Fort de la Croix de Bretagne on snowshoes

Name: Fort de la Croix de Bretagne on snowshoes
Address: Parking de la Maison d’enfants de la Guisane Route du fort de la Croix de Bretagne, Villar-Saint-Pancrace, 05100
Telephone: 06 07 07 31 08
Price range: Free access.

Villar-Saint-Pancrace

snowshoeing in Villard Saint Pancrace - © FGuffroy

Set off through snowy woods to discover this fort built between 1876 and 1879. This hike through the forest on a snow-covered military trail offers the chance to observe numerous animal tracks and leads to a remarkable panorama.

Description

Leave the parking lot and take the road up into the forest.

At the fork in the road, take the right-hand track and follow the signs for "Fort de la Croix de Bretagne".

The track then rises steadily through the forest without any forks, winding its way up to the fort. At the bend in the trail, a lovely view opens up of the hamlet of Mélézin just opposite and the Mélézin summit, as well as the start of the Ayes valley.

Arriving at the fort, a remarkable panoramic view opens up: the crossroads of the 5 valleys, the Durance, the Guisane, the Clarée, the Cerveyrette and the Ayes and all the surrounding peaks.

The return journey takes the same route.

Complément accueil

We strongly advise against taking the steep path on the north side, which is regularly cut by icy gullies and tree trunks.

Progress on snow-covered terrain is far more demanding than in summer. It requires special equipment and knowledge of mountain hazards.

An ungroomed route sometimes requires you to "make tracks", and requires good physical condition and preparation.

- Consult the weather forecast
- Avalanche risk assessment bulletin
-Consult guide recommendations
- Make sure you have the right equipment, including avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes.
- Choose an itinerary suited to your physical condition
- Never set off alone.