Top 15 most beautiful snowshoe walks in the High Valleys

Winter covers the high valleys with a thick white blanket, transforming summer trails into vast, pristine expanses. Between silent forests, panoramic ridges, and sparkling valleys, snowshoe walks offer a unique immersion in a magical setting. But be careful: the snow erases the paths, leaving only the fleeting tracks of hares and the discreet passages of foxes.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, these 15 snowshoeing ideas will get you moving to the rhythm of the snow-covered mountains.

Before setting off, remember to check the snow conditions and read the safety advice at the end of this article to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing.

Consult the BERA (Avalanche Risk Assessment Bulletin)

The upper Clarée Valley is one of the most beautiful snowshoe hikes around Briançon, winding its way between small alpine hamlets, picturesque chapels, and breathtaking snow-covered panoramas. For a refreshing break, there are three inns and mountain huts along the route, perfect for enjoying a delicious dessert, savoring a good meal, or warming up with a hot drink.

Starting from Névache (Ville-Haute), there are several routes to choose from:

1.  Loop from Ville-Haute to Fontcouverte ( 3.5-4 hours round trip, +250 m elevation gain): An enchanting route that winds along the Clarée River, through forests, chalets, and frozen rivers. Stop at the Fontcouverte waterfall, frozen in the snow, and enjoy a gourmet break atthe Auberge de la Fruitière.
2. To the Laval refuge ( 5 hours round trip, +400 m elevation gain) This accessible hike extends the pleasure to the heart of the upper valley. The trail, well marked in winter, offers superb views of the surrounding peaks. A break at the Laval refugeallows you to warm up before the return trip.
3. To the Drayères refuge (7 hours round trip, +560 m elevation gain): A longer and wilder route, reserved for hikers in good physical condition. The gradual climb leads to an isolated refuge, surrounded by magnificent landscapes, where the silence of winter takes on its full meaning.

ℹ️ Winter safety: due to avalanche risks, certain sections on the right bank are not recommended.

Detailed snowshoe trails

The Fontcouverte waterfall loop

Ascent to the Laval Refuge

Ascent to the Drayères refuge

The Col d'Izoard, famous for its spectacular views of the Queyras and the peaks of Cervières, is a must for winter snowshoe hiking enthusiasts. Set off from Le Laus, a hamlet in Cervières, and followthe shared Nordic route to the pass. Depending on snow conditions, you can also cut through the forest for a wilder experience. Just a hundred meters below the pass, the Napoleon refuge awaits you for a gourmet break with a delicious meal or homemade tart after a busy day.

Practical information

• Departure: Le Laus, hamlet of Cervières
• Route: Shared Nordic
• Elevation gain: +616 m
• Distance: 16 km
• Duration: 5-6 hours round trip

Snowshoe trail from the Col de l'Izoard

Behind the small Chazelet station, this snow-covered valley invites you to enjoy an unforgettable snowshoe hike, with La Meije behind you and Pic du Mas de la Grave in your sights. Along the way, you will pass through the alpine hamlets of Les Rivets and Les Orliers, nestled under the snow, before descending to the Pic du Mas de la Grave refuge.

This refuge, open from late January to early April (depending on snow conditions), offers a comforting break with the option of meals, overnight stays, and even a sauna. During the season, a marked route is set up from the Croix de Tuf to bypass tricky sections.

Practical information

• Departure: Le Chazelet, hamlet of La Grave
• Pic du Mas de la Grave refuge: +350 m elevation gain – 3 to 4 hours round trip
• Short version (Les Rivets / Croix de Tuf): +150 m elevation gain – approx. 2 hours round trip

A snowshoe route that can be adapted to your level, taking you through alpine villages, majestic panoramas, and authentic mountain scenery.

Snowshoe route to the Pic du Mas de La Grave

The sun-drenched hamlets of La Grave offer breathtaking views of La Meije. From the summit of La Grave, set off on an accessible snowshoe hike to discover the hamlet of Terrasses. If you're feeling energetic, continue your climb to the ridge separating Terrasses and Le Chazelet, where you can admire the village of Le Chazelet nestled at the foot of the Emparis plateau and the Pic du Mas de La Grave.

⚠️ Safety: The crossing between Terrasses and Les Clots includes a schistose passage that is not recommended in winter.

