DAYHIKING IN THE of ECRINS NATIONAL PARK July 12-23, 2022 AT# 2225 TRIP RATING – Moderate to Vigorous Click here for ratings description: Ratings description

Join us as we explore an area of Provence not frequented by most casual tourists. We will be on the fringe of the French Alps utilizing ski lifts on some days to help us gain elevation. The Ecrins National Park is a protected area of soaring mountain peaks, lush meadows, rushing streams, mirror lakes and beautiful scenery in the heart of the French Alps.

Ecrins National Park is a mountainous region to the south-east of , west of Briançon and north of Gap and Embrun, on the border between the Rhone-Alps and Provence-Alps-Cote d'Azur regions. Écrins National Park (in French Parc National des Écrins) is one of eight regions in designated as French national parks.

Ecrins National Park is visited by approximately 850,000 people each year, with many of these pursuing various outdoor activities, in particular hikers and climbers.

It is of course the scenery that is the main attraction, and Ecrins contains more than 100 mountain peaks over 9800 feet in altitude, with the Barre des Ecrins at 13458 feet being the highest point. It is also well known for the extensive number of glaciers it contains.

Also, there are some designated natural reserves within the borders of the park such as Pics du Combeynot, Vallée du Béranger, Vallée de Saint-Pierre, Vallée de la Séveraisse, Vallée du Vénéon, Cirque du Lac des Estaris.

Although there are no major towns within the borders of the park itself there are several villages which we will come across as we explore the region. The village of to the north of the park is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. La Grave is high in the mountains 25 miles north-west of Briançon. It is listed as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'. Because of the mountains opposite the village it is also known as La Grave - La , and it is these imposing mountains around the village that also make it so scenic. Because of the altitude of the village there are no wooden chalets to be found, because there are no trees (and because earlier fires in the town further discouraged the idea). The buildings are therefore made of stone, with stone roofs. The houses are constructed largely with volcanic rock, held together by a mortar made from earth. The village itself sits on a slope nestled into the mountainside with a myriad of narrow streets winding between the sturdy houses, and a small roman style church built in the 12th century in La Grave center. The village is proud, and rightly so, that it has managed to avoid the visual impact of tourism on the town, and the facilities that are here are well integrated into the rest of the village. The views from the village, and in the surrounding countryside, are magnificent.

Briançon is a fortified mountain town at 4429 feet above sea level in the Hautes-Alpes department of Provence, close to the French border with Italy and surrounded by alpine mountains, including the spectacular mountain scenery of the Parc National des Ecrins and the Vallée de la Clarée which is one of the 'Grand Sites of France'. The highest city in Europe, Briançon falls at the end of several important valleys through the mountains - hence its historical importance for both defense and trade. Although the fortifications that now dominate Briançon were added in the 17th-18th centuries to protect the important routes between France, Italy and Austria the town has had an important defensive role to play in the region dating back to roman times.

It is the old town, known as the Ville Haute, of Briançon which is of most interest to visitors (and the reason why Briançon is now a protected French Historic Town and is listed as an official Town of Art and History in France and much of this remains unchanged since it was redesigned and rebuilt by Vauban in the 18th century following the destruction of much of the original town in 1692 by the duc de Savoie.

There are some notable monuments to discover (as well as the ever present military defenses). Enter the town through the large stone gateway called the Porte de Pignerol and the main street of the town, Grande Rue, runs steeply down the hillside from here and is lined with attractive old buildings. The street is also known as the 'grande gargouille' after the drain that runs down the middle of the street to prevent flooding. The 'drain' was in fact originally designed by Vauban to ensure a constant source of water (the water runs from the hills above) to fight any fires as much of the 17th century destruction of the town was due to fire.

