Névache Snowshoe: Valleys & Cols

Névache Snowshoe: Valleys & Cols Névache Snowshoe: Valleys & Cols 1295 Introductory One of the very best areas in France to snowshoe in the mountains. The tiny ancient hamlet of Névache is situated in the Vallée de la Clarée, a truly beautiful base for a week of exploring the surrounding snowy summits and Cols. The very name 'Nevache' means 'snow covered' and the area is known for often having the best snow cover in the Southern Alps. We also aim to spend one night in a mountain refuge which in itself is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the mountains 'up close' and in all their glory. Remote, ancient and beautiful valley base Numerous excellent routes Night in a mountain refuge Return airport transfers included Reputation for great snow Taste the delights of the highest microbrewery in France! DeparturesNevache Snowshoe: Valleys and Cols Itinerary We always aim to complete the itinerary as outlined below, however, the following itinerary will be followed only when conditions and weather make it appropriate, both in terms of safety and enjoyment. Your guide will make a decision on your route based on those conditions. Day 1 Arrival Day We meet at 7pm at our accommodation when your guide will be available to discuss the itinerary and answer any questions about the week ahead. Please get in touch for advice about getting to Névache.The village is really charming and is home to the highest brewery in France which has been in the same family for generations. Day 2 Col des Thures We begin with a day getting to know the area by heading for Col des Thures. The first impression of the Vallee de la Claree is of a mediteranean landscape covered in snow! Our route follows a ez Publish PDF export 1 of 5

side valley from above Nevache village taking us along a gorge featuring stunning spires of rock rising above the pines. We then head up through the treeline allowing us access to the Col at 2194m, which sits just above Lac Chavillon. Ascent 600m. 10.8km. 6 hrs Day 3 Refuge de Buffère and Col de la Buffère A great day out to the lovely rustic refuge at Buffère. A steady climb takes us to the viewpoint at the refuge where we can stop for a well earned hot chocolate! If you want to take it easy today you can rest at the refuge, while the rest of the team tackle the Col de la Buffère on the horizon. A really beautiful day out in a wild mountain landscape with stunning views to the mountains of the Ecrins. Ascent to refuge 400m. Ascent to Col 900m. 16km. 7.5hrs. Day 4 Vallon de Creuzet A change of scene and today as we take in a valley walk into the lovely Creuzet area. We climb into this high valley below the Croix Carail to an altitude of around 2,277m. Again this is just a short drive from Nevache and starts at Plamplinet which makes it very convenient. Ascent 800m. 9.5 km. 4.5 hrs. Day 5 Refuge du Chardonnet The start of a great two day trip into the mountains. We leave today from Fontcouverte and climb steadily through the forest at 2,223m. until the clear ground below the Refuge du Chardonnet After a stop for a coffee we can spend the afternoon exploring the area beyond the refuge. Again it is possible for you to choose to rest at the refuge and relax in the sunshine! For the more energetic there are various 'tops' to aim for, before returning to the Refuge for the night and a wellearned glass or two! Ascent to refuge 650m. 8km. 4 hrs. Day 6 Col du Chardonnet Today we head into another valley as we set off for our goal of the Col du Chardonnet at 2,638m. ez Publish PDF export 2 of 5

From the ridge line we should get good views of the Ecrins mountains to the west also the peak of the Grand Galibier which sits above the Col Galibier of Tour de France fame. We then descend back to the valley to our hotel. Ascent 400m. 15km. 7 hrs. Day 7 Wind-down Day Today is a?wind-down? day there are many local routes in the Vallee de la Claree to choose from such as the Chalets des Acles, or if you have energy left we can have another day grabbing a high point. A group decision will be made based on remaining stamina! Day 8 Departure Departure Day. Minimum Numbers This trip will run once we have a minimum of 4 clients. We will take a maximum of 8. Price Price includes: The price is based on shared twin room accommodation with half board in a 2** Hotel or similar. It will include one night in a mountain refuge where we will use dormitory style accommodation. A single room may be available in the refuge for a supplement., also a single room supplement may be available in the hotel, this relies on early booking. The price includes the professional guiding services of a qualified International Mountain Leader. It includes a transfer from Turin airport no later than 1630 hrs on the arrival day. It includes a transfer back to Turin ariport on your departure day aiming to arrive at the airport by 1100hrs. It includes all snowshoe equipment - each client is required to have snowshoes and poles, a snow shovel, avalanche probe and avalanche transceiver (a radio beacon allowing search and rescue). The carrying of this equipment is compulsory. Price does not include: Lunches are not included. Flights are not included. ez Publish PDF export 3 of 5

Accommodation Our accommodation in Nevache is in characterful 2*star Auberge/Hotel. The village is really lovely and we adore staying here! Accommodation is based on twin rooms which may or may not be ensuite depending on which one of the two village hotels we are staying in. Please contact us if you wish to know more - we can assure you the rooms are cosy and comfortable. Single rooms may be available on request for a supplementary payment. However, these are limited in number and we recommend that you book early if you wish to be sure of a single room. Please contact us for details. Weather In mountainous terrain the weather can vary considerably. In winter temperatures can range from +10 degrees celsius, to -15 degrees celsius. Even in winter it is often sunny with lovely blue sky days, but it can snow heavily and you would be prepared for any eventuality. Insurance Each client must have the necessary insurance for this particular activity, which includes helicopter rescue from the mountains in France. Without this insurance we are unable to take you into the mountains. Please ensure that YOU are satisfied that your insurance covers this. Getting There There are various options for getting to the Briancon area, (Briancon is the nearest large town, about 30 mins drive from Nevache), you can fly to Turin, which is the nearest airport, but it is perhaps best if you let us know your potential plans and we can then advise you. It may also be possible to fly to Geneva, in Switzerland. If you fly to Turin we will collect you at the airport, and take you to your accommodation.this will be at a time to suit the majority of the group, but no later than 1630hrs on the arrival day. The transfer time if approximately 2.45 hrs. Your flight back from Turin should ideally be from 1300 hrs onwards on the departure day. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss flight and transfer times. The journey time between Turin and Nevache is approximately 2.15 hrs. You can also arrive by train on the TGV which runs an overnight service arriving in Briancon around 8am. www.raileurope.co.uk another useful link is http://www.ot-briancon.fr/fr/acces/train.htm, which gives various ways of getting to Briancon. From Briancon you can take a local bus or a taxi to your accommodation. ez Publish PDF export 4 of 5