Listen to the silence...
At 8:30 that morning, you've just arrived at Les Gourniers, the last hamlet in the valley on the edge of the Ecrins National Park. Around ten centimetres of snow had fallen in the evening the day before, adding to the sense of calm all around.
It was a clear night, with a sharp chill but not a cloud on the horizon, and the sun peeking over the eastern ridges gently warms the valley. The equipment is ready, a few stretches to get the machine going and off we go! Off we go to the Nordic foyer, the starting point for most of the 37 km of the ski area. Nothing but the sound of the torrent next to the piste and the friction of skis on snow disturbs the ambient calm.
A domain accessible to all
Arriving near the Nordic foyer, we meet the first skiers, a family with two teenagers. A very friendly exchange of ski conditions and equipment tips. They take a short break in the foyer for a hot drink. The snow is cold, but the glide is good, as is the grooming. The warmth of the sun is slowly melting the snow on the tree branches. The trail winds through the forest, with the village of Réallon and the foothills of the Écrins on one side, and the vertiginous Aiguilles de Chabrières on the other. When we reach the Réallon station, we take a short walk along the snow front, and a little further down the road, we hear the sound of sled dogs, ready for a baptism on the Joubelle forest trail.
Find all the trails on the Nordic trails map of Réallon.
Discover the valley
End of the break, back to the Vaucluse piste. Downhill on the Pra Prunier piste to Les Mallets, an exhilarating descent, but beware of falls - the day's not over yet! From Les Mallets, the trail rises towards the valley floor, and you have to push on your poles and your legs. This slower pace allows you to observe the various footprints left in the snow by the local fauna. Arriving at the hamlet of Vaucluse, which seems to be frozen in snow, a few hikers on snowshoes arrive via the G.R 50 below. They climb up to the Font-Renarde hut higher up in the valley below the Oucanes plateau for their snack break. Another kilometer to the end of the trail, and then a pleasant descent.
The Valley's Nordic Carnival
You take the Canal trail back to the Nordic foyer, where something is brewing. Trafanelle, which takes place the following day. Over the years, this cross-country ski team race has become a local tradition.
After the effort, the comfort
The outing ends with a climb back up to Les Gourniers. In the parking lot, parked next to you, a couple of ski tourers are also finishing their outing, returning from the Col de la Gardette, an itinerary appreciated for its N/E exposure and gentle slopes. Once they've packed up their gear, they head for the hamlet. Afterwards, enjoy a beer on the sunny terrace at Le Mélézin or Le Gite des 3 cols.
Hautes-Alpes Hot-air balloon
Our hot-air balloon flights between Lakes, Mountains and Valleys are all about... Taking your time... enjoying the moment... Feeling a sense of fulfilment and freedom... The promise of an unforgettable and magical moment in the immensity of the Alpine landscapes!
MCF MTB School of Réallon and E-Trottinette
Located at 1560 m, the Réallon resort is a veritable balcony overlooking Lake Serre-Ponçon. Our state-qualified MCF instructors will be happy to guide you along the trails through the heart of the mélézin to the breathtaking panorama of the lake.
Activ Serre-Ponçon
First flights and paragliding courses. Activ Serre Ponçon offers you first flights in two-seater paragliders with professional pilots at your service. Want to learn to paraglide? We have paragliding courses for all levels at the Chorges site.
