The Fontcouverte waterfall is a magical sight in winter. A not-to-be-missed itinerary in the upper valley, this pretty loop takes you along the Clarée between snow-covered plains, summer cottages and larch forests.
Starting from Névache Ville Haute, strap on your snowshoes and set off along the snow-covered Haute Vallée trail. This first part of the walk takes place on this shared trail, which is occasionally groomed to the delight of hikers, ski tourers and cross-country skiers.
After passing the chapel of Notre Dame de Bon Secours and the chapel of Sainte Barbe, a sign on the left indicates the Buffère refuge. Cross the snow-covered plain to cross the Rately bridge, then continue along the right bank of the river. The "Fontcouverte" signs will point you in the right direction.
Along the river, between forests and snow-covered plains, you'll pass the chalets de Basse Gardioles and then the chalets de la Meuille... the imposing Massif du Queyrellin rises before you.
You'll soon arrive at the beautiful, partly frozen Fontcouverte waterfall, then a little further on, the hamlet of Fontcouverte, where you can take a short break in the warmth of the rustic Fruitière restaurant.
You can then head back down the snow-covered road, passing through the old chalets of Lacha and Sausse.
Caution: in summer, this route leaves Névache on the right bank via the Outre bridge, on the left just after the church; it is avalanche-prone and totally inadvisable in winter.
Remain vigilant:
- Be aware of changing weather and snow conditions.
- The G.R. and other routes used in summer are not always the same as winter trails - The right bank route between Ville Haute and the Rately bridge is not recommended.
- Because of the risk of avalanche, we strongly recommend that you wear full safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel).
- Our mountain guides are there to accompany you on this winter terrain, which they know well.
After passing the chapel of Notre Dame de Bon Secours and the chapel of Sainte Barbe, a sign on the left indicates the Buffère refuge. Cross the snow-covered plain to cross the Rately bridge, then continue along the right bank of the river. The "Fontcouverte" signs will point you in the right direction.
Along the river, between forests and snow-covered plains, you'll pass the chalets de Basse Gardioles and then the chalets de la Meuille... the imposing Massif du Queyrellin rises before you.
You'll soon arrive at the beautiful, partly frozen Fontcouverte waterfall, then a little further on, the hamlet of Fontcouverte, where you can take a short break in the warmth of the rustic Fruitière restaurant.
You can then head back down the snow-covered road, passing through the old chalets of Lacha and Sausse.
Caution: in summer, this route leaves Névache on the right bank via the Outre bridge, on the left just after the church; it is avalanche-prone and totally inadvisable in winter.
Remain vigilant:
- Be aware of changing weather and snow conditions.
- The G.R. and other routes used in summer are not always the same as winter trails - The right bank route between Ville Haute and the Rately bridge is not recommended.
- Because of the risk of avalanche, we strongly recommend that you wear full safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel).
- Our mountain guides are there to accompany you on this winter terrain, which they know well.
Plain text rates
Free access.Plain text period
From 01/12 to 30/04 daily.Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Accepted customers
- Walkers/hikers
- Level bue - Medium
Environment
- Mountain location
