Vallouise sits in a high mountain open plain, at the junction of two large valleys. So you can easily snowshoe from the doorstep if staying in the Vallouise Valley. Check the tab "Areas" opposite this one for details of local winter hikes with snowshoes.

Pretty much all of the routes described in the tab "Areas" ca be completed by families with children as young as 5 years. So much depends on the actual child and what he or she is used to. The local hikes around vallouise are ideally suited to young families and offer everything from 30 minutes to 3 hours of entertainment!

Routes around Vallouise, Puy St Vincent and Pelvoux

N.B. ALL TIMES, HEIGHTS AND DISTANCES GIVEN ARE APPROXIMATE. USE THE 1:50000 OR THE 1: 25000 MAPS TO MAKE YOUR OWN ASSESSMENTS.


1. CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRACKS IN THE ECRINS MASSIF

There is an extensive network of cross country ski trails in the area which can make up part of many other routes (see local XC ski leaflet “Sites Nordique – Freissinières, Puy St Vincent, Vallouise). The prepared trails generally consist of a pair of indented grooves for ‘Classic’ style and a wider track for the ‘Nordic’ skating style. Cross-country skiers pay to use the prepared trails and understandably are not best pleased when their tracks are messed up by inconsiderate usage by pedestrians or snowshoers.
However, it is possible to use the edges of many prepared Ski de Fond (cross country) tracks, unless it says is specifically not permitted.

Walk in single file, on the edge of the piste, always furthest away from the grooved tramlines. Cross the pistes at right angles to the track, avoiding damage to the tramlines. If signs indicate off-piste routes for ‘Piétons et Raquettes’ use them.

Warning: On downhill stretches, skiers can come down at quite a speed.


2. AROUND VALLOUISE


a) The Vallouise Plain

Time: One hour
Height difference: 0m.
Difficulty: Easy

From the bridge in the centre of Vallouise the ski de fond trail runs towards the Vallée de l’Onde. It is possible to walk on the trail as far as the Chalet Accueil (the hut which provides information for skiers). Cross the bridge beyond the hut, turn left to walk along the Onde, to the point where it joins Le Gyre at the Maison du Parc. If you turn left here to walk upstream, you will return to the bridge at Vallouise. The Plain area is criss-crossed with ski de fond trails. The Chalet Accueil staff may be able to advise where else it is acceptable to walk or snow shoe.

b) Vallouise to Pelvoux

Time: 1 hour
Height difference: 100m.
Difficulty: Easy

The ski de fond track runs alongside the river to the Pelvoux ski station (and beyond) from the bridge in the centre of Vallouise. It is a very gentle climb and a pleasant walk.


c) Vallouise to Pelvoux 2

Time: 1 hour
Height difference: 100 m.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult in fresh snow

Walk through the square at Vallouise, leaving the church to your left. Climb the hill past the Mairie, the patisserie and the auberge, staying on the road past the first S bends for about 30 metres. On the next corner, there is a wooden sign indicating the path to Pelvoux, on the right.

The path follows the valley, generally some way above the river, running through patches of trees and open ground. It is occasionally narrow and there are a few steep sections. Towards Pelvoux the path crosses an area of scree which is steep and open. This may be difficult to negotiate if the path has not been walked or the snow is fresh and/or unstable. You will arrive in Pelvoux at the ski station.

This is an attractive route, despite the possible difficulty.


d) Vallouise to Puy Aillaud

Time: 2 hours
Height difference: 590m.
Difficulty: Moderate

The road to Puy Aillaud runs out of Vallouise, turning right at the church and zig zagging up the mountainside, through Le Villard. It is quite a steep climb, rising the 590 metres from the valley in 5 kilometres or so. From the top the views are southwards across and down the valley and to Puy St Vincent. Further off-piste routes may be passable.


e) Vallouise to Puy St Vincent 1400 (via Le Grand Champ)

Time: 2.5 hours
Height difference: 500m.
Difficulty: Moderate

From the bridge in Vallouise, walk along the ski trail to the Chalet Accueil. Cross the bridge just beyond the chalet and immediately on your right you will see a path running up the valley towards La Cascade de la Pisette. This is a little narrow at the start and it rejoins the ski trail from time to time. Watch carefully for signs.

At the point where the stream from the frozen waterfall reaches the valley, the path climbs quite steeply to reach the waterfall itself, and is easy to miss. (There is another path further on, leaving the ski trail at the small bridge, the Pont des Places, though this is beyond the limit of the official snowshoe trail.) Once on the upward path it is easy to follow though the climb is steep. You will reach a junction, at which the path climbs further towards Narreyroux, or drops down to Le Grand Champ. Take the latter choice. A downhill walk takes you to a bridge and the road at the bottom of the Via Ferrata. You can walk into Puy St Vincent to catch a bus or go down via the sentier du facteur (see below). The start of the path is below the church in Puy (not the chapel overlooking the valley)

f) Vallouise to Puy St Vincent 1400 (via Le sentier du Facteur)

Time: 1.5 hours
Height difference: 400m.
Difficulty: Moderate

From the bridge at Vallouise walk along the ski trail to the Chalet Accueil, cross the bridge beyond and turn left towards the Puy St Vincent road. The sentier du facteur actually starts from the valley but is easiest to access if you walk up the Puy road to the end of the second hairpin bend which points to your left (south east). There may be a mound of snow left by the plough but you will probably also see footprints and snow-shoe prints indicating that the path has been walked. If so, climb over and you will find yourself on a track. Watch for the marked path off to the left (yellow dots and also red and white stripes). Once you have found it, you will climb quite steeply through woods, but with occasional clearings, to the village of Puy St Vincent. As you reach the road you may have to climb over another mound of ploughed snow.