Practical information

• Departure: La Grave
• Terraces: +250 m elevation gain – 2 hours round trip
• Ridge above Terrasses: +350 m elevation gain – 3 hours round trip

Starting from Val-des-Prés, this route takes you on a journey of discovery to the summer hamlet of Granon, a place dear to Émilie Carles, authorof Une soupe aux herbes sauvages(A Soup of Wild Herbs). She used to travel there on muleback, following the traditions of her family, who spent part of the year there.

Practical information

• • Departure: Val-des-Prés – Pont de la Draye
  • Level: Moderate (unmarked trail)
  • Distance: 8 km round trip
  • Elevation gain: +524 m
  • Duration: 5 hours round trip

This off-the-beaten-track hike immerses you in local history while offering exceptional natural surroundings. Only suitable for experienced hikers, as the route is not marked.

Snowshoeing to the Granon chalets

This exceptional snowshoe trail invites you to explore a peaceful, unspoiled valley. Set off to discover the Mur des Aittes, then head towards the hamlet of La Chau before crossing the Bourget plain. The alpine hamlets, with their old-world charm, line the Cerveyrette torrent, offering a complete immersion in the authenticity of the region. You will eventually reach the Fonts de Cervières, a quiet and beautiful spot, perfect for a well-deserved break.

Practical information

• Departure: Cervières
• Type of route: Walking/snowshoeing, groomed from the February holidays onwards
• Distance: 24 km
• Elevation gain: +420 m
• Duration: 7-8 hours round trip

Route to the springs of Cervières

This marked trail starting from the summit of Villar d'Arène invites you to enjoy a peaceful exploration of the local heritage and authentic hamlets. Along the way, enjoy magnificent views of the Écrins peaks and explore picturesque sites such as the Saint-Antoine chapel, offering breathtaking views of the Romanche valley and its villages, as well as the hamlet of Les Cours, known for its sundials, and the charming hamlet of Pied du Col. You will also pass a grain mill on the banks of the Romanche, a reminder of the region's agricultural past.

Practical information

• Departure: Arsine, hamlet of Villar d'Arène
• Type: Marked loop
• Distance: 10 km
• Elevation gain: +100 m
• Level: Very easy

A gentle and pleasant route, ideal for a friendly snowshoe hike with family or friends, while discovering local history in a breathtaking natural setting.

Route through the hamlets of Villar d’Arêne

The Clarée Valley is full of cozy mountain huts, accessible on snowshoes viathe shared Nordic trail in the upper valley. By turning off toward the snow-covered mountain pastures, you can easily reach these havens of tranquility.

The wardens at the Buffère, Chardonnet, Ricou, and Drayères refugesregularly maintainthe access trails, ensuring an easier climb. Whether for a gourmet break, a convivial meal, or a night surrounded by nature, these refuges offer an authentic experience in the heart of the mountains.

See also:  La Clarée from refuge to refuge

Learn more about snowshoeing in Clarée

For an enriching and safe experience, refer to guidebooks or set off with a mountain guide. These local experts will take you on a journey of discovery through magnificent valleys, passes, and peaks, while sharing their knowledge of the mountains, safety, nature, and heritage.

The guides at La Clarée

The guides of La Grave

The guides of the Izoard

Snowshoe hikes without a guide

If you have no experience of the mountains in winter but want to enjoy a safe outing, opt for the marked and groomed walking/snowshoe trails in the Nordic areas. These safe routes will allow you to discover the beauty of the mountains at your own pace.

Snowshoeing, like ski touring or mountain walking, involves risks, especially outside of groomed trails and Nordic areas. To ensure your safety and fully enjoy your adventure, here are some essential recommendations to follow:

• Check the weather forecast.
• Consult the avalanche risk assessment bulletin.
• Always be prepared for cold and bad weather; conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Bring extra warm clothing, drinks, and food, even for short hikes.
• Bring safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe.
• Choose a route that suits your physical condition, abilities, and knowledge of the mountains.
• Consult the recommendations in the guidebooks.
• Never go alone. Always tell someone your chosen route.
• Don't be ashamed to turn back!

Respect the peace and quiet of wildlife struggling to survive in winter. Admire from a distance.

Beware of black grouse

See also the LPO's advice forhiking in winter without disturbing wildlife.