Queyras snowshoe hikes: 5 magical itineraries

Queyras, the jewel in the crown of the Hautes-Alpes, reveals all its winter splendour through its snowshoe trekking itineraries. This unspoilt region, culminating at an altitude of over 2,000 metres, offers breathtaking snow-covered landscapes between deep valleys and majestic peaks. Between Italy and the south of France, this authentic region is home to exceptional flora and fauna, where chamois, marmots and eagles roam in total serenity. The 5 best snowshoe hikes in the Queyras promise unforgettable moments in the heart of this unspoilt nature, accessible from the charming villages of Saint-Véran, Molines-en-Queyras, Ceillac and Abriès.

Also in the Briançon guide :

• The most beautiful villages to visit in the Hautes-Alpes

1. Snowshoe hike to the Bucher summit

This snowshoe hike in the Queyras is the perfect introduction to the joys of snowshoeing in the mountains. The 8.9-kilometre loop route takes you through a magnificent larch forest and peaceful mountain pastures, providing an ideal setting for discovering the flora and fauna of the Queyras in a gentle way. The route has a moderate gradient of 605 metres and takes 3 hours 40 minutes to complete, making it accessible to families and occasional walkers.

The high point of this winter escapade is the Sommet Bucher (2254m), a natural lookout equipped with an orientation table. This listed site offers an exceptional panoramic view over the whole of the Queyras massif and the Hautes-Alpes. In winter, the pastoral and forested plateau is transformed into a fairytale setting where the immaculate snow sublimates the mountain landscapes. This hike also takes you past charming frozen streams and offers moments of privileged contemplation far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

2. Astragales trail from Ville-Vieille

The Astragales trail is a 10-kilometre walk that is particularly popular for its tranquillity and varied scenery. This moderate-level snowshoe hike in the Queyras takes 3 hours 32 minutes and has a vertical drop of 508 metres, winding its way between authentic villages and snow-covered woods. The looped route starts from the charming village of Ville-Vieille and offers a total immersion in the winter atmosphere of the Queyras.

The route reveals one of the region’s architectural gems: Fort Queyras, a magnificent fortress revisited by Vauban that sits like an eagle’s nest above the valley. This medieval citadel, which is open to visitors for part of the year, bears witness to the region’s rich history and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. History buffs will be particularly enchanted by this hike, which combines cultural heritage with natural beauty, allowing you to see very few people and enjoy the peace and quiet of the mountains to the full.

3. From La Rua to Saint-Véran: crossing the Hautes-Alpes

This exceptional 15.8-kilometre hike is one of the best snowshoe hikes in the Queyras for experienced walkers. The expert route, which takes 6 hours 03 minutes and has a vertical drop of 1,081 metres, links Molines-en-Queyras to the mythical village of Saint-Véran, reputed to be the highest village in Europe at over 2,000 metres. This winter crossing offers a complete change of scenery in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes.

Saint-Véran, nicknamed “the village where the roosters peck at the stars”, is a not-to-be-missed destination in the Queyras. This authentic village with its traditional stone and wood houses offers an exceptional setting for a well-deserved break. The hike passes through magnificent landscapes where the alpine fauna roams freely, perhaps offering the chance to spot chamois or ibex in their natural habitat. This hike requires a good level of fitness, but rewards the effort with unforgettable panoramas and a feeling of total fulfilment.

Download the audio-guided tour to discover Briançon on foot and on your own

Close to the Queyras region, Briançon is also well worth a visit for its exceptional Vauban heritage. This fortified town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals its secrets on a captivating 18-stage audio tour. Let yourself be guided through the narrow streets of Europe’s highest town and discover the fascinating history of this Alpine stronghold.

4. Route to the Oules waterfall

Starting from the village of Cervières, this moderate-level snowshoe hike in the Queyras takes you to the enchanting Oules waterfall. The 8.6-kilometre round trip, which takes 3 hours 10 minutes to complete and has an ascent of 461 metres, winds through the Blétonnet valley along a peaceful forest track. This accessible walk is perfect for families and offers a gentle approach to the winter beauty of the massif.

The highlight of this winter excursion is the Oules waterfall. This natural wonder, formed by the Blétonnet spring, is a breathtaking sight in winter when the water partially freezes, creating magical ice sculptures set against a backdrop of snow-covered fir trees. The site, which is relatively unspoilt by mass tourism, allows you to take full advantage of the peace and quiet of the mountains and capture some exceptional shots of the Queyras winter landscape. Photography enthusiasts will find an exceptional playground here.

5. La Gardiole de l’Alp: the emblematic Queyras summit

This snowshoe hike in the Queyras is a must for lovers of wide open spaces and mountain challenges. The ascent of the Gardiole de l’Alp (2786m) from the hamlets of Molines-en-Queyras is one of the most spectacular routes in the region. This 6.8-kilometre round trip on a jagged ridge requires 4 hours 32 minutes of effort and a 959-metre vertical drop, and is reserved for experienced hikers.

From the summit of the Gardiole de l’Alp, the panorama takes in the whole of the Hautes-Alpes, with an exceptional bird’s eye view of the Molines and Aiguilles valleys. This natural belvedere, very popular with ski touring and snowshoeing enthusiasts, offers some of the finest panoramas in the Queyras massif. The descent offers ideal conditions for trying out the joys of snowshoeing, with often excellent snow and minimal avalanche risk on this well-exposed route. This unforgettable experience is a real personal challenge and an exceptional reward for the effort you put in.

In conclusion, the 5 best snowshoe hikes in the Queyras offer an exceptional range of winter experiences, from family outings to sporting challenges. This unspoilt region of the Hautes-Alpes reveals its treasures to lovers of authentic nature, with its picturesque villages, majestic peaks and enchanting landscapes. To prepare your stay in the region as well as possible, don’t hesitate to discover Briançon, the natural gateway to these Alpine wonders. Each itinerary reveals a unique facet of the Queyras winter landscape, promising lasting memories for hikers of all abilities.

FAQ – Snowshoe trekking in the Queyras

When is the best time to go snowshoeing in the Queyras?

The ideal season is from December to March, with optimal snow cover generally between January and February. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the weather in the Queyras offers exceptional conditions for snowshoeing.

Do I need special equipment for these walks?

As well as snowshoes and poles, you’ll need layers of warm clothing, waterproof mountain boots, sunglasses and sun cream. A rucksack with food, thermos flask and first-aid kit is essential for longer outings.

Are these routes accessible to beginners?

The hikes to the Sommet Bucher and the Cascade des Oules are ideal for beginners and families. The routes to Saint-Véran and the Gardiole de l’Alp require previous experience and a good level of fitness.

Where can I hire snowshoes in the Queyras?

The sports shops in the villages of Saint-Véran, Molines-en-Queyras, Ceillac and Abriès offer snowshoe equipment for hire. It is advisable to book in advance during busy periods, particularly during the school holidays.