The second half of our adventure will be spent in the Valle de La Clarée just northeast of Briançon. The Vallée de la Clarée is a scenic valley in the French Alps near to Briançon and the French-Italian border. The Clarée river runs through the valley. The mountains on either side are part of the Massif des Cerces. To the west they are between 2800 and 2900m high, while on the east side they are between 2300 and 2400m high. Consequently, the snow is slow to melt and gives rise to the name of the central commune Névache meaning "snowed". The valley lies at between 1400 and 2000m and contains meadows and larch forest. This alpine situation creates great biological diversity with several different habitats such as flooded soils and peat. The Vallée de la Clarée and the adjoining Vallée Etroite (literally meaning narrow valley) cover 26,000 hectares and contain famous hiking trails (GR 57, Tour du Mont Thabor, Grande Traversée des Alpes). The valleys are an exceptional area in that they have been preserved in their natural state. Agriculture, forestry and the rearing of livestock are still carried out traditionally.Crossed by the river of the same name, the stunning Clarée valley is dotted with charming villages and hamlets feaTorinog beautiful churches decorated with wall paintings and sundials, houses with larch shingle roofs and picturesque chapels, all surrounded by unspoiled nature.

Our Adventure Travel trip will have us flying in and out of Torino, Italy (just across the border from Briançon, France) and transferring by bus to La Grave for a 5 night stay during which time we will go on daily hikes in the surrounding mountains. Then we’ll transfer to the fantastically beautiful valley of La Clarée for another 5 night stay. On the way to this scenic valley, we’ll stop in Briançon for a private guided tour and time to shop/explore on our own for a few hours. Once in La Clarée, we’ll have daily hikes to mountain lakes, enjoy the vistas and scenic trails. During all of our hikes, we’ll be accompanied by local licensed hiking guides (as required by the French government). After our stay in La Clarée we’ll go back to Torino for a one night’s prior to flying home.

Day by Day Itinerary: Participants should have achieved a moderate level of hiking ability and be able to hike up to 12 miles per day on rolling or rocky terrain with up to 3400 feet elevation gain for about 4 to 7 hours. Hiking trails in the la Grave/La Clarée area travel through forests, open plateaus, along ridges, alongside waterways (streams/rivers/creeks) and offer fantastic scenery. This trip welcomes spouses, friends, and/or significant others who are not intermediate- advanced hikers. One could use the many easier walking routes or do one of several alternate activities. Although we will offer an activity each day, participants may opt to take a “day off” at any point and make their own plans.

Hike descriptions and trail numbers reference the: 1) Cicerone Guide: Ecrins National Park 2) Cicerone Guide: Walking in the Briançonnais Hikes are based on these descriptions but will not always follow the exact routes; we’ll adjust to our needs/desires/trail conditions.

Both of these can be obtained online at https://www.cicerone.co.uk/ or through Amazon.

Day 1: July 12, 2022 Arrive in Torino airport and transfer directly to La Grave, France via charter bus. We will have a group meeting in the afternoon or evening, and if time allows we’ll have a walking orientation tour of La Grave. Hotel: Hotel Panoramic or similar http://www.panoramic-village.com/en/ Meals: (D)

Day 2: July 13, 2022 La Grave (4859' – Puy Vachier (6175')– Chal Vachere (6050') - La Grave Our hike to Chalet de Chal Vachere will start from south of La Grave. We will climb through the woodland and across sloping pastures with plenty of visual highlights. Vertical rise and loss 1316’, about 6 - 7 hours (6 miles) Hotel: Hotel Panoramic or similar http://www.panoramic-village.com/en/ Meals: (B, D)

Day 3: July 14, 2022 Villar d'Arene (5522') – Sources de la (7054') - Villar d'Arene (5522') A truly splendid walk in magnificent surroundings, this fairly undemanding route leads to the headwaters of the Romanche below the Glacier de la Plate des Agneaux. Vertical rise and loss 1532’, about 6 - 7 hours (12 miles) Hotel: Hotel Panoramic or similar http://www.panoramic-village.com/en/ Meals: (B, D)

Day 4: July 15, 2022 La Grave – Hameau de Valfroide – Lac du Goleon La Grave Our hike will start from the highest point in La Grave. We will climb through the flower filled meadows and have views onto the rooftops of La Grave. Our hike will take us to Lac du Goleon which is trapped by a glacial sill in the hanging valley northeast of La Grave. Vertical rise and loss 3196’, about 6 - 7 hours Hotel: Hotel Panoramic or similar http://www.panoramic-village.com/en/ Meals: (B, D)

