A group of observers out in the wild, scanning the golden mountains of the Écrins.
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A hiker admires the majestic Écrins mountains, between heaven and earth.
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A majestic bird of prey flies across a blue sky, a symbol of adventure in the great outdoors.
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An enchanting panorama of the Écrins, between majestic mountains and a peaceful lake, an invitation to adventure.
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The mountainous landscape of the Ecrins in summer.
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A man in a red jacket looks out over the majestic snow-capped mountains of the Écrins, surrounded by greenery.
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Alpine scenery in the Écrins, with green forests and mountains under a cloudy sky.
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The majestic Écrins mountains, bathed in golden light, invite you to embark on a natural adventure.
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A tree-lined path leads to a wooden cross, with majestic mountains in the background and a serene sky.
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A climbing ptarmigan rests among the golden grass and snow of the Écrins.
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A majestic view of the Écrins mountains, combining greenery and cloudy skies, a call to adventure.
1 / 0
A traveller on a rock, observing the wildlife of the Écrins with binoculars.
1 / 0
Night sky with a crescent moon between silhouettes of trees, a promise of wild adventure.
1 / 0
A winding path leading to a verdant mountain in the heart of the Écrins. An invitation to adventure.
1 / 0
A spectacular view of the Écrins mountains, with floating clouds and snow-capped peaks. A breathtaking panorama!
1 / 0
The Écrins landscape, with its majestic mountains and airy mist, is an invitation to adventure in the great outdoors.
1 / 0
Panoramic view of the Écrins mountains, with green meadows and cloudy skies.
1 / 0
A winding path on the mountainside, overlooking lush green valleys under an azure sky.
1 / 0
An old stone building surrounded by greenery, in the heart of the Écrins, invites you to embark on an adventure.
1 / 0
A rustic wooden table in a mountain shelter, perfect for getting together after a hike.
1 / 0
The cosy interior of an attic is the ideal Mountain hut for exploring the wilderness of the Écrins.
1 / 0
A group of observers out in the wild, scanning the golden mountains of the Écrins.
A hiker admires the majestic Écrins mountains, between heaven and earth.
A majestic bird of prey flies across a blue sky, a symbol of adventure in the great outdoors.
An enchanting panorama of the Écrins, between majestic mountains and a peaceful lake, an invitation to adventure.
The mountainous landscape of the Ecrins in summer.
A man in a red jacket looks out over the majestic snow-capped mountains of the Écrins, surrounded by greenery.
Alpine scenery in the Écrins, with green forests and mountains under a cloudy sky.
The majestic Écrins mountains, bathed in golden light, invite you to embark on a natural adventure.
A tree-lined path leads to a wooden cross, with majestic mountains in the background and a serene sky.
A climbing ptarmigan rests among the golden grass and snow of the Écrins.
A majestic view of the Écrins mountains, combining greenery and cloudy skies, a call to adventure.
A traveller on a rock, observing the wildlife of the Écrins with binoculars.
Night sky with a crescent moon between silhouettes of trees, a promise of wild adventure.
A winding path leading to a verdant mountain in the heart of the Écrins. An invitation to adventure.
A spectacular view of the Écrins mountains, with floating clouds and snow-capped peaks. A breathtaking panorama!
The Écrins landscape, with its majestic mountains and airy mist, is an invitation to adventure in the great outdoors.
Panoramic view of the Écrins mountains, with green meadows and cloudy skies.
A winding path on the mountainside, overlooking lush green valleys under an azure sky.
An old stone building surrounded by greenery, in the heart of the Écrins, invites you to embark on an adventure.
A rustic wooden table in a mountain shelter, perfect for getting together after a hike.
The cosy interior of an attic is the ideal Mountain hut for exploring the wilderness of the Écrins.
View 4 departures
Wildlife

Tracking Wolves in the Wild Écrins Mountains

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

What you will experience

Three days of wildlife observation in the wild Champoléon valley, in the heart of the Ecrins National Park, in an area where the wolf is actually present and being monitored.
Guided by Marc, a passionate nature guide, you will learn how to read footprints, analyse signs of wolf presence and understand the impact of the wolf on the Alpine ecosystem.
Spend the first night in a cosy hostel, followed by a night in an unguarded, rustic and isolated cabin, to sleep as close as possible to wolf territory.
A meeting with a local player (shepherd, tracker or guard) on the last day to get a practical understanding of the challenges of cohabitation between livestock and large predators.

Itinerary

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  1. DAY1/ 3
    • Accommodation - AubergeAccommodation·Auberge
    • D+ - 300D+·300m
    • Distance - 6Distance·6km

    We meet at 2pm at the Auberge des Gondoins, in the heart of the Champoléon valley: meet Marc, a naturalist guide passionate about wildlife. After a briefing on the trip, he gives a presentation on the great fauna of the Écrins: ibex, roe deer, chamois, but also wolves, whose presence influences the ecosystems and pastoral farming in these remote valleys.


