What you will experience

Discover a winter camping trip in the Cerces–Mont Thabor massif, with three nights in a tent at an altitude of over 2,000 metres.

Learn how to travel independently with a pulka: looking after your kit, setting up camp, melting snow and organising daily life outdoors in winter.

Experience a moment out of time, in the heart of the mountains and surrounded by wildlife, far from civilisation.

Look out for traces of winter wildlife and, with a bit of luck, spot some chamois or ibex in the wild valleys of the massif.

Itinerary

1
DAY1/ 4
- Accommodation·Winter camp
  Where we'll be spending the night
- D+·400m
  Vertical ascent
- Distance·6km
  KM covered
Meet at 9.30 am in the hamlet of Bonnenuit, not far from Valloire, in Savoie. After introductions with the guide and the rest of the group, we’ll take some time to organise our kit for these four days of trekking: pulkas, tents, extreme-cold sleeping bags, food, stoves and personal belongings.

This first stage is deliberately gradual. It allows us to get to grips with the pulka, find our rhythm on the snow and ease gently into the atmosphere of the Cerces-Mont Thabor massif. We head up the Valloirette valley to the Mottets area, where we set up our first camp.

At the end of the day, everyone pitches in with camp life: putting up the tents, melting snow to replenish our water supplies, preparing dinner and organising our kit for the night. A simple, cosy first evening, amidst the snow-capped mountains, to get to know one another and find our feet.

2
DAY2/ 4
- Accommodation·Winter camp
  Where we'll be spending the night
- D-·600m
  descent
- D+·600m
  Vertical ascent
- Distance·8km
  KM covered
We wake up in our extreme-cold-weather sleeping bags, in the heart of the camp. We have breakfast in the mess tent (a large communal tent), gathered round the stoves, making sure to focus on two winter essentials: eating well and staying well-hydrated before setting off.

We’ll be spending the day without the pulkas, so we can enjoy the hike with greater freedom. We set off on a loop towards the Col des Rochilles, at an altitude of nearly 2,500 metres. All around us, the high peaks of the Cerces massif accompany our progress, with stunning views over the Clarée valley when the weather permits.

By mid-afternoon, we return to camp. Depending on conditions, we either spend a second night in the same spot or continue our trek with the pulkas to reach another valley in the massif.
3
DAY3/ 4
- Accommodation·Winter camp
  Where we'll be spending the night
- D-·300m
  descent
- D+·700m
  Vertical ascent
- Distance·10km
  KM covered
Today, we’re leaving the pulkas at camp once again to gain a bit of altitude. Our destination is Roche Olvéra, an accessible peak at around 2,700 m, which overlooks the area and, in good weather, offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

We make steady progress at a pace suited to the group and the snow conditions. Along the way, we take the time to observe the landscape, the tracks in the snow and, with a bit of luck, the discreet presence of chamois or ibex. The guide will then remind us of the best ways to observe them without disturbing them, especially in winter, a time when every bit of energy counts for wildlife.

At the end of the day, we return to camp for the third and final night in tents, above 2,000 metres. After several days outdoors, our movements have become more fluid: organising our kit, coping with the cold, preparing meals, and settling in comfortably in the tent.

The evening draws to a close simply, in that atmosphere unique to a winter bivouac: the sound of the wind, the stars if the sky is clear, and the rare sensation of being far away from it all.
4
DAY4/ 4
- D-·700m
  descent
- Distance·7km
  KM covered
After four days in the mountains, we enjoy one last hearty breakfast before packing up camp. Everyone helps to fold up the tents, tidy away the shared equipment and check the site.

We set off in accordance with the Leave No Trace principles: leaving nothing behind, erasing all traces of our camp as much as possible, and leaving the site exactly as we found it.

We then begin the descent back down to the valley, with our pulkas behind us, heading for Valloire. The pace is leisurely, and it’s a pleasure to gradually return to civilisation after this self-sufficient interlude in the Cerces-Mont Thabor.

We’re due back in Valloire in the early afternoon, with four days of snowshoeing, bivouacking and outdoor living in our legs, and a winter adventure truly unlike any other in our minds.