Day 5: July 16, 2022 La Grave – Lac De Puy Vachier –Refuge Evariste Chancel– La Grave From our hotel we will walk to the western end of La Grave’s main street where we will start our hike. Rising at an easy angle at first, the path then steepens, before contouring with the view across the valley to La Grave. The path will lead us to a little Lac de Puy Vachier which is lodged in a glacial cirque bounded by dark crags. Vertical rise and loss 3362’’, about 6 - 7 hours Hotel: Hotel Panoramic or similar http://www.panoramic-village.com/en/ Meals: (B, D)

Day 6: July 17, 2022 Today we transfer to the Vallee de La Clarée, where we’ll spend the next 5 nights. After arrival we’ll explore the area around the hotel and get settled. Hotel: L’Echaillon Hotel or similar hotel-echaillon.com/fr Meals: (B, D)

Day 7: July 18, 2022 Today our walk starts and ends in the town of Nevache, it makes for a superb introduction to the Clarée Valley. Starting from the beautifully situated village of Nevach, we climb through aromatic larch forest to the Cote Rouge, a fantastic balcony high above the valley floor. The views are exquisite. Afterwards, the Refuge de Buffere is a perfectly tranquil place for a spot of lunch before returning to Nevache. Distance 6.5 miles, 4 hours and elevation gain/descent of 2034 feet. Hotel: L’Echaillon Hotel or similar hotel-echaillon.com/fr Meals: (B, D)

Day 8: July 19, 2022 Our route today takes us from Nevache up to Lak Noir (the black lake). The route is stunning throughout and the lake itself is divine, set high above the Vallon Valley and surrounded by ragged peaks. Hiking time will be about 5 hours with 2700 feet of elevation gain/descent over the course of 7.75 miles Hotel: L’Echaillon Hotel or similar hotel-echaillon.com/fr Meals: (B, D)

Day 9: July 20, 2022 Today is a free day for you to explore the area, schedule a massage, go shopping, rest etc. Hotel: L’Echaillon Hotel or similar hotel-echaillon.com/fr Meals: (B, D)

Day 10: July 21, 2022 Our last hike of the trip will a classic Clarée walk. It involves a visit to the beautiful Col des Thures near the mighty Mont Thabor and a very pretty lake with lovely views back into the Clarée Valley and beyond. The final few kilometers of the route involve a magnificent stroll along the base of the Clarée Valley towards Nevache. Hiking time will be about 4.5 hours over the course of 8.85 miles with elevation gain/loss of 2400 feet. Hotel: L’Echaillon Hotel or similar hotel-echaillon.com/fr Meals: (B, D)

Day 11: July 22, 2022 Transfer back to Torino, Italy via private charter bus with stop in Briançon for a private guided tour of the historic old center. We will stay overnight at a hotel close to the Torino, Italy airport to facilitate flights home tomorrow. Hotel: Jet Hotel or similar Meals: (B)

Day 12: July 23, 2022 Depart back to USA Meals: (B)

Leaders’ right to change itinerary:

While the itinerary in this prospectus is what the leaders have planned at the time of writing, various factors may require changes for reasons of safety, transportation or lodging availability, and unforeseeable circumstances (such as weather considerations, natural disasters in areas to be visited, or recommendations of governmental agencies). The leaders reserve the right to make such changes as necessary, both before and during the trip.

Leaders’ expectations of participants:

When you participate in this activity, you should be in proper condition for the challenges outlined in this prospectus and equipped with the appropriate gear as stated. You should always be aware of the risks involved and conduct yourself accordingly. You are ultimately responsible for your own safety. Prior to your acceptance as a participant in this trip, you will be asked to discuss your capabilities and experience with us. We may also request references to confirm your fitness level and suitability for participating in trip activities.

This trip is designed so that everyone may experience our adventure in Austria through shared participation in activities and tasks in an organized group environment. AMC travelers are known for their cooperative efforts, and expectations are that all participants will be considerate of others sharing this AMC Adventure Travel experience.

It may happen on any trip that a trip member is or becomes unable to participate in one or more of the planned activities. Leaders in their sole judgment have the right and obligation to refuse participation in any activity to any group member for reasons of safety, whether it will be of the group or of the individual. Illness, injury or lack of proper gear or fitness for a particular activity are examples of some conditions that might result in a participant’s being unable to perform one or more activity. Leaders may try to find a substitute activity for the trip member, but this may not always be possible.

