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11th Mar 2027 - 16th Mar 2027
6 days/France /Moderate to Challenging
Online Booking Unavailable Please contact us on info@different-travel.com to discuss making a booking
Step into a winter wilderness and discover the magic of the French Alps on this unforgettable snowshoeing adventure. Over four days, you’ll traverse the pristine Clarée Valley on foot, climbing through silent forests, across frozen rivers, and into vast, glittering plateaus beneath towering peaks. Each day brings new alpine challenges, from cosy refuge-to-refuge treks to optional high-pass ascents and hidden lakes buried under blankets of snow. With crisp mountain air in your lungs, a team of like-minded adventurers at your side, and hearty dinners waiting each night, this is the perfect escape for those craving wild beauty, physical challenge, and the rare joy of leaving fresh tracks in untouched snow.
This snowshoeing adventure through the French Alps is graded moderate to challenging, offering a rewarding experience for those with a good level of fitness and a sense of adventure. Over several days, you’ll trek between 5–7 hours a day across snow-covered terrain, with daily ascents of up to 500m and altitudes reaching just over 2,200m. The trails vary from gentle forest paths to wide, open snowfields and steady mountain climbs, all made more accessible with snowshoes.
While no previous snowshoeing experience is needed, you should feel confident walking for extended periods on uneven ground, sometimes in cold and variable weather. Carrying your own pack between refuges adds to the challenge, although there are opportunities for lighter hikes once you’ve dropped off your main gear. This is a true mountain journey — physically demanding at times, but incredibly rewarding, with unforgettable views and a strong sense of achievement at every step.
The Vallée de la Clarée, nestled in the Hautes‑Alpes near Briançon in southeastern France, is a stunning 33 km glacial valley crowned by the Massif des Cerces. Ranging from 1,400 to 2,000 m in elevation, it offers alpine meadows, larch forests and glacial rivers that support rich biodiversity, home to nearly 40 % of all plant species in the French Alps. With traditional farming and forestry still alive, the valley hosts around 600,000 visitors annually, drawn to its hiking trails like GR57 and the Tour du Mont Thabor.
In summer, it’s a paradise for walkers, kayakers and cyclists; in winter, its groomed cross-country ski trails attract athletes—including the French national team. Protected since 1992, this valley remains beautifully preserved, free from ski lifts and motorways, offering true wilderness amid postcard-perfect peaks, rivers and traditional villages.
In March, the climate in the French Alps, particularly around Briançon and the Clarée Valley, is typically cold, crisp, and snowy, making it ideal for snowshoeing adventures. Daytime temperatures often range from -5°C to 5°C, though it can feel warmer in the sun and much colder at higher altitudes or when the wind picks up. Nights are generally much colder, often dipping below -10°C, especially in the remote mountain refuges.
The air is dry and fresh, and the region often enjoys clear, sunny days thanks to its location in the Southern Alps, which receive more sunshine than many other alpine areas. That said, weather can change quickly in the mountains, and snowfall is still common in March, adding to the stunning winter scenery but also requiring flexibility and the right gear. Overall, you can expect a true winter environment: snowy trails, frozen rivers, and magical alpine views stretching beneath bright blue skies.
All meals are provided as per the itinerary with breakfast and dinner at hotels, guesthouses and local restaurants. A picnic lunch will be provided from the guesthouses while you are trekking. There will be plenty of veg, fruit, meats and cheeses.
Please inform us in advance if you have any dietary requirements or preferences.
During this incredible alpine adventure, you’ll stay in a mix of handpicked accommodations that truly reflect the spirit of the mountains. From the medieval charm of Briançon, where we kick things off in a welcoming hotel nestled in one of Europe’s highest towns, to remote mountain refuges tucked deep in the snowy valleys of the French Alps, each stay offers its own unique experience.
The refuges are warm, rustic, and full of character, offering simple yet cosy shared dormitories, hearty home-cooked meals, and an unbeatable atmosphere of camaraderie. With no roads, phones, or distractions, it’s all about fireside chats, stargazing skies, and the deep stillness of the high mountains. Whether it’s the Buffère Refuge surrounded by sparkling snowfields or the tranquil perch of Refuge Laval high on a plateau, every stop brings you closer to nature and further from the everyday.
You’ll need to be reasonably fit and in good health to fully enjoy this trip. Snowshoeing is more physically demanding than regular hiking, especially when carrying your pack and moving through deep snow or climbing steadily uphill. You should feel comfortable walking for 6–7 hours a day on consecutive days, including ascents of 300–500m and some sections at higher altitudes (over 2,000m).
While you don’t need to be an elite athlete, a good base level of cardiovascular fitness and leg strength will go a long way. Regular walking, hiking, running, cycling, or similar aerobic exercise in the months leading up to the trip will prepare you well. Practising walking with a rucksack and on varied terrain will also help.
No previous snowshoeing experience is required; you’ll get full instruction and time to practise, but being comfortable in cold weather and open to a bit of physical challenge is essential. If you enjoy being active outdoors and are up for an adventure, this trip is well within reach.
An ideal candidate for the trek would be someone who enjoys trekking and being out of their comfort zone, is interested in different cultures and is willing to train for the challenge. The minimum age is 18, although 16-17-year-olds may register if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
The trek is accompanied by professional English-speaking local guides who have excellent knowledge of hiking in the region. The guides are first aid trained and will support you throughout your journey. A tour manager from Different Travel Company will also support you.
Online Booking Unavailable Please contact us on info@different-travel.com to discuss making a booking
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