Snowshoe holiday in Nevache, France
The very name 'Névache' means 'snow covered' and the area is known for having the best snow cover in the Southern Alps.The tiny ancient hamlet of Névache is situated in the Vallée de la Clarée, a truly beautiful base for a week of snowshoeing.
Without doubt this is one of our favourite snowshoe destinations. It is one of those hidden gems that you stumble across and then wonder why on earth you haven't visited before. The community here is quintessentially French in terms of culture, food, and tradition. It is a quaint and ancient community that really does feel like a haven of tranquillity.
Holiday Reviews
Grade: Moderate
READ GRADE DESCRIPTIONAt a Glance
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Countries Visited | France |
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Dates and Prices
2027 Departures
| Code | Start Date | Return Date | Duration | Price | Status |
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Itinerary
You will be welcomed at the airport or train station (depending on your choice of arrival) by your guide, who will drive you to your accommodation. The evening meal will be at approximately 1900 hrs followed by the welcome meeting to discuss the itinerary, location and routes.
Advice on how to travel to Nevache is given in the 'Arrival & Departure' section of the Trip Information.
We have a gentle introduction to this wonderful area as we devote time and energy to exploring the wonders of the 'Haute Vallée', or High Valley of Nevache. The Haute Vallée runs north west from the ancient hamlet of Nevache, with ancient communities and refuges dotted along the route. It is well known as a wonderful example of how local people have used the clearings in the forest and the open high meadows to their advantage. Making use of the landscape in a way that allows maximum benefit to the grazing herds. The ancient practice of 'transhumance' is still practised here where there is the seasonal movement of the people with the livestock.
Leaving Nevache behind us we will wander alongside the river while taking in the views of the rocky peaks which tower over us on either side of this long narrow valley. We will aim for the Chalets de Fontcouverte, and if conditions and energy allow it we may climb higher to the Chalets de Queyrillin which sit at 1985m (6510ft). At the Chalets de Queyrillin there is also an ancient chapel which is a popular hiking destination. We may stop for refreshments at the wonderful Auberge La Fruitiere which is often open during the winter providing refreshments to skiers and snowshoers.
Ascent: 450m (1476ft) Descent: 400m (1312ft) Distance: 10km (6.2 miles) Duration: 5h00
Today we climb to the famous Col de L'Echelle which is a mountain pass between France and Italy, and is know in Italian as Colle della Scala. It connects the Vallée de la Clarée and the Vallée Étroite. We begin from the hamlet of Roubion which sits at 1300 metres (4264ft) and climb steadily to the high point at 1762 metres (5779ft). On the way we pass the ancient Chapel of Saint Hypolite, and then just before the Col the Notre Dame de Bon Secours, this roughly translates as 'Our lady of Good Rescue'. This is a really lovely walk and although in the summer months it is a busy mountain road, in the winter it is covered in a blanket of snow and is only accessible for those who make the effort to either ski or snowshoe to this panoramic viewpoint. Below us we have views to the town of Bardonecchia, and to our left a narrow valley dominated by Mont Thabor which reaches 2178 metres (7143ft).
Ascent: 462m (1515ft) Descent: 462m (1515ft) Distance: 10 km (6.3 miles) Duration: 4h00
There are many local routes in the Vallee de la Claree to choose from, such as the Chalets des Acles. This is a gorgeous valley which is less frequented than others. We begin at Plampinet where we take a steep but steady trail through the pines. On our way we pass the Oratoire Saint-Roch, and then reaching some clearings we arrive at the old farm buildings of Chalet des Acles which are grouped around an ancient chapel. After enjoying our picnic lunch and taking in those final high mountain views of this beautiful part of the world we will descend for our final night and cosy dinner in our ancient hamlet of Nevache.
Ascent: 400m (1312ft) Distance: 9.8km (6 miles) Duration: 4h30
This morning we head for a high open valley in the mountains, called Vallon du Creuzet. In the summer months it provides grazing for the herds of cattle, but in summer it is a silent white world.
