A person freestyling on snowshoes in the Meije region
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A magnificent ptarmigan, photographed in the Ecrins on a snowshoe hike.
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Two children on a snowshoe hike in the Meije region.
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One of the rooms at the "Le Faranchin" hotel in the Meije region of the Ecrins. Starting point for many snowshoe hikes.
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Magnificent views of the Meije and the Ecrins.
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A magnificent viewpoint during a snowshoe hike in the Meije region.
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An incredible viewpoint in the Meije region of France. Snowshoeing is very popular here.
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The hotel "Le Faranchin" is located in the beautiful village of Villar-d'Arêne in the Meije region.
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Photo of Queen Meije in the Ecrins.
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A motivated group who have just slept in an igloo in the Meije region. Now it's snowshoeing time.
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A happy man in his igloo in the Meije region of the Ecrins.
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A man enjoying the view of the Queen Meije from his Igloo directly opposite.
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A lovely little family who spent a night in an igloo in the Meije region of the Ecrins.
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A group of snowshoers in the midst of a sunset ascent in the Meije region of France.
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A person freestyling on snowshoes in the Meije region
A magnificent ptarmigan, photographed in the Ecrins on a snowshoe hike.
Two children on a snowshoe hike in the Meije region.
One of the rooms at the "Le Faranchin" hotel in the Meije region of the Ecrins. Starting point for many snowshoe hikes.
Magnificent views of the Meije and the Ecrins.
A magnificent viewpoint during a snowshoe hike in the Meije region.
An incredible viewpoint in the Meije region of France. Snowshoeing is very popular here.
The hotel "Le Faranchin" is located in the beautiful village of Villar-d'Arêne in the Meije region.
Photo of Queen Meije in the Ecrins.
A motivated group who have just slept in an igloo in the Meije region. Now it's snowshoeing time.
A happy man in his igloo in the Meije region of the Ecrins.
A man enjoying the view of the Queen Meije from his Igloo directly opposite.
A lovely little family who spent a night in an igloo in the Meije region of the Ecrins.
A group of snowshoers in the midst of a sunset ascent in the Meije region of France.
View 9 departures

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing in the Écrins and a night in an igloo facing the Meije

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

What you will experience

Hike through the high-altitude landscapes of the Meije and Cerces massifs, where ibexes, larch forests and hanging glaciers live side by side.
Take a gentle approach to snowshoeing, get to grips with your safety equipment and learn to enjoy the winter mountains with calmness and curiosity.
Accompanied by a guide who has specialised in the massif and in winter itineraries since 1994, you will be introduced to the terrain and mountain life.
A first night in cosy accommodation, followed by a night in an igloo or winter tent, with shared meals, starry skies and coffee in the morning.
In a small group, you go at your own pace, build your own shelter for the evening, and share a friendly micro-adventure, far from the noise and crowds.

Itinerary

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DAY 1 / 3
Accommodation
Hotel
D+
650m
Activity time
7h
Distance
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 lodge 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.


DAY 2 / 3
Accommodation
Igloo
D+
500m
Activity time
8h
Distance
6km

Early start at 8:00. You’ll carry your overnight gear, food for dinner and breakfast, and head off on a short transfer.

The route is mellow and scenic, opening up to a snow-covered plateau with jaw-dropping views of La Meije and its glaciers. Once there, you’ll help build or reinforce the igloos, then cook and share dinner with the group. Expect a cold night, but one you’ll remember forever. No worries, your sleeping gear is provided if needed.


DAY 3 / 3
D-
700m
D+
200m
Activity time
5h
Distance
7km

After breakfast in the snow and a bit of packing, you’ll head out for a gentle descent.

Depending on the group's energy, there's an option to hike up to a nearby viewpoint before heading back down. Once you’re back at the lodge, a hot lunch and a well-earned shower await. You’ll leave early afternoon with fresh legs and a head full of snowy memories.

The guides who will lead your adventure

Guide Patrick - Mid Mountain Guide (MMG)

Patrick

Mid Mountain Guide (MMG)

FrenchFrench

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 hotel and one night in an igloo or winter tent.
Expedition equipment: Snowshoes and walking poles are provided for each participant. A safety kit (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe) is also provided by your guide.
Equipment for the night in the Igloo is also included (sleeping bag, mattress, tarpaulin, etc.).

Not included

Transport to the meeting point
Your personal consumption in addition to what is initially planned.
A duvet 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.
Picnic on the first day.

What level should you expect

Level 2
  • You walk between 4 and 5 hours a day, at a pace suited to the group and with regular breaks.
  • The difference in altitude is gradual (between 400 and 650 m per day), over an average distance of 6 to 9 km.
  • You carry your own day pack, plus a small amount of collective equipment for the night in the igloo.
  • The terrain is snow-covered but accessible: footpaths, wide valleys and moderate slopes, with no exposed sections.
  • You don't need to have done snowshoeing before, but you do need to be comfortable walking in the mountains.
  • One night is spent in an igloo (or snow tent), the others in a comfortable gîte or hotel.

Getting there

Start: Villar-d'Arêne (18h30)
End: Villar-d'Arêne (13h00)

Transport

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It is possible to travel by train to Grenoble station.


  • Departure station > Paris Gare de Lyon
  • Paris Gare de Lyon > Grenoble station (3h)


From there, take a bus to Villar-d'Arêne. Bus 55 to Briançon - Gare SNCF


  • Grenoble > Villar-d'Arêne (1h45)
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It is possible to get to Villar-d'Arêne by car.


If you don't have a car, you should know that we encourage car-pooling between participants by creating a WhatsApp group 15 days before departure: an opportunity to get to know each other before you even start your expedition!

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 +32 474 97 09 38 (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 to departures of 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

Frequently asked questions

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 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).

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 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.


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

Do you have any questions? Contact us.


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 mountain 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.

Selected from 9 departures

From € 475 /pers.

Want to choose your own date with your own group?

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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