A group of hikers on snowshoes in a snow-covered landscape, with the Meije in the background.
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Snow-covered mountain scenery in bright sunshine, inviting you to embark on a snowshoeing adventure.
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A charming alpine mountain hut in the snow, surrounded by majestic mountains, inviting you to embark on an adventure.
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A cosy, snow-covered chalet, ideal for a magical winter getaway.
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A comfortable, modern room, ideal after a day's adventure in the Cerces.
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An adventurer digs an igloo in a majestic snowy landscape, ready for a magical night.
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A smiling man in a yellow jacket, sitting next to an igloo in the snow, in the middle of a winter adventure.
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Inside an igloo, two adventurers enjoy the magic of the Alpine winter.
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A majestic Alpine landscape, snow-capped mountains and pastel skies, an invitation to adventure.
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Two bivouacs set up in the middle of winter on the Meije glacier.
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A smiling adventurer in an igloo, ready for a magical night facing the Meije.
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Sunset over snow-capped mountains, an invitation to winter adventure.
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A person on snowshoes crosses a snow-covered landscape with the majestic Meije in the background.
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A happy group on snowshoes in a snow-covered Alpine landscape, ready for adventure.
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A group of hikers pose in the snow, with majestic mountains in the background.
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Two people dig an igloo in magnificent snow, surrounded by Alpine scenery.
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Inside a cosy igloo, with colourful mattresses, ready for a night under the stars in the mountains.
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A vibrant sunset over the snow-capped peaks of the Cerces, promising adventure and magic.
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"Snowshoe hikers in a snowy landscape, facing the majestic Cerces mountains".
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Four adventurers on snowshoes pose in front of snow-capped mountains, ready for an expedition.
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A man on snowshoes smiling in a snow-covered landscape with majestic mountains in the background.
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Snow-covered Alpine landscape, picturesque village surrounded by majestic mountains and fir trees.
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Majestic snow-capped mountains under a turquoise sky, an invitation to adventure in the heart of nature.
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Four adventurers on snowshoes enjoy a meal in the snow, facing the mountains.
1 / 0
A group of hikers on snowshoes in a snow-covered landscape, with the Meije in the background.
Snow-covered mountain scenery in bright sunshine, inviting you to embark on a snowshoeing adventure.
A charming alpine mountain hut in the snow, surrounded by majestic mountains, inviting you to embark on an adventure.
A cosy, snow-covered chalet, ideal for a magical winter getaway.
A comfortable, modern room, ideal after a day's adventure in the Cerces.
An adventurer digs an igloo in a majestic snowy landscape, ready for a magical night.
A smiling man in a yellow jacket, sitting next to an igloo in the snow, in the middle of a winter adventure.
Inside an igloo, two adventurers enjoy the magic of the Alpine winter.
A majestic Alpine landscape, snow-capped mountains and pastel skies, an invitation to adventure.
Two bivouacs set up in the middle of winter on the Meije glacier.
A smiling adventurer in an igloo, ready for a magical night facing the Meije.
Sunset over snow-capped mountains, an invitation to winter adventure.
A person on snowshoes crosses a snow-covered landscape with the majestic Meije in the background.
A happy group on snowshoes in a snow-covered Alpine landscape, ready for adventure.
A group of hikers pose in the snow, with majestic mountains in the background.
Two people dig an igloo in magnificent snow, surrounded by Alpine scenery.
Inside a cosy igloo, with colourful mattresses, ready for a night under the stars in the mountains.
A vibrant sunset over the snow-capped peaks of the Cerces, promising adventure and magic.
"Snowshoe hikers in a snowy landscape, facing the majestic Cerces mountains".
Four adventurers on snowshoes pose in front of snow-capped mountains, ready for an expedition.
A man on snowshoes smiling in a snow-covered landscape with majestic mountains in the background.
Snow-covered Alpine landscape, picturesque village surrounded by majestic mountains and fir trees.
Majestic snow-capped mountains under a turquoise sky, an invitation to adventure in the heart of nature.
Four adventurers on snowshoes enjoy a meal in the snow, facing the mountains.
View 9 departures
Snowshoeing

Build your own igloo in the wild Cerces mountains

December to April
3 days| 2 nights
Level 2
Eco-score 4/5

What you will experience

Explore the Cerces massif, nicknamed the "little Dolomites", and observe its ochre cliffs inhabited by ibex.
Learn how to handle avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes in real-life conditions and master the basics of winter safety.
Build your own igloo and spend the night in it, a rare guided experience in the heart of the mountains.
Dine on a shared meal under the stars and wake up to the silence of a snow camp in the early hours of the morning.
Snowshoe up to the Agneaux (3,664 m) and enjoy glacier panoramas worthy of the Southern Alps.

