Compagnie des Refuges Clarée Thabor
Search for availability of lodges and refuges

4 days (3 nights): Off-piste ski touring starting from Névache

Refuge Buffère, Refuge du Chardonnet and Refuge Ricou
An off-piste ski tour through Haute Clarée, starting from Nevache with overnight stays at Refuge Buffère, Refuge du Chardonnet, Refuge Ricou, then returning to Névache.

step 1
Day 1: Getting to Refuge Buffère

see on map
From Névache , Ville Haute (1,600 m), to reach Refuge de Buffère (2,076 m), first take the snow-covered summer route, then cross the Clarée on Pont du Rately and follow the well-trodden path leading to the refuge. If you arrive early enough, drop off your rucksack and head up to Crête de l'Echaillon on the east side of the valley (+500 m) for a nice first run.
More information

Refuge Buffère

- 2076m

step 2
Day 2: Refuge Buffère to Refuge du Chardonnet

see on map
From Refuge Buffère, head south then west to reach Vallon de Privé at the foot of the Couloirs de Tête Noire and then north to join Crête de Baudes (2,571m). Head to the north towards Bois de Sully and drop down to the Clarée (1,700 m), where you'll find the trail leading to Refuge du Chardonnet (2,223 m).
More information

Refuge du Chardonnet

- 2227m

step 3
Day 3: Refuge du Chardonnet to Refuge Ricou

see on map
From Refuge du Chardonnet head towards Col du Chardonnet, then follow Les Crêtes du Queyrellin to Col de la Case Blanche (2,844 m). You can either ski directly back down to Foncouverte via Couloir de la Replate or continue along the ridge towards Lac Rouge. From Vallon du lac Rouge, return to Foncouverte, and from there up to Refuge de Ricou.
More information

Refuge de Ricou

- 2115m

step 4
Day 4: Refuge Ricou to Névache

see on map
From Refuge Ricou, climb north/north-east towards the Col du Grand Cros, from where you will reach the summit of the Pic du Lac Blanc (2,980 m) and cross to Lac Blanc to join Vallon that brings you back to Névache. A short climb for a great descent!
At the end of the season, a porter service may be availabe fro Serre du Vallon
More information

Gite la Decouverte

- 1595m
Book your accommodation
for this hike
step 1
Day 1: Getting to Refuge Buffère
Refuge Buffère
step 2
Day 2: Refuge Buffère to Refuge du Chardonnet
Refuge du Chardonnet
step 3
Day 3: Refuge du Chardonnet to Refuge Ricou
Refuge de Ricou
step 4
Day 4: Refuge Ricou to Névache
Gite la Decouverte
DifficultyDifficulty Medium
Seasonin winter