Trapper's evening: an unusual walk in the heart of nature

Trapper's evening: an unusual walk in the heart of nature

It's almost 5:30pm. The hustle and bustle of the day is slowly giving way to a peaceful atmosphere. Warm in our ski outfits, helmets under our arms and après-skis on our feet, we eagerly await our guides. An extraordinary night-time experience awaits us. We'll be living a unique adventure, like real trappers.

On the program: a snowshoe ascent through the heart of the larch forest, followed by a sensational descent on Snake Gliss!

Snowshoeing between dog and wolf

Gathered in front of the Skimium store in Les Orres 1800, our little group listens attentively to the instructions of Julien, our guide. Wearing snowshoes, we're off to explore small trails nestled in the heart of the larch trees. The icing on the cake: a tasty reward awaits us on arrival! Just what we need to keep our strength up for a trip like no other.

Julien and Pierrick, our outing leaders, equip us with snowshoes and headlamps. A reflective vest completes our night-hiker outfit. While this is a safe outing, safety is our top priority.

A few last-minute instructions, and we're off! We're off. We're soon away from the resort. Discussions liven up and jokes fly in the icy mountain air. For some of us, it's the first time. Not so easy! The trail alternates between fresh, deep snow and icy patches. A few hundred meters of practice are needed to avoid stumbling.

We enter the undergrowth. Already fading, the daylight becomes even more discreet, subdued by the larch canopy. The most talkative begin to whisper, captivated by the enchanted, hushed atmosphere of the snow-covered forest. With the resort closed, a peaceful silence reigns around us. A few steps and we're back to chatting, over the rustle of snowshoes sinking into the snow.

A well-deserved gourmet break!

It's hot in the legs! The walk isn't difficult, but it's a bit uphill, and the muscles are put to greater use than in simple hiking boots. In the darkness, with headlamps on, a procession of small lights moves purposefully through the night. Julien turns to us with a smile and announces that the end of the climb is near. In fact, we've reached a small plateau in the heart of the mountain. The forest opens onto a sky dotted with stars. Opposite us, the mountains tower over us in all their majesty. Further down, the lights of the resort sparkle in the night. What an evening!

Our guides unload their bags. Like magicians, they pull out thermos flasks of hot drinks and mysterious, carefully wrapped packages. Curious, we gather around them. Hot drinks and local produce are offered to recharge our batteries! In a convivial atmosphere, we share cheeses and sausages , accompanied by delicious chocolate or invigorating mulled wine. A comforting surprise after climbing the trails of Les Orres!

It's already time to head back down. But the return to the resort won't involve snowshoes. It'll be much more fun!

An exhilarating descent!

A dozen colorful sleds await us at the top of the run. The guide ties the machines together. Eager to rediscover the sensation of sliding, we take our place in our sled. Pierrick and Julien, responsible for safety, take the lead.

We set off down the slope. The sleds meander gently down the track, then pick up speed. The Snake Gliss speeds along at between 20 and 25km/h. Not necessarily vertiginous for an outside observer, but for us who are close to the ground, the sensations are there for all to see. Even with our helmets on, it's a hair-raising experience!

The escorts feel at ease, playing with the slope and trajectory. The passengers at the end of the procession feel the most adrenaline. It's not for nothing that our guides have reserved these seats for the most intrepid among us. It's a little quieter for holidaymakers just behind the riders. This unusual descent is accessible to everyone, from thrill-seekers to those who prefer a cooler, more fun ride.

there's laughter, shouting and fun in the convoy. The slope is ours, and we make the most of it. It's so satisfying to feel privileged and almost alone in the heart of the mountain. Like a breath of freedom!

End of the line, everybody off! The trapper apprentices have stars in their eyes. The evening was rich in experiences and emotions. A sportive ascent, rewarded by a tasty snack, and a fun and joyful descent. A great time shared together!

PRACTICAL INFO

• Dates: every winter evening when the resort is open (booking required)
• Meeting point: in front of the Skimium sports store, Les Orres 1800.
• Duration : approx. 1h30 - 14h45
• Equipment required : ski clothing (warm pants and jacket), helmet, waterproof or hiking boots, gloves.
• Equipment supplied : snowshoes, headlamps (one for 2), chasubles (and aperitif!).

LIVE A TRAPPER EVENING