Itinerary

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  1. DAY1/ 3
    • Accommodation - HotelAccommodation·Hotel
    • D+ - 650D+·650m
    • Activity time - 7hActivity time·7h
    • Distance - 8Distance·8km

    We'll meet at 8:15am at the Hôtel le Faranchin in Villar-d'Arêne, where you'll collect your equipment: snowshoes, poles, avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.


    Then a short drive takes you to Pont de l’Alpe, the trailhead for today’s snowshoe loop. You’ll explore the Cerces mountains, sometimes called the “little Dolomites” for their colourful rock formations, and keep an eye out for ibex, which are often spotted here. It’s the perfect day to get confident with your snowshoes and avalanche safety gear, while soaking in the views of the Agneaux massif (3664 m).


    Back at the gîte in the afternoon, you'll debrief over a warm meal and prepare for tomorrow’s night in the snow. Expect a fun, relaxed pace with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and learn along the way.


The guides who will lead your adventure

Guide Patrick - Mountain leader (AMM)

Patrick

Mountain leader (AMM)
FrenchFrench
EnglishEnglish

Passionate about mountains and trail running, I’ve made the trails my playground. I’ll take you on a different kind of mountain adventure one that blends effort, enjoyment, and full immersion in nature. No race against time, just the right pace to progress with confidence.  


Trained as a Mountain guide and in alpine safety, I share my expertise to help you tackle climbs, descents, and endurance at altitude. Ready to hit the trails together?

Find out more about Patrick

What's included in the price

Included

Guiding : During these 3 days, you will be accompanied by Patrick: an experienced guide who will share his passion for the region with you.
Accommodation: You will spend one night in a shared room in a comfortable, authentic gîte and one night in an igloo or winter tent.
Loan of equipment: your guide will provide you with snowshoeing equipment (poles and snowshoes). Your guide will also provide you with a safety kit (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe).
Equipment for the night in the Igloo is also included (sleeping bag, mattress, tarpaulin, etc.).
Meals: All meals, from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the third, are included.

Not included

Transportation to the meeting point and travel within the area.
Your personal consumption in addition to what is initially planned.
A thermolite reactor sleeping bag sheet from Sea to Summit or equivalent to put in the sleeping bag that will be lent to you for the night in the Igloo and a second pair of gloves for building the igloo.
The picnic on the first day is not included.

What level should you expect

Level 2
You should be at least 14 years old to participate
  • You're capable of walking 4 to 5 hours a day, with regular breaks, on snow-covered but accessible terrain.
  • You're ready to spend an extraordinary night in an igloo, in the simple but secure comfort of the equipment provided.
  • You want to learn how to progress in the mountains in winter, learn about snow safety and take part in building or setting up the camp.
  • You're not afraid to carry a light rucksack with your own equipment and get involved in setting up and tidying up.
  • You're keen to share convivial meals and a collective experience in the great outdoors, even in cold conditions.

Getting there

Start · 08h15

Villar-d'Arêne

End · 13h00

Villar-d'Arêne

Transport

By train

By train

Want to avoid traffic jams and travel with peace of mind? The train is your ally. You can reach Villar-d'Arène by train and bus:

  • Departure station > Paris Gare de Lyon
  • Paris Gare de Lyon > Grenoble station (3h)
  • Grenoble > Villar-d'Arène (1h45, bus 55)

You'll arrive in Villar-d'Arène, the meeting point for your expedition.

By car

By car

Prefer the freedom of a road trip?

Free parking is available at the entrance to the village of Villar-d'Arène for you to leave your vehicle for the whole duration of the expedition.

Do consider carpooling: a WhatsApp group will be set up 10 days before departure so you can organise this with the other participants.

How to register

1

Step 1

Choose your departure date and number of participants

2

Step 2

Book online by paying a deposit or the full amount directly. It is also possible to book by telephone by calling +32 460 25 61 85 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
  • If the minimum number of participants is reached, departure is confirmed!
  • If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will give you a full refund.
Departure is confirmed 15 days in advance for adventures lasting more than 4 days. Departure is confirmed 7 days prior for adventures lasting less than 4 days.
3

Step 3

In the case of a deposit, the remaining amount will be debited from your account before departure.

