Wild snowshoeing in the Upper Ubaye

Description

On the borders of Haute-Provence and Italian Piedmont, the two valleys of Upper Ubaye offer snowshoes hikers fabulous wilderness routes far from the crowd. On the programme: large high altitude valleys overhung by colourful cliffs, countless lakes covered by snow, easily observable animals and an atmosphere close to the high mountains under a sun that is rarely lacking.

This circuit offers you the opportunity to discover the most beautiful hikes in the high valleys, in a star shape, with two comfortable accommodations in small mountain hamlets.

I also propose, throughout the winter and at the beginning of spring, other snowy escapades, such as this snowshoeing weekend on the border between France and Italy, this other snowshoeing weekend at high altitude in the Queyras and a snowshoeing stay to discover the wild Queyras.

Program

D1: Crest of Châtelret and mountain pastures of Vars Pass.
After a short transfer to Vars pass we start our week above Napoleon refuge, in the great mountain pastures that border the pass, where pretty combes offer an ideal playground for snowshoeing. From glade to glade to the craggy ridge, facing the impressive rocky ridge of the Eyssina and enjoying the view of the Écrins, you quietly get to know the snow conditions and equipment.
Transfer to Saint-Ours at the end of the day for the night.
Positive and negative altitude differences: 550 meters, 5 hours of walking.

D2: Col de la Gypière d'Orenaye.
On the border of Ubaye, on the border ridge with Italy, Orenaye valley is a small wild paradise for winter mountain lovers. The landscape is open on two large valleys dominated by peaks over 3000 meters above sea level and the wildlife present is easily observable. You enjoy a  beautiful and long day through large virgin spaces...
Night in Saint-Ours.
D+: 550m, D-: 700m, 5 hours of walking.

D3: Parouart Plan.
After a transfer to Maljasset at the bottom of the upper valley we discover the amazing "Plan de Paruart", large semi-wooded plateau surrounded by steep slopes and high peaks. The atmosphere is beautiful among the willows and the traces of fauna are numerous. A small fire at noon completes the atmosphere of trappers from the end of the world. You take advantage of this to do an exercise in the use of avalanche safety equipment.
Night in Maljasset.
D+ / D-: 250m, 4 hours and a half of walking.

D4: Mary's Valley and Roure Lakes.
Above Maljasset opens a long valley that allows passage to the Italian Val Maïra. It is the Mary valley, all in length and overhung by large cliffs of ocher limestone that will be our goal of the day. A passage near the sheepfolds then you continue to climb to the large plateaus of Roure Lake. Upper Ubaye is definitely full of ends of the world ...
Night in Maljasset.
D+ / D-: 750m, 6 hours of walking.

D5: Vallonnet pass and Plate Lombarde valley.
After a quick transfer to the small hamlet of Fouillouse via the famous suspension bridge Châtelet you start your last hiking day in the valley of Plate Lombarde towards the Col du Vallonnet. Dominated by the imposing figure of Brec de Chambeyron, the slope is low, the atmosphere is bucolic and the landscape superb. A last panoramic picnic and you go back to Fouillouse for a transfer to Montdauphin-Guillestre train station.
D+ / D-: 600m, 5 hours of walking.

The price includes

• Supervision by the mountain leader.
• Lodging and reservation in lodging, in full board (picnic for lunch).
• Bearing of meals and overnight stays of the mountain leader.
• Equipment: snowshoes and hiking poles.

The price does not include

• Transport to and from the meeting place.
• Snacks.
• Personal expenses: drinks, aperitif, etc.
• Liability, repatriation and cancellation insurance.
• Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".

Accommodation

• Accommodation in a comfortable cottage in a mountain hamlets, room for 4 to 6 people, duvets provided, home cooking and local products, picnic for lunch.

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