    In the late afternoon, first outing into the valley and into the Écrins National Park. This unspoilt site is ideal for learning how to read the signs of wildlife presence (footprints, feeding traces, passageways).


    Return to the hostel at the end of the day for a convivial dinner based on local produce, often sourced from farms in the valley.

The guides who will lead your adventure

Guide Marc - Mountain leader (AMM)

Marc

Mountain leader (AMM)
FrenchFrench
EnglishEnglish

Hello, I'm Marc: mountain leader, nature guide and wildlife enthusiast. I've been running a donkey farm for the last 5 years, and have been leading groups for a few years now with my long-eared companions, whether for families, associations or groups of friends.

Find out more about Marc

What's included in the price

Included

The guide's guiding: Throughout the expedition, you will be accompanied by Marc, a naturalist guide with a passion for wildlife and an expert knowledge of the region.
Accommodation: You will sleep the first night in a comfortable hostel and the second night in an unguarded cabin.
Meals: All meals are included, from the first meal in the evening to the picnic on the last day.
Equipment: We will provide all the necessary equipment for wildlife observation (spotting scopes, binoculars, tarpaulins).
Equipment for the night in an unguarded hut: cooking utensils, stoves, cutlery and all you need for cooking.

Not included

Any personal consumption.
Transport to and from the meeting point.
Picnic on the first day.
Bivouac equipment: hiking mattress and sleeping bag are not provided. You must bring your own for the night in an unguarded hut.

What level should you expect

Level 2
You should be at least 18 years old to participate

Getting there

Start · 14h00

Auberge des Gondoins

End · 16h00

Parking des Fermonds

Transport

By train

By train

Want to skip the traffic and travel stress-free? The train is your ally. You can take the train to Gap station, then travel to Les Gondoins by bus:

  • Departure station > Grenoble
  • Grenoble > Gap (2h32)
  • Gap > Les Gondoins (bus 528)

You will meet your guide and the rest of the group at the Auberge des Gondoins, the starting point of the expedition.

By car

By car

Prefer the freedom of a road trip?

You can drive straight to Les Gondoins hostel, the meeting point for the expedition. There is a car park on site where you can leave your vehicle for the duration of your stay.

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 24 reviews in this category
Le professionnalisme du guide m'a épaté. Un passionné. Merci à lui pour son partage. L'hôtel Quartier Libre est parfait. Chambres, nourriture, acceuil.
Descente de la Dyle tranquillement en canoë , observation de la nature comme des libellules, des grands et majestueux arbres et furtivement un castor.
Séjour ds le Vercors vraiment extra. Très belle nature ainsi que la météo. Un très grand merci au guide Romain à la fois très pro et cool, une très chouette rencontré.
Le castor n’a désormais plus de secret 🦫💚 La région est magnifique et vaut vraiment le détour. La promenade est, totalement accessible à tous! Notre guide, Mathias connaissait son sujet est très à l’écoute. Les horaires en pack-kraft étaient parfaits: Rivière peut fréquenter à ce moment-là et propice à l’observation du castor que nous avons pu observer en train de manger. Il y avait aussi beaucoup d’oiseaux à observer. Le calme et le chant des oiseaux régnaient 😌 Bref, une jolie petite initiation à la navigation que je recommande vivement!
Un week end exceptionnel en compagnie de Romain qui nous a transmis sa passion ! Je recommande ! Une expérience riche en émotion et instructive. Merci à toute l'équipe.

Frequently asked questions

What's the best time of year to spot wildlife?

Each season has its own attractions. In spring and summer, the fauna is more visible at higher altitudes, while in autumn, the bellowing of the stag and the gatherings of chamois mark the landscape. In winter, the snow makes it possible to discreetly follow their tracks. The guide knows the terrain well and will adapt the programme to offer the best chance of observation, whatever the period.

Will we see any wolves during the expedition?

It's possible to see wolves during your stay, but that's not the main objective of this expedition. Above all, we'll be following in their footsteps: learning to recognise their tracks and signs of presence, understanding their behaviour and their role in the Alpine ecosystem. The experience is designed as an immersion in a territory inhabited by wolves, to better understand their presence and impact, even without direct observation.

What is the average weight of the rucksack I'll be carrying?

The average weight of your rucksack is generally between 9 and 15kg maximum. With 10 days to go before departure, we set up a WhatsApp group with the guide and the rest of the group: this is an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your equipment and to lighten your rucksack as much as possible so that you take only the essentials!

How comfortable is the unguarded hut?

On the second night, we sleep in an unguarded rustic hut in the middle of nowhere, with mattress and sleeping bag. Meals will be prepared collectively on a stove, in a real collective atmosphere. There are no conventional showers or toilets: here, we go back to basics. And that's exactly what makes for total immersion in the wildlife.

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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From € 450 /pers.

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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