Our objective will be a wander into the beautiful high combe below the structure of the 'Ancient Fort de l'Olive'. The Fort was built in 1881 and was the third and final fort built near Briançon as part of a system of fortifications in the 1870s and 1880's. The first part of todays snowshoe hike is like walking through a Mediterranean landscape covered in snow. We wander past ancient pine trees with their gnarled trunks, and past limestone outcrops and crags reminiscent of the terrain further south. After taking in the ambiance we wander back down our route with the change to do a further loop on the way home.
Ascent: 800m (2624ft) Distance: 9.5 km (6 miles) Duration: 5h00
Today we begin our two day adventure in the mountains, but before our escape to the hills you have the opportunity to visit the walled city of Briancon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. At an altitude of 1326 metres (4350 feet) it is the highest city in France, based on the French definition as a community with more than 2000 inhabitants. In 2008, several buildings of Briançon were classified as World Heritage Sites, as part of the "Fortifications of Vauban" group. They include the city walls, Redoute des Salettes, Fort des Trois-Têtes, Fort du Randouillet, and the Asfeld Bridge. They were designed by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban (1633–1707), a military engineer of King Louis XIV.
We will return to Nevache by mid-day to begin our relatively easy climb to the Refuge de Buffère. The trail to this lovely rustic Refuge is normally very good as they use a snow-mobile to re-stock the Refuge and the path will be pressed down. A steady climb through the pines takes us to the refuge where we will be spending the night. The Refuge prides itself on its excellent meals made with local or organic food. It also likes to offer its guests locally brewed beers, perhaps some home made Génépi, or their delicate liqueur made from Edelweiss! Now, that's an interesting proposition Edelweiss liqueur?
Ascent: 400m (1312ft) Distance: 4.5km (2.8 miles) Duration: 3h00
This morning we will leave our cosy Refuge and explore the ground beyond as we make our way to the Col de la Buffère. This is an excellent goal for our day in the mountains and one which offers fabulous views to the massif of the Ecrins mountains. We begin by wandering through the larch trees that are scattered just above the Refuge, however, the terrain soon opens out and we have a wonderful large valley to enjoy. The trail is very steady as it makes its way to the Col de la Buffère which sits at 2427m (7960ft) and where, weather dependent, we will aim to eat our picnic lunch. After savouring the views we will descend back to the Refuge for a hot drink before descending back to the village.
Ascent: 350m (1148ft) Distance: 11.5km (7.2 miles) Duration: 6h00
Today is your departure from this beautiful hidden gem of the Haute Alps.
It is our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
Accommodation
Refuge de Buffere
This really is a gorgeous Refuge and very comfortable. The Refuge prides itself on its excellent meals made with local or organic food. It also likes to offer its guests locally brewed beers, perhaps some home made Génépi, or their delicate liqueur made from Edelweiss! Now, that's an interesting proposition Edelweiss liqueur? Some bedrooms are available rather than the normal dormitory refuge style. This requires early booking on your behalf.
Hotel Échaillon, Nevache
The Hotel Echaillon is situated in the valley of Nevache, and in the hamlet of Roubion. The Échaillon, which is 2*, has 19 en suite rooms, some with balcony. The hotel has a bar, a lounge with a fireplace, and a south facing terrace. There is a wellness area, with sauna, and steam room, which must be booked in advance, for a charge of 7 Euros per session. The hotel also arranges massages on site. Downstairs, there's a drying room, for shoes and other wet or damp clothing.
Trip Information
It is your responsibility to ensure any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and the activity you will be undertaking. Tracks & Trails cannot advise on insurance policies or be held responsible if, in the event of a claim, your insurance is inadequate.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue It is a condition of booking you are insured for mountain rescue, medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. The exception to the mountain rescue insurance requirement is if the trip is taking place in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Ensure your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude can be checked in the 'At A Glance' box on the trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance Insurance should be booked as soon as we confirm your trip is going ahead. Deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the minimum numbers required. In this case we offer a full refund or the option to transfer to another trip.