3. AROUND PELVOUX

a) Pelvoux to Ailefroide 1

Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Height difference: 250m.
Difficulty: Moderate

Starting from the Pelvoux ski station, it is possible to follow the ski de fond trail along the right bank of the river. Snowshoers are occasionally directed onto separate trails so look out for signs. This section of the track is fairly flat. The ski trail ends in a loop that returns the skiers to Pelvoux. At the top of the loop look for a continuing track that climbs a little to the road from Pelvoux to Ailefroide. Continue to Ailefroide on the road, which climbs in a series of hairpin bends and is unlikely to have been snow ploughed. This section will be in shadow and is likely to be cold.

At Ailefroide, as you come to the centre of the hamlet, there is a small café which has a wood stove, serves hot drinks (great hot chocolate) and is open all year.


b) Pelvoux to Ailefroide 2

Time: 2 hours
Height difference: 250m.
Difficulty: Moderate

Marked as in summer there is a pleasant footpath which runs parallel to route 1. In winter this may be accessible and, if some of it is not, the ski de fond trail and the road are never far away. At the Pelvoux ski station, look for footpath signs above the beginning of the ski trail. The path runs through trees and across 2 wide gulleys, via wooden bridges. You will climb a little to meet the Ailefroide road, but rather than staying on the road all the way, look for footpath signs directing you to two stretches of path above the road. Use the 1;25000 map for detailed guidance. You will arrive in Ailefroide near the café.


c) Pelvoux to Ailefroide 3

Time: 2 hours
Height Difference: 250m.
Difficulty: Moderate

Walk from Pelvoux ski station either by the ski de fond trail (route 1 above) or on the road through St Antoine to Les Claux where the Ailefroide road crosses to the right bank of the river. At Les Claux, on the left bank of the river, the road goes through a short tunnel but about 30 metres on the Pelvoux side, below the road tunnel, is a large water pipe which comes down the mountainside to the road.

Take the footpath that runs up alongside the pipe, turning left to cross a bridge. The path climbs quite steeply (though causing little problem for snowshoes) but after about 20 minutes levels out to continue along the side of the hill towards Ailefroide. It runs through trees with occasional open views and crosses several stream beds (these can sometimes be avalanche pathways). The path reaches Ailefroide near the bridge, where you can cross to the café and the start of alternative routes back to Pelvoux.


d) Ailefroide to Pré Madame Carle

Time: 2 hours
Height difference: 360m.
Difficulty: Moderate

If you reach Ailefroide and want to continue, it is possible to walk further up the sunny valley on the road to Pré de Madame Carle. Return by the same route.

e) Ailefroide to Les Claux

To return to Pelvoux from Ailefroide reverse routes 1,2, or 3 above.




4. AROUND PUY ST VINCENT 1600

1. 1600 to Col de la Pousterle (and onto L’Argentière)
2. 1600 to Belvedere des Têtes
3. 1600 to Belvedere des Têtes and down to Les Prés
4. 1600 to Narreyroux and down to Puy St Vincent 1400

There are many small local events for snowshoers throughout the winter season.
The bests site for regional information concerning events is the Paysdesecrins website:
http://www.paysdesecrins.com/uk/activities-leisures-animations-events/winter-hike-snow-shoes.aspx

The snowshoeing season really kicks off in early December when the high passes and cols are closed and the entire Ecrins National Park becomes a showshoer walkers paradise!
The season usually finishes by the end of March, although you can still use snowshoes as late as mid May if you trek up high in the Ecrins Massif.

Basics
1. As with all mountain activities, have a considerable respect for the mountains and an awareness of potential dangers
2. Check the weather forecasts (available from Jerry and Jackie at AlpBase) or posted up daily outside the Tourist Office in Vallouise) and be aware of snow conditions
Mountain weather can change very rapidly and unexpectedly, so always carry sufficient clothing, food and safety equipment. REMEMBER Avalanches are an ever present danger throughout the winter season. North facing slopes can hold deep powder and South facing ones are obviously affected by direct sunlight. Wind slab is also a common occurrence especially after a long, dry spell and they must be watched especially when descending.
3. Ecrins Massif Mountain Rescue phone numbers:
THE number to ‘phone is: +33 (0)492 22 22 22
Briançon Hospital: +33 (0)4 92 25 34 56
Briançon Hopital A and E: +33 (0)4 92 21 16 51
La Grave: +33 492 21 10 42 (Gendarmerie)
Briançon : +33 492 21 36 36 (PGHM)
L’Argentiere: +33 492 21 10 42 (PGHM)
Gap Hospital: A and E +33 (0)4 92 40 61 20 (if climbing at Les Orres near Embrun)

Hints and Tips on Snowshoeing:
1. Wear gaiters – they stop snow from getting into your boots
2. Use ski poles or walking poles for balance and assistance.
3. Travel slowly and steadily. In soft conditions let snow compact under your snowshoes
4. Be aware that what is hard frozen snow in the morning can become soft and laborious in the afternoon
5. Don’t necessarily assume that your tracks will be there to guide you back. A blizzard can quickly cover your tracks
6. Finding marked summer paths in winter can be difficult unless previously walked. However, also be aware that other people’s trails might not be ones going your way!
7. If making a new trail, it is hard work, especially going uphill. Rotate the lead
8. It can be quite a benefit to work out a way of fastening your snowshoes to your rucksack for times when they are not needed.
9. Watch out for unexpected meetings with flying snow-boarders and skiers!
10. Beware of hazards underneath a covering of snow
11. But above all, enjoy the beauty and tranquillity - have fun