Typical itinerary
Meet in front of the esf office in Chantemerle at 08:30, then drive to Névache, in the heart of the Clarée Valley. We begin by skinning up the snow-covered road into the upper valley, then follow the summer trail to the Buffère refuge. From there, we gradually leave the larch forest behind and climb towards the Échaillon ridge.
Depending on your ability and the conditions, we can extend the outing with an additional descent and climb via the Cristol Valley or the Baude ridge. Alternatively, we can make the route easier by turning back partway up. There is also the option to stop at the Buffère refuge on the way down.
Weather and snow conditions may affect the outing. If conditions are unsuitable, the itinerary will be adapted accordingly. Your instructor will contact you the day before to discuss the latest conditions.
Depending on your ability and the conditions, we can extend the outing with an additional descent and climb via the Cristol Valley or the Baude ridge. Alternatively, we can make the route easier by turning back partway up. There is also the option to stop at the Buffère refuge on the way down.
Weather and snow conditions may affect the outing. If conditions are unsuitable, the itinerary will be adapted accordingly. Your instructor will contact you the day before to discuss the latest conditions.
Full day
8h
8h
Detailed itinerary
- Your instructor will contact you no later than the day before the outing to discuss your equipment, skiing ability, meeting point and arrangements for the day.
- 08:30 – Meet at the esf office in Chantemerle.
- Safety is our top priority, so before setting off we have a short briefing to go over the planned route and equipment. Avalanche safety equipment is provided (shovel, probe and transceiver), and the day before the outing we will advise you on where to hire your ski touring equipment.
- If you do not have your own transport, we may be able to give you a lift.
- Set off from Névache between 09:00 and 09:30.
- Our first stop is the Buffère refuge. If you fancy it, enjoy a coffee on the terrace while we chat to the hut warden about the latest conditions. Based on these, we decide on the day's objective: the Échaillon ridge, the Baude ridge, or both!
- We then continue climbing, keeping an eye out for tracks left by black grouse, foxes, ptarmigan and perhaps even wolves.
- Once at the top, we take in the spectacular mountain scenery and stop for something to eat, weather permitting, before skiing back down towards the refuge. Throughout the day, your instructor will help you improve your technique while sharing their knowledge of snow and avalanche conditions, local wildlife and animal tracks, geology, history and life in the valley – a fascinating insight into the local mountain culture.
- On the descent, there is the option to stop at the refuge for a bite to eat or a drink.
- We will also take some time during the descent to practise a mountain rescue exercise.
- We finish the descent and return to the esf office in Serre Chevalier Chantemerle by 5:00 pm at the latest.
A true mountain experience
- An unspoilt valley
- An outing tailored to you, with expert advice
- Discover the mountains through the eyes of a passionate local expert
Provided
- Avalanche safety kit (shovel, probe and transceiver)
Meet your guides and hear from those who have experienced it
An unforgettable day out
“A ski tour starting from the iconic mountain village of Névache.”
MD
Marc D.
esf customer