Snowshoeing in the forests of Bouvante-Pionner, Malatra and Ambel

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A two-day snowshoe walk along forest tracks and the D199, which is closed during the winter season. An opportunity to discover superb, pristine landscapes and spot large wildlife if luck is on your side (and at your discretion).

Make sure you pack warm clothing, whatever the weather forecast.
Be accompanied by a hiker who knows the area well or a mountain guide. Do not venture out alone if you do not know how to find your way.

Details

n°20680
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Snowshoeing
    Activity: Snowshoeing
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.29 mi
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 2 days 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,020 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,033 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,462 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,566 ft

Photos

Clairière de Malatra l'été
Retour
Panneau d'information de la clairière de Malatra
Carrefour de la route forestière de Malatra et de la départementale 199

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

  1. S
    Du col de la Portette au refuge de Tubanet

    From the Col de la Portette to the Tubanet refuge

    ↔4.95 mi ↗883 ft ↘108 ft
    The first day is relatively easy as it follows fairly busy forest tracks that wind gently through the snow-covered fir trees of the three forests. The arrival on the Ambel plateau offers superb views on a clear day. A comfortable night at the Tubanet refuge before setting off on the return journey.
    View the route
  2. E
    De Tubanet vers le col de la Portette

    From Tubanet to the Col de la Portette

    ↔5.33 mi ↗125 ft ↘912 ft
    After a night in this idyllic spot, return to the starting point via a slight detour to admire the view from the D199 viewpoint. The main difficulty here is linked to weather conditions, which can make it harder to follow the route.
    View the route

Notes

The refuge is unstaffed. You must bring all your own equipment for sleeping and eating there.

Heavy snowfall, which can make it difficult to follow the paths (no snow clearance is carried out, and signposts may be buried under the snow), frequent and dense fog which limits visibility, and wind that can be very strong, can make this hike very challenging.

The snow may be very powdery or warmed by the sun, and despite wearing snowshoes, sinking deeply into the snow whilst walking can make the hike physically demanding, just as a freeze-over during the day can make the route slippery.

Treat weather forecasts as a guide only, as I have encountered snowstorms on more than one occasion despite a ‘Fine weather’ forecast from Météo France Montagne.

Worth a visit

Ambel Plateau.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 1 review
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4 / 5
Alexis A.
Alexis A.

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 14, 2015
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

We had a lot of snow during the snowshoe hike; the route is fairly straightforward but was made difficult by the snow.
Very good mountain hut

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Other walks in the area

Snowshoeing From the Col de la Portette to the Tubanet refuge

Visorando Member
Du col de la Portette au refuge de Tubanet
↔4.95 mi ↗+883 ft ↘-108 ft ◔5 hrs ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Bouvante (Drôme)
The first day is relatively easy as it follows fairly busy forest tracks that wind gently through the snow-covered fir trees of the three forests. The arrival on the Ambel plateau offers superb views on a clear day. A comfortable night at the Tubanet refuge before setting off on the return journey.

Snowshoeing Font d'Urle - Chaud Clapier

Local authority
↔2.29 mi ↗+259 ft ↘-266 ft ◔1.5 hrs ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Bouvante (Drôme)
This easy route allows you to discover both snowshoeing and the Chaud Clapier ski area. Alternating between woodland and groomed slopes, this hike reveals the small hamlet of Font d'Urle, nestled in the folds of the Serre Montué. It's an excellent way for young and old alike to enjoy snowshoeing in complete safety. However, the sometimes changeable weather conditions should not be overlooked.

Snowshoeing Les Gagères from Chaud Clapier

Local authority
Les Gagères à partir de Chaud Clapier
↔3.96 mi ↗+673 ft ↘-643 ft ◔3 hrs ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Bouvante (Drôme)
A snowshoe hike that allows you to discover the vast expanses characteristic of the Gagères. The plateau is often swept by the wind, which forms snowdrifts, thus modulating the landscape. Be aware that fog can roll in on this route and make the hike much more difficult. In good weather, hikers can enjoy magnificent views: a panorama of the Hauts Plateaux du Vercors mountain range and its highest peak, the Grand Veymont (2,341 metres above sea level).

Snowshoeing Circular Serre Plumé starting from the Col de Carri

Visorando Member
Boucle de Serre Plumé au départ du Col de Carri
↔6.35 mi ↗+1,391 ft ↘-1,365 ft ◔5 hrs ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Bouvante (Drôme)
A snowshoe or walking hike south of the Col de Carri, offering a beautiful panoramic view of the Vercors ridges from Serre Plumé.

Snowshoeing Col du Maupas from Font d'Urle-Chaud Clappier

Local authority
↔4.22 mi ↗+653 ft ↘-646 ft ◔3 hrs ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Bouvante (Drôme)
Around the Sacha mountain, this snowshoe hike allows you to discover two sides of the Vercors landscape. At the Col de Carri, the landscape is forested and snow covers the entire area, giving walkers a taste of the Far North. At the Col de Maupas, the view extends over the Combe de l'Oscence and the more open environment supports lower vegetation.

Snowshoeing Font d'Urle and Puy de la Gagère

Visorando Member
Font d'Urle et le Puy de la Gagère
↔4.64 mi ↗+1,430 ft ↘-1,417 ft ◔4 hrs ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Bouvante (Drôme)
This snowshoe hike is impressive for the beauty of the landscapes. You will never tire of what you discover at every turn. Not recommended in bad weather as there are no landmarks to guide your return.

Snowshoeing From Tubanet to the Col de la Portette

Visorando Member
De Tubanet vers le col de la Portette
↔5.33 mi ↗+125 ft ↘-912 ft ◔5 hrs ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Omblèze (Drôme)
After a night in this idyllic spot, return to the starting point via a slight detour to admire the view from the D199 viewpoint. The main difficulty here is linked to weather conditions, which can make it harder to follow the route.

Snowshoeing Tubanet Hut – Hollowed-Out Tree Trunk Serving as Drinking Trough

Visorando Member
↔16.91 mi ↗+4,396 ft ↘-4,511 ft ◔10 hrs ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Omblèze (Drôme)
Stage4 sets off from the Cabane de Tubanet and returns to the high plateaus of the Vercors at the Cabane des Bachassons above Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors.A very long day. It is the longest of the tour.

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