, binoculars , etc.)