Go deep into the heart of the snow-covered Villar woods! This lovely snowshoe walk will take you past the discreet Clairière du Lauzin and the Clot-des-Prés... all the while enjoying a pleasant view of Briançon and the surrounding area.
By car, park at the Centre Montagne parking lot, at the start of the cross-country ski trails. In winter, the Ayes road is snow-covered.
From the parking lot, retrace your steps onto the Route des Ayes and put on your snowshoes.
The wide Ayes trail rises up to reach the forest, and continue along this path until you reach the "Ayes/Melezin" junction.
Take the left-hand track towards Les Ayes. Caution: The right-hand track leads to Mélézin via the summer car track, and is much longer (8 km one way).
A little further on - about 200 m - take the snow-covered path on the right, marked with a yellow sign "Le Mélézin".
This relatively well-marked route stands out well in the snow between the larch trees and winds steadily upwards into the heart of the Bois du Villard .
Soon, on the right, a small path leads to the Clairière du Lauzin (a short detour is possible to see the Clairière, then return to the main itinerary).
After passing the Lauzin, ignore the right-hand track and take the left-hand one until you reach a wide forest track, which you cross to take the route opposite.
The climb then becomes a little steeper until you reach a rocky spur (the Oratoire Saint-Augustin is not visible at this time of year, as it is buried under the snow), with the Mélézin chalets in the background.
The return journey takes the same route.
In winter, the Ayes road is snow-covered.
Progressing on snow-covered terrain is much more demanding than in summer, requiring special equipment and knowledge of mountain risks.
An ungroomed route sometimes requires you to "make tracks", and requires good physical condition and good preparation for the outing.
-Consult the weather forecast
-Avalanche risk assessment bulletin
-Consult guidebook recommendations
-Make sure you have the right equipment, including avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes.
-Choose an itinerary suited to your physical condition
-Never set off alone.
From the parking lot, retrace your steps onto the Route des Ayes and put on your snowshoes.
The wide Ayes trail rises up to reach the forest, and continue along this path until you reach the "Ayes/Melezin" junction.
Take the left-hand track towards Les Ayes. Caution: The right-hand track leads to Mélézin via the summer car track, and is much longer (8 km one way).
A little further on - about 200 m - take the snow-covered path on the right, marked with a yellow sign "Le Mélézin".
This relatively well-marked route stands out well in the snow between the larch trees and winds steadily upwards into the heart of the Bois du Villard .
Soon, on the right, a small path leads to the Clairière du Lauzin (a short detour is possible to see the Clairière, then return to the main itinerary).
After passing the Lauzin, ignore the right-hand track and take the left-hand one until you reach a wide forest track, which you cross to take the route opposite.
The climb then becomes a little steeper until you reach a rocky spur (the Oratoire Saint-Augustin is not visible at this time of year, as it is buried under the snow), with the Mélézin chalets in the background.
The return journey takes the same route.
In winter, the Ayes road is snow-covered.
Progressing on snow-covered terrain is much more demanding than in summer, requiring special equipment and knowledge of mountain risks.
An ungroomed route sometimes requires you to "make tracks", and requires good physical condition and good preparation for the outing.
-Consult the weather forecast
-Avalanche risk assessment bulletin
-Consult guidebook recommendations
-Make sure you have the right equipment, including avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes.
-Choose an itinerary suited to your physical condition
-Never set off alone.
Accepted customers
Accepted customers
- Level red – hard