Your reviews

The opinions of our participants who have placed their trust in us

4.8/ 5 · based on 2 reviews
Après une première expérience réussie j’ai remis ça avec Wildhartt pour un séjour raquette et Poulka dans le Vercors. Un séjour de dingue, super bien organisé, du matos de qualité et un guide 5 étoiles expérimenté !Une aventure humaine en pleine nature pour un dépaysement total 🥰Après ça je n’ai qu’une envie c’est de trouver ma prochaine expé avec Wildhartt 🙏
Très belle expérience,Des explications aux différentes questions que l'on peut se poser pour une première.Un guide super toujours àux petits soins pour nous afin de détailler les lieux, les traces des empreinte d'animaux, la faune et la flore.L'orientation extra.Des paysages magnifiquesA refaire.
Pure moment de déconnexion et de découverte que ce séjour dans les Vosges guidé par Joseph qui nous a appris beaucoup sur la nature et la faune environnante et en plus avec plein de touches d’humour et tous mes compagnons de rando étaient tous au top!!!! J ai adore
Très beau séjour de 3 jours en Raquettes à neige dans le Jura Suisse, avec un guide très intéressant et proche de la nature, le logement en gîte de montagne et ensuite en hôtel plus confortable nous a beaucoup plus, et la découverte d'un sport en immersion totale est extra. Organisation au top de plus la météo était au rendez-vous. Allez y les yeux fermés !
Event organised within a beautiful place with nice views, and the quality/price was good

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do we need?

Once your registration has been confirmed, we'll send you a personalised roadbook for your trip containing all the practical information, including a list of equipment to take. Don't forget to take several layers of warm clothing for the night in the Igloo, as well as a second pair of gloves and a duvet to put in the sleeping bag that will be lent to you for the night.

How comfortable are the rooms?

You will sleep in a hotel, in a room shared with three other people. The beds are comfortable and access to a shower is simple. The night in an igloo will be more rustic, but you'll see, it's well worth the diversions.

Will I have to carry a rucksack on the various hikes?

Yes, you'll be carrying a rucksack on the hikes. On the first day, it will be very light: just enough to get you through the day. On the second and third days, your rucksack will be a little heavier, with your things for the night in the igloo and meals (dinner and breakfast).

How do you get around?

The guide has a vehicle on site for part of the group. However, another vehicle will be required if the group is large.

What happens if there's no snow?

We are first and foremost hikers, and when the snow runs out we still ensure the departure of our trips. The atmosphere and the winter light are just right, and even if you have to wear snowshoes for a while or do without them sometimes, the scenery is still splendid. So make sure you have good walking shoes. The night in the Igloo will be replaced by a night in a winter tent.

Are instalment payment options available?

Yes, that's right! At checkout, you can choose the Alma option to pay for your booking in 2x, 3x or 4x. All you have to do is select Alma at checkout and follow the instructions. It's simple, fast and secure.

Can I privatise this expedition for my group?

Yes, all our expeditions can be privatised for a group already formed, on the dates of your choice.

To make your request, go to the expedition that interests you and click on "Privatise the expedition". We'll take care of the rest!

What happens if the weather is bad?

At Wildhartt, nature is our playground, rain or shine. Rain, snow or wind: our guides adapt the itinerary, activities and accommodation to guarantee you the best possible experience.
Unless safety is at stake (storm, avalanche, flood...).


In this exceptional case, we can cancel an expedition, at least one week before departure.
If this happens:
→ You can postpone your adventure at no cost,
→ Or receive a full refund.


What kind of people usually join Wildhartt expeditions ?

You don’t need to be a top athlete or adventure expert to feel at home. Most Wildhartt participants are between 25 and 60 years old, with a balanced mix of women and men.


Many join solo or in small groups of two or three. They often live in cities and are looking for a meaningful brea some time to reconnect with nature, slow down, and enjoy something real.


They usually have a regular movement practice (hiking, running, yoga...), but not with a competitive mindset. They’re in good shape, but don’t necessarily have technical skills. What brings them together is a shared desire to disconnect, observe, learn, and experience nature in a more grounded, accessible way.


If that speaks to you, you'll feel right at home. The group spirit is kind and open, and the pace adapts to everyone.

What does the price of a Wildhartt adventure include?

At Wildhartt, transparency is essential. The price of your expedition reflects a clear breakdown of costs:

  • 30% for our guides, the mainstays of every adventure.
  • 35% for accommodation and meals, essential for your comfort.
  • 10% for equipment and transport, to guarantee safety and fluidity.
  • 25% for organisation and logistics, from first contact to the end of the expedition.
  • 1% for the rewilding of Europe, a concrete commitment to give back to nature what it gives us.

Our priority: to offer you a quality experience, with complete clarity.

Do you have any questions? Contact us.



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Want to choose your own date with your own group?

Select Alma to pay in 2, 3, or 4 installments.

Hassle-free from start to finish.

Full refund if departure is not confirmed
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure
Instalment facility available

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