Every outdoor lover in France feels their heart beat when it comes to the Vercors mountains. A vast altitude plateau, the Vercors Massif offers a harmonious wilderness. From the impregnable fortress of the high plateau to the shredded peaks of the classified Jarjatte valley, the southern part of this mythical mountain range between the Drôme et Isère regions offers wild and authentic nature.
As the cold winds of winter start to blow, the snow offers a new dimension to this territory. The forest and the mountains become cloaked in stillness for the great pleasure of the contemplative hiker that crosses this frozen world where lynx and wolves prowl. Far from crowded ski resorts, snowshoes are the best way to discover this peaceful mountain range rich with amazing wildlife!
Dates | Status | Prices |
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6 days / 5 nights
The price includes:
The price does not include:
The price is all inclusive from departure to end point.
Personalised tour available
Contact us !Welcoming at 11:30 am at Die train station.
DIE - CORRENCON EN VERCORS - HERBOUILLY - ROYBON
Transfer to Corrençon-en-Vercors. Hike through the "Pas de la Sambue" and the Herbouilly plain. First atmospheres of the highlands alternating open spaces of hay meadows and forest ridges. The first accommodation is well located. Dinner and night in a gite (dormitory).
3 hour walk / Elevation: + 400m; - 200m
ROYBON - LA CHAPELLE EN VERCORS
Towards the south, the glade of Darbounouse, the mowing meadow of the farmers below, offers us the privacy of the Highlands and the Nature Reserve. Hidden on its sides, the "pot du Play" allows to reach the valley of "La Chapelle-en-Vercors" and the hotel. Dinner and night in a hotel in La Chapelle-en-Vercors.
5.5 hour walk / Elevation: + 400m; - 850m
LA CHAPELLE EN VERCORS - VASSIEUX EN VERCORS
A short morning transfer provides access to the karst plateau of "Font d´Urle". Conditions can be particularly difficult in bad weather. A ridge route offers splendid views of the Quint valley and the ascent of "Puy de la Gagère" allows to switch to the Vassieux plateau. Dinner and night in a comfortable gite in Vassieux.
4.5 hour walk / Elevation: + 300m; - 600m
VASSIEUX EN VERCORS - ROUSSET PASS
The cliffs of the southern Vercors which plunge into the land of "Clairette de Die" emerge and come closer. Via the Chironne pass, a place for summer pastures, the panorama transports us to the Ventoux, and the Rousset pass gives us the passage to the small resort of the same name. Dinner and night in a comfortable gite at the Rousset pass.
5.5 hour walk / Elevation: + 650m; - 450m
ROUSSET PASS - CHAUMAILLOUX SHEEPFOLD
By the chairlift or by a short transfer, approach of the ridges of the Beure plateau and enter the Nature Reserve. The multitude of routes allows to progress among the wildest places of the Highlands with the Dévoluy massif, the Alps and the Mont Aiguille as a backdrop. The old sheepfold of Chaumailloux, summarily furnished but with the necessary, is a place where the evening and the awakening bring us back to the time of the trappers. Dinner and night at the Chaumailloux sheepfold.
Night in not guarded refuge (no water, ecological toilet), no luggage transport
6 hour walk / Elevation: + 750m; - 600m
CHAUMAILLOUX SHEEPFOLD - COMBEAU
The Combeau valley, the final destination of the trip, can be approached by multiple paths and the feeling of isolation and unspoiled nature does not end until we arrive at the gite. Transfer to Die train station. End point at 5 p.m.
5 hours walk / Elevation: + 400m; - 600m
Elevation: +/- 300 to 750m approximately per day.
Walking time: 3 to 6 hours per day depending on the group.
You will carry your belongings for the night of D5 (sheepfold of Chamailloux).
The snow cover in the middle mountains is sometimes uncertain. You are hikers, in the event of a lack of snow on certain parts of the route, we will still ensure the departure of our stays. Remember to bring walking shoes.
Group from 6 to 12 people supervised by a qualified professional winter mountain leader, specialist in snow and avalanches.
- 1 night in a 2* hotel in a double room
- 1 night in a family pension in a double room
- 2 nights in a gite in a shared room (dormitory)
- 1 night in an unguarded refuge. No shower or running water.
At the Bergerie de Chaumailloux, a rustic but warm refuge, the toilets are in nature and you have to melt the snow or transport water to cook yourself or wash yourself (wipes are a good compromise). Solidarity between all the members of the group is a guarantee of success. A sackcloth or light down blanket is required. Arriving at the refuge, we will have to light a fire (wood is provided) to heat ourselves (the refuge is quite small and quickly heated).
Breakfasts and diners are provided in the accommodation.
Lunch picnics most often prepared by the guide, sometimes by the accommodation. At the sheepfold, your guide will prepare meals (a “helping hand” will be appreciated). Please let us know, upon registration, any type of food allergy, we will do our best to adapt your meals.
On Day 1, meeting with your guide and the rest of the group at Die station at 11:30 am. Be ready, in hiking gear, full water bottle or thermos. If you're late, you can join the group on the first night at Roybon's Inn on your own.
BY TRAIN
Die train station on the Paris Briançon line (night train direct from Paris from Austerlitz station). During the day: connections from Valence-ville or Valence-TGV stations by train or bus. Consult the SNCF website to know or check the timetables.
BY CAR
A7 Lyon-Valence motorway, exit 15-Valence-Sud for E713 towards Valence-Sud / Gap / Crest. Then exit 31 to join the D111 towards Crest. Then D93 to Die. Visit the VIA MICHELIN website.
If you're coming by car, you can leave your vehicle in the parking lot at Die station (unguarded).
End of the hike around 5 p.m. at Die station.
If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible on: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Material for snowshoeing (snowshoes and poles) is provided. However, if you have your own equipment and would like to use it you are free to do so. Avalanche safety equipment is also provided (transceiver, shovel and probe).
Clothing
Other Equipment
Bring a comfortable backpack of 35 to 40 litres for your avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, shovel and probe), personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.