3 more days to discover

Create your free account to read the programme day by day.

The guides who will lead your adventure

Cyril

Mountain leader (AMM)

French

English

Hi, I'm Cyril, a hiking/trekking guide and specialist in bivouac tours, whether in winter or summer. Based between Savoie and Isère, I'd be delighted to guide you in my favourite massifs (Beaufortain, Belledonne, Chartreuse, Écrins, Vercors...). I'm also a great fan of the polar countries, having guided in Norway and Sweden for many years. See you soon in the mountains!

Find out more about Cyril

What's included in the price

Included

Professional guiding: Throughout the expedition, you will be accompanied day and night by a certified mountain leader who is passionate about their profession.

Bivouac equipment: Nights are spent in shared tents. We provide each participant with a mattress and an individual extreme-cold sleeping bag.

Equipment loan: Your guide will provide the equipment required for the expedition, including snowshoes, poles and a pulka.

Meals: All meals are provided, from the first meal in the evening to the picnic on the last day.

Not included

Transport to and from the meeting point

Mountain safety equipment (shovel, avalanche transceiver, probe)

Everything not included in the "price includes" section

What level should you expect

Level 3

You should be at least 18 years old to participate

WHO IS IT FOR?

This adventure is designed for regular winter hikers who are already comfortable with long days in the mountains, varied snow conditions and self-sufficient living in cold environments. You must be prepared to spend several days travelling with a pulka, to sleep in a tent at high altitude and to play an active part in setting up camp.

You're at the right level if:

You can walk for 5 to 8 hours a day in winter conditions
You are capable of managing several consecutive days of strenuous activity in the mountains
You can cover around 600 to 800 metres of ascent per day, with similar descents
You are prepared to trek at high altitude, with peaks up to around 2,700 metres
You're comfortable with the cold, nights in a tent at over 2,000 metres and limited comfort
You are prepared to play an active part in camp life by pitching the tent, melting snow, using a camping stove and helping to organise the meals and food supplies during the bivouac.

Getting there

Start · 09h30

The hamlet of Bonnenuit

End · 16h30

The hamlet of Bonnenuit

Transport

By train

Want to avoid traffic jams and travel in peace? The train is your best friend.

From your departure station, you can reach the Maurienne valley via Saint-Michel-Valloire:

Departure station > Saint-Michel-Valloire
Bus Saint-Michel-Valloire > Bonnenuit (shuttle or organised transfer, 20 mins)

You'll arrive in the hamlet of Bonnenuit, at the foot of the major Alpine passes and at the gateway to the Cerces massif.

By car

Do you prefer the freedom of a road trip?

There's a car park available in Bonnenuit, a hamlet above Valloire on the road to the Col du Galibier, the meeting point for 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 84 reviews in this category

Simon C.

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 🙏

Nicolas P.

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.

Sandrine F.

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

S “.

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 !

maryse G.

Event organised within a beautiful place with nice views, and the quality/price was good

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to have snowshoeed or used a pulka before?

No, it's not compulsory. The first day is a gradual one, designed to teach you how to get around on snowshoes with a pulka, organise your equipment and find your own rhythm on the snow. The guide accompanies the group step by step so that everyone can find their feet confidently.

Where do we sleep during our stay?

The three nights are spent in tents, in a winter bivouac, in the heart of the Cerces-Mont Thabor massif. The camp is set up above 2,000 m, in a wild and snowy environment. Comfort is simple, but everything is organised to ensure a warm night's sleep: adapted tents, cold-weather duvets, insulating mattresses and a mess tent for meals.

Who is this expedition for?

This expedition is for people who want to experience a truly unique adventure, deep in the mountains, far from the hustle and bustle. You need to enjoy walking, be prepared to spend several days outdoors in winter conditions and want to take part in the camp's collective life. You don't need to be a bivouac expert, but you do need to be in good physical condition and really motivated.

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 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 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 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.

Discover other adventures

You might also be interested in these adventures

Snowshoeing, pulka trekking and winter camping at the gateway to Mont Thabor

What you will experience

Itinerary