Tying trip to AMC mission:

AMC Adventure Travel trips are run in a manner supportive of and consistent with the conservation, recreational and educational principles and mission of the Club. Trip leaders encourage participant conduct consistent with Leave No Trace environmental and conservation principles and local regulations.

AMC Membership

If you would like to join AMC, and save $100 off the cost of the trip, please visit the website: Join AMC

What trip price of $3950(AMC members); $4050 (non AMC members) includes:

 10 nights 3 star shared accommodation hotels in La Grave and Clarée Valley  1 night at Torino Airport hotel  Use of local bus in the area for group travel  Local licensed French hiking guides (required by France)  All breakfasts and most dinners as specified in itinerary  Private group tour of Briançon  On group round trip fare on La Grave cable car  Group charter bus transfer between Torino airport and hotel in La Grave  AMC overhead expense fee  Medical Evacuation Insurance

What trip price does not include:

 International flight to/from Torino  Beverages at dinner  Souvenirs and items of a personal nature  Optional activities during free time  Trip cancellation insurance  Housekeeping tips, room service charges etc.  Transfer between Torino airport and Torino airport hotel on departure day for flights home to USA  Rental of any equipment

Please be aware that, in accordance with AMC policy, you are subsidizing the leaders' costs. Beyond this, the leaders are not allowed to realize any profit from this excursion. The trip price also includes an AMC overhead fee to cover the administrative expenses of offering Adventure Travel excursions. The trip fee includes emergency medical and evacuation insurance coverage, which is required by the AMC. It does not include insurance for travel delay, interruption, trip cancellation, or loss of baggage. If these possibilities concern you, individual travel insurance is recommended. More information about included emergency medical and evacuation insurance, as well as about optional and recommended travel insurance, will be provided to participants in their formal acceptance letters.

Cancellation Policy:

The AMC Adventure Travel cancellation policy is based on the premise that your cancellation may not raise the cost to other participants or the leaders. Once you are notified the trip is declared to run as scheduled, the minimum cancellation fee is $100. If actual costs (expenses already incurred on your behalf and any unavoidable future expenses that will be incurred as a result of your registration and cancellation) are higher, they will be assessed instead. Should the leaders be able to replace you with another acceptable participant, you may be charged a reduced penalty. This will generally not be determined until after the trip. Failure to make trip payment(s) in a timely manner will be considered a cancellation. Before Sept 1, 2021, the minimum cancellation fee is $100. Sept 1, 2021 and onwards, the minimum cancellation fee is $250 On rare occasions AMC Adventure Travel may need to cancel all or a portion of a trip due to force majeure [e.g. terrorism, local health conditions, natural disaster, changes in local regulatory environment, etc.] In the event of such a cancellation, your trip fee will be refunded less any trip expenses already incurred plus any non-cancellable future trip expenditures. AMC Adventure Travel is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by you in preparing for the trip (including non-refundable air tickets, visa fees, gear or medical expenses, etc.

How air travel is to be handled:

While participant airfare is not included in the trip price, leaders may assist participants in making suitable reservations. Participants will be told when and where they must join the group for the official start of the trip’s planned activities. Once your air tickets are purchased they are your responsibility – do not make any non-refundable travel plans until told to do so by the leaders. The leaders will send out a document with a list of suggested flight from your home airport which will work to get you to Torino in time for the start of the trip.

The price for this excursion is based on quotes or estimates obtained at the time the trip was submitted to the Adventure Travel Committee for approval (July 2020). The final price of the trip will be adjusted in accordance with the best final arrangements we can make. If the trip’s financial position is strong enough at the start, the leaders may make partial refunds during the trip, in the form of payments toward some meals and/or free time activities which would otherwise not be included. Any savings we achieve, as well as any cost increases we incur, will be shared by trip participants. Our cost estimates are conservative, and so a refund is considerably more likely than a price increase. All Adventure Travel trips are run on a non- profit basis and refunds, if any, are issued after the trip’s financial accounting is complete.

Conditioning and activity/fitness level:

Participants who choose to hike, should be comfortable hiking up to 4 to 7 hours and 12 miles per day with elevation gain of up to 3400 feet. Participants should have recent previous experience hiking on rolling/hilly/rocky/mountainous terrain. However, participants should feel free to take “a day off from hiking” on any given day except for the transfer days when we move to a different hotel.

Application process or how to apply:

To apply, you must complete and submit the Participant Application, Confidential Health Questionnaire, and Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk and Release form, enclosing a registration deposit of $1000. You will be considered qualified for the trip when the leaders have determined by conversation with you that you and the trip seem to be a good match. You will be formally accepted, and your check will be deposited. Deposit checks from wait-listed applicants will not be cashed until we offer them a spot on the trip AND they accept.

Payment Schedule:

Final Payment due no later than March 15, 2022

Please make payments by check payable to the “Appalachian Mountain Club” and mail to: Ginette Beaudoin 66 Graham Street Biddeford, ME 04005

Safety:

As participant safety is a high priority for all AMC-sponsored events, procedures and policies have been developed to attempt to limit participant risk. Participants are expected to work with volunteer leaders to reduce risks and make the experience successful for all. Participants should be aware that there are risks associated with outdoor adventure activities, including but not limited to adverse weather and environmental conditions, remote locations of our trips and camps, and transportation in vehicles, on foot, or on a bike. When you apply for acceptance onto a trip, please carefully read and sign the Adventure Travel Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks and Release and Indemnity Agreement and call if you have any questions.

Risks of trip activities:

Participants should be adequately prepared for cold and hot weather hazards such as wind chill, hypothermia, dehydration, rain, sun exposure and insect bites by ensuring they have sun protection, personal first aid kit, insect repellant and extra layers in their day pack during each day’s activities. .

YOUR VOLUNTEER LEADERS:

LEADER: GINETTE BEAUDOIN

Ginette has been a member of the AMC since 1988 and has led several day and weekend trips in the White Mountains of NH, as well as various parts of Maine. She has led several Austrian Alps adventure trips through the years for both hiking and cross country skiing. She has also led Adventure travel trips to Yosemite, Bryce and Zion National Parks, Easter Island, Peru, Minnesota, Tuscany, Dolomites, Spain, France, Patagonia, Bolivia, Azores Islands, Australia and New Zealand for the AMC. She has hiked to over 30 high Alpine Huts throughout Austria, Germany, France and Switzerland and has hiked the NH 4000 footers. Her interests include hiking, photography, cross-country hiking, snowshoeing, travel, and introducing others to adventure travel.

ADDRESS: 66 Graham Street, Biddeford, Maine 04005 PHONE: (207) 590-4431 EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]

CO-LEADER: ANNA PANSZCZYK

Anna is a Boston Chapter INTRO (AMC) Leader. Anna has co led AMC Adventure Travel trips to New Zealand, Australia, Dolomites – Italy, Austria, Azores, Yosemite National Park, Minnesota, Peru, Easter Island, Australia, New Zealand, and Morocco. Anna leads hiking trips in the White Mountains and most recently led an excursion to Waterville Valley and Craftsbury Vermont for snowshoeing and cross country hiking. She has also co led the Claybrook ski trip on previous years. During the summer of 2014, she and the trip leader backpacked the Haute Route from Chamonix France to Zermatt Switzerland as well as Kepler Track in New Zealand. This is in addition to trips that she takes to all corners of the world! Anna has completed SOLO Advanced Wilderness First Aid course as well as CPR training.

ADDRESS: 22 Alfred Rd, Arlington, MA 02474 PHONE: 781-648-2492; EMAIL: [email protected]

Gear/Packing list:

You will be required to provide your own daypack, weather proof outerwear, hiking poles, as well as broken in hiking boots

Clothing:

Polypro tops (long and short sleeve) and bottoms NO COTTON for hiking! Fleece top Soft Shell or similar jacket and pants Raingear, top and bottom, Gore Tex or similar; not vinyl Wool or fleece hat Waterproof mittens/gloves Sock liners Hand warmers Slippers Casual wear for lodge and sleeping Wool socks and footwear appropriate for Apres hiking

Gear