The Valgaudemar, in the Hautes-Alpes, is one of the most spectacular and preserved valleys in the Southern Alps. In winter, it becomes a discreet but superb Nordic site, between 1,050 and 1,200m altitude, with cross-country and snowshoe trails running alongside the Séveraisse, beneath the vertiginous walls of the Écrins massif. Far from the crowds, the valley offers gentle skiing, in an accessible high-mountain setting. In summer, the Valgaudemar changes scale: altitude refuges, giant waterfalls, ibex and suspended trails form an exceptional playground for hikers and mountaineers. It’s also a land of peasant memory and resistance, with a very strong identity.
Valgaudemar
Overview
Valgaudemar
📏 Altitude: 1030 m
⛷️ Cross-country skiing: 20 km
🌟 Resort style: Village resort
💰 From 14 €/day (2024-2025)
Overview of Valgaudemar
In summer, the Valgaudemar is a vertical paradise. From La Chapelle, trails climb towards the mythical refuges of the Ecrins massif: Le Pigeonnier (2,423 m), Vallonpierre (2,272 m), l’Olan (2,340 m). Each route is an immersion in the high mountains: torrents, snowfields, ibex, blue thistles. Waterfalls such as the Voile de la Mariee and Combefroide punctuate the valley. Le Gioberney, at the end of the road, offers a unique viewpoint over the glaciers on the south face of the Ecrins. More accessible circuits, such as the discovery trail or the Oulles du Diable loop, allow a gentler exploration of the Valgaudemar. A destination for alpinism, committed hiking and contemplation.
Our review — Valgaudemar
2.8/5
Ski area — key figures — Valgaudemar
- 🌟 Village resort (Hautes-Alpes)
- 📏 1030 m Village altitude (1150 m Top altitude)
When to visit
Valgaudemar in summer
In summer, the Valgaudemar is a vertical paradise. From La Chapelle, trails climb towards the mythical refuges of the Ecrins massif: Le Pigeonnier (2,423 m), Vallonpierre (2,272 m), l’Olan (2,340 m). Each route is an immersion in the high mountains: torrents, snowfields, ibex, blue thistles. Waterfalls such as the Voile de la Mariee and Combefroide punctuate the valley. Le Gioberney, at the end of the road, offers a unique viewpoint over the glaciers on the south face of the Ecrins. More accessible circuits, such as the discovery trail or the Oulles du Diable loop, allow a gentler exploration of the Valgaudemar. A destination for alpinism, committed hiking and contemplation.
🎯 Things to do in summer:
✅ Enduro MTB • ✅ Hiking
Valgaudemar in winter
In winter, the Valgaudemar offers a discreet but very beautiful Nordic ski area. The trails are laid along the valley floor, between La Chapelle and the end of the Gioberney valley, covering around twelve kilometres return. The route follows the Severaisse river, between snowy meadows, scattered forests and immense peaks as a backdrop. Classic and skating cross-country skiing are available in an end-of-the-world atmosphere — often alone on the trails. Marked snowshoe routes allow exploration of the surrounding high pastures. The absence of ski lifts guarantees absolute tranquillity. Children can enjoy small fun areas, and walkers enjoy valley-floor strolls.
🎯 Things to do in winter:
✅ Cross-country skiing • ✅ Snowshoeing
Skiing
Below is an overview of the ski area accessible from Valgaudemar: Valgaudemar (nordique).
Cross-country ski area — Valgaudemar
⛰️ Altitudes: 1030 m – 1150 m
🌲 Cross-country skiing: 20 km
💰 Day pass: 14 €
The Valgaudemar has numerous sites to explore year-round. In winter, you can visit the Villar-Loubiere mill museum, snowshoe to the Gioberney or photograph the frozen waterfalls. In summer, the trails lead to the Pigeonnier, Vallonpierre and Olan refuges through rarely beautiful landscapes. The Gioberney viewpoint (accessible by car in summer) is an exceptional vantage point over the Sirac glaciers. For climbers and alpinists, the valley is a major centre of classic alpinism with numerous historic routes. Nearby, the Champsaur (Orcieres, Saint-Maurice) and the Devoluy offer other mountain experiences. Finally, Saint-Firmin at the bottom of the valley links to the rest of the territory with a few shops and accommodation options.
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Ski pass prices — Valgaudemar
Current lift pass prices for ski areas accessible from Valgaudemar.
| Ski area | Day pass | 6-day pass | Season pass | Season (prices) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valgaudemar (nordique skiing) | 14 € | 70 € | 75 € | 2024-2025 |
Where to stay
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