Baggage Loss/Equipment Damage We advise insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage.
All the above is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further information on insurance options click here.
On many trips there will be an element of 'group kit'. This kit will will be minimal and usually a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example, on a week-long trip you may carry a shelter for one day before passing it to the next person. If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items, such as a snow shovel, probe, spare ski pole etc.
For each trip a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm your trip will go-ahead. Minimum and maximum numbers are displayed in 'At a Glance' on the righthand of the trip page. If you book travel before we have emailed to confirm the trip is guaranteed we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss.
The statistics given on your itinerary relating to ascent, descent and distance should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. This is a guideline to help you decide if, based on previous experience, your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. We ask you to note that the even the most modern of technology can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance.
Winter mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley. In winter the weather can be everything from clear blue skies, and glorious sunshine, to heavy snowfall and strong winds. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for all conditions. In December and January they can range from -10°Celsius (14°F) to 3°Celsius (37.4F), in February from -5°Celsius (23°F) to 7°Celsius (44.6°F), and in March from 0°Celsius (32°F) to 13°Celsius (55.4°F).
Food On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes. If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us. We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water If the accommodation has a problem with the water supply they will post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water, otherwise it is normal to drink from the tap. Hotels - It is not uncommon for restaurants to charge for tap water at the evening meal. If this is the case then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost. Mountain Huts - If your trip features a stay in a mountain hut/refuge and the tap water is not potable then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost of bottled water at the evening meal. Sparkling water is not included in this option and any cost should be covered by you.
Plastic credit or debit cards or smartphone pay systems are increasingly accepted throughout the areas where we run trips. Some countries, such as Norway, are moving towards a cashless society. However, in Europe, in the mountain areas where we run trips, a small amount of cash in the local currency is useful. For example, if you stop at a family-run mountain cafe or farm they may not accept cards or smartphone systems, and cash will be necessary. We recommend having enough cash in the local currency to pay for a few snacks and drinks. Whether to bring cash or not is at your own discretion.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in your luggage. If your trip does not include luggage support carry a paper copy with you, but separate from your passport. You should check passport requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
NEW European Travel Regulations 2026 If you are travelling to Europe you may be impacted by a change to travel regulations. In the last quarter of 2026, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. It is your responsibility to check for updates with regard to the introduction date.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
If your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut a slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be useful for recharging phones etc. This type of accommodation will generally have electricity, but it may be limited in supply, and it is not always possible to charge items.
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. If you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor. We advise you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
GHIC For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC gives access to state healthcare in Europe either free or at a reduced cost. The GHIC is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
EHIC If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you should apply for a GHIC.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We operate a zero tolerance for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all items from the mountain, this includes toilet tissue, and those items you consider to be bio-degradable.
The waste water in mountain huts, also known as refuges/rifugios, often runs into nearby streams and rivers with a potential impact on the eco-system, though in many places steps are now being taken to avoid this. Whether or not your trip involves staying in a mountain hut we would nevertheless recommend you consider nature friendly sunscreens which only contain mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as oxide, and titanium dioxide.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means the price of our trips can change overnight. We have undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained.
We believe in team work, and enjoy working with other small high quality companies. All our trips are organised by Tracks and Trails, but you may be joined by guests from other companies. Partners are carefully selected to ensure they reflect our ethos and standards. By working with other companies your chosen holiday may reach its minimum number earlier, allowing us to guarantee the trip and give you the go-ahead to book your travel. We guarantee that companies with whom we work will offer the same price package. If you have any questions about this policy contact us.
We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons, the most important of which is food waste. Most people have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you purchase your own snacks rather than throw away items from the picnic lunch which we would supply. Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout the day. Buying snacks and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with local people and to practise your language skills.
If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. Each evening you can order a picnic/sandwich from your accommodation, or your guide/instructor will advise you of options such as a local shop or market. In all cases we would ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks the evening before you depart, and not in the morning when there may be a queue.