Trek pulka bivouac snowshoes in the Cerces Thabor Massif
Come discover the joys of a winter mini expedition on snowshoes with nights in a tent in the Cerces Thabor massif. Accompanied by our pulkas, we will explore the snowy valleys for 4 days of unique adventure.
Duration
4 days
From
€600/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple
The spirit of travel
Escape on snowshoes for 4 days and 3 nights in the Massif des Cerces Thabor in Savoy.
We set off like trappers on a grand adventure in complete autonomy guided by Captain Cyril.
Our pulkas will allow us to move across the snow blanket with all our belongings to sleep in a tent. This mode of travel connects us even more with nature as we play with the terrain and weather to choose our itinerary.
🌱 This trip has a reduced carbon footprint. By choosing it, you support sustainable tourism, respectful of nature, territories and the local economy — a simple and committed approach, carried out through our agency's human and professional approach.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
The adventure region
Ecrins
Cap sur les Alpes du Sud : une montagne lumineuse, plus minérale, plus “grand ciel”, avec des paysages qui sentent déjà le sud. Ici, la lumière a quelque chose de spécial : elle accroche les crêtes
Discover Alpes du sud →Day-by-day itinerary
Departure of the expedition from Valloire
Meet at Chambéry train station at 9:45 AM then a 1.5-hour transfer by van to Valloire (Savoie).
Our journey begins where the road ends in winter. It's time to prepare equipment and load our pulkas: tents, sleeping bags, food, stoves, personal belongings... everything is ready for the adventure! We head towards Les Mottets for our first night under canvas. We will learn to organize a camp, source water, manage the cold, etc...all while leaving no trace.
Under Pointe des Cerces
Col Des Rochilles → Col Des Rochilles
Wake up in the heavy frost sleeping bags, in the heart of the camp. We have breakfast in the mess tent (large communal tent), around the heaters, emphasizing two essentials of winter: eating well and staying well hydrated before departing.
The day unfolds without the pulkas, to enjoy the hike more freely. We set off in a loop towards the Rochilles pass, at nearly 2,500 m altitude. Around us, the high peaks of the Cerces massif accompany our progress, with beautiful views towards the Clarée valley when weather permits.
In mid-afternoon, we return to camp. Depending on conditions, we spend a second night at the same location or we continue the itinerary with the pulkas to reach another valley in the massif.
Storming the Peaks
Col Des Rochilles → Roche Olvéra
Today, we leave the pulkas at camp again to gain some altitude. The objective is Roche Olvéra, a summit accessible around 2,700 m, which dominates the area and offers, in good weather, a wide panorama of the surrounding landscape.
The progression is at a steady pace, adapted to the group and snow conditions. Along the way, we take time to observe the landscape, the traces in the snow and, with a bit of luck, the discreet presence of chamois or ibex. The guide then reminds us of the right reflexes to observe them without disturbing them, especially in winter, a period when every expenditure of energy counts for wildlife.
At the end of the day, we return to camp for the third and final night under canvas, above 2,000 m. After several days outdoors, movements become more fluid: organizing equipment, managing the cold, preparing meals, finding comfort in the tent.
The evening ends simply, in this atmosphere unique to winter bivouac: the sound of wind, the stars if the sky is clear, and the rare sensation of being far from everything.
Return to Civilization
After four days in the heart of the mountains, we enjoy one last hearty breakfast before breaking camp. Everyone participates in folding the tents, putting away the shared equipment and checking the site.
We then resume our descent towards the valley, pulkas behind us, heading towards Valloire. The pace is leisurely, with the pleasure of gradually rediscovering civilization after this period of self-sufficiency in the Cerces-Thabor Massif.
We're expected back in Valloire in early afternoon, with four days of snowshoeing, bivouacking and outdoor living in our legs, and in our minds a truly unique winter adventure. The return to Chambéry is scheduled for around 4pm.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Transport to the meeting point (Chambéry railway station)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Everything that is not explicitly mentioned as included
Included
- The guide's service and supervision
- Bivouac accommodation, shared tent, individual mattress and extreme cold sleeping bag
- The mess tent and kitchen equipment
- Individual hiking equipment: snowshoes, poles and pulka
- The meals mentioned in the program
- Shuttle transfers from/to Chambéry train station
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Our adventures take place in France: a valid national identity card (or passport) is all you need. No visa or entry formalities required, and no mandatory vaccinations.
Keep an identity document with you during your stay. Travelers coming from abroad should check their entry requirements for France with the authorities of their country of residence.
Our micro-adventures take place in France. Liability insurance and mountain rescue and assistance coverage are highly recommended — they are often already included with a bank card, a FFME / FFCAM membership, or your home insurance.
For fixed-date group departures, consider cancellation insurance. If in doubt, your Captain will guide you toward the coverage best suited to your activity (hiking, bivouacking, climbing, ski touring, etc.).
Required Level
- Physical effort: Sustained
- Technical prerequisites: None
- Accessibility: From 16 years old if accompanied by an adult
Accommodation
Bivouac:
Nights will be spent in tents (for 2 people, with mattress and cold weather sleeping bag)
Hot meals in the morning and evening in the mess tent. Midday meals are picnic-style.
Self-sufficient for the 4 days, no public showers or toilets. A true nature stay!
Departure confirmation: at the latest 7 days before the trip date
Departure confirmed: from 4 registrations
Sales closure: up to 3 days before departure, subject to availability
Meeting at 9:45 AM at Chambéry train station
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
France is part of the Schengen area. French nationals have no procedures to complete, of course. If you invite foreign relatives to join you, the conditions vary depending on their nationality: check with the French embassy in their country of residence before purchasing any tickets.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality custom trip, budget between €200 and €400 per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and activities. Paris is noticeably more expensive than the provinces. Our detailed quote allows you to adjust each item according to your preferences and comfort level.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We design itineraries at your pace, with stops tailored to children: Loire Valley châteaux, natural parks, Provençal villages, Breton and Basque beaches. We select family-friendly accommodations and activities that blend discovery and enjoyment for the youngest travelers.
It's simple: chat with our team to define your wishes, dates and budget. You'll receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours, which you can adjust freely. Once confirmed, your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your stay to answer any questions.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Nomadays is a network registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee, which protects all your funds in case of default. Secure payment, English-speaking assistance during your trip and support from A to Z: your peace of mind is our priority.
Let's talk about your adventure — Ecrins
A Nomadays advisor will get back to you to refine this project — itinerary, dates, budget, wishes — and propose a tailor-made version suited to your trip.
