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11th Mar 2027 - 16th Mar 2027
6 days/France /Moderate to Challenging
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 French Alps Snowshoe 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.
During the morning treks, you will carry your luggage, except food and bedding. Afternoon hiked will be out and back from the lodge so you will need to only carry essential items such as water, snacks, first aid kit.
UK – Turin – Briancon
Depart for Turin. On arrival, we cross into France and transfer to our hotel in Briançon. If time permits, enjoy a walk through the beautifully preserved old town before our briefing and welcome dinner this evening.
Briancon – Nevache – Buffere Refuge (Trek day 1)
After breakfast, we’ll depart for Nevache, the starting point of our trek. After getting kitted out with our snowshoes and a bit of time to practice, we’ll set off up the spectacular Claree Valley, beginning gently through peaceful forests before emerging into wide, sparkling snowfields. It’s the perfect warm-up, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful rhythm to get you into the spirit of the mountains!
Depending on weather conditions, and how we get on, this afternoon there may be a chance for a further gentle hike up towards the Col de Buffere before settling into our cosy mountain refuge for the night!
Minimum Distance: 5kms
Ascent: +500m (highest point 2,059m)
Duration: 6 – 7 Hours in total
Buffere Refuge – Refuge du Chardonnet
After a cosy night at Buffère Refuge, we set off again, descending gently through peaceful snow-laden forests back down towards the river. Breathing in the crisp alpine air, we then traverse across the valley, before beginning a gradual, steady climb towards our next mountain haven — the charming Chardonnet Refuge. Today’s route offers a beautiful variety of landscapes — from tranquil riverbanks and woodlands to open snowy slopes where the views stretch out for miles.
Once we reach Chardonnet Refuge and drop off our heavy backpacks, the adventure doesn’t have to end! For those feeling strong, there are several exciting options for an afternoon challenge: Snowshoe up to a high-altitude lake, now hidden under a thick, magical blanket of snow or ascend towards a nearby mountain pass, for sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding peaks (weather and snow conditions permitting).
These optional excursions are done with lightweight gear, so you can move freely and enjoy the incredible scenery without the burden of a full pack.
Minimum Distance: 5kms
Ascent: +379m, Descent -248m (highest point 2,194m)
Duration: 5-6 Hours in total
Refuge du Chardonnet – Refuge Laval
After a refuge breakfast at Chardonnet Refuge, we lace up our snowshoes once again for another day of breathtaking winter scenery. We begin with a gentle descent, winding down towards the river where, depending on conditions, we may witness the beauty of icefalls, frozen in time. From the river, the trail leads us on a gradual and steady climb, opening out onto the wide, snow-blanketed plateau where the Laval refuge sits. The climb is easy-going, allowing you to savour the peacefulness of the wild, silent landscape.
Arriving at Refuge Laval, perched high in the mountains, feels like stepping into a winter wonderland — remote, tranquil, and utterly magical.
After dropping off our heavier gear, you’ll have the chance to head out for a lightweight afternoon snowshoe hike, with countless options radiating from the refuge. Whether you prefer a gentle wander or a more energetic climb towards nearby peaks, your guide will suggest the best routes based on the weather and the group’s mood.
Tonight marks our last evening in the mountains, so take the time to truly appreciate and savour the experience. Enjoy a delicious dinner, share stories with your fellow adventurers, and soak up the unique atmosphere of being high in the snowy wilderness. It’s a night to celebrate how far you’ve come — and the memories you’ve made — before tomorrow’s final leg.
Minimum Distance: 6kms
Ascent: +346m, Descent -529m (highest point 2,227m)
Duration: 6-7 Hours
Refuge Laval to Nevache – Briancon
After a final breakfast at the refuge, we put on our snowshoes one last time for the grand finale of our adventure — a beautiful descent back to Névache. The trail takes us gently downhill, following the river and weaving through serene snowy forests and wide open alpine meadows. After several days immersed in the high mountains, today’s walk feels wonderfully free and flowing, offering plenty of time to soak up the stillness and beauty of the Clarée Valley.
It’s almost all downhill, with just a few gentle undulations, making it a rewarding and fun final day — the perfect opportunity to reflect on the journey and savour every last step.
We reach Névache by mid-afternoon, where a well-earned celebration awaits! Whether it’s a hot drink, a slice of local cake, or simply taking a deep breath of the crisp mountain air, it’s a time to feel proud of what you’ve accomplished.
Later this afternoon, we head back to Briancon for our final night and farewell dinner.
Briancon – Turin – London
Transfer back to Turin airport for the return flight.
Total trip cost: £1,995
Please contact us at accounts@different-travel.com for details on how to pay your deposit or trip costs by instalments.
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