Snowshoeing itinerary: La Trace de l'Ecureuil

On this plateau, where the cold air awakens the senses, between snow-covered expanses, wooded reliefs and open horizons, stop off at the Notre-Dame des Grâces chapel, which, despite the avalanche of 1981, continues to bear the memory and attachment of the local people.

Description

This loop offers a real taste of the mountains, where the calm and grandeur of the plateau invite contemplation.

Additional welcome

Find out about weather conditions and avalanche risk before you set off (weather services, mountain rescue services, professionals, tourist office...).
Equipment and clothing must be adapted to the forecast.
Postpone your activity if the weather forecast is poor. Follow safety instructions and do not venture off the marked routes in winter.

Environments

• Mountain view
• Mountain location
• Ski resort
• 10 - 20 min walk to bus stop

Rates

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 6.5km
• Route type LOOP
• Elevation gain 80m
• Negative gradient 80m
• Daily duration 02h30
• Signposted itinerary Yes
• Beaconing accuracy Signposted route no. 8.
• Tricky passage This route crosses meadows. Without snow, it is not practicable.
• Nature of the land Non-groomed itinerary
• Maximum altitude 1765m

Opening period

From 15/12 to 01/04 daily.

Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Subject to snow conditions

Location

As hazards may occur at any time on the routes, the GPX tracks provided are not contractual. They are provided for information only. Riders use them at their own risk, depending on their level of technological proficiency and their understanding of the terrain.

Documents

• Snowshoeing itinerary: La Trace de l'Ecureuil_Bessans (pdf)

Animals

Pets allowed : Yes

Pets allowed with supplement: No

Out of respect for wildlife, please keep your dog on a lead.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• 1/ From the Espace sportif Le Carreley parking lot, follow the road to the oratory, then turn right. The path winds through forest and snow-covered mountain pastures to a bridge near the hamlet of La Goulaz, where you cross the Torrent d'Avérole.
  2/ 0 h 40 - After the bridge, fork right through the hamlet of La Goulaz, then continue on the path leading to the Chapelle Notre-Dame des Grâces.
  3/ 1 h 10 - Then carefully cross the road to the Villaron parking lot and continue towards the La Bessanaise vacation center.
  3 1 h 40 - From here, cross the road again and take the uphill route towards
  towards Avérole. Cross the bridge over the torrent, then return to the oratory before returning to the Espace sportif Le Carreley parking lot.
  3/ 2 h 30 - Espace sportif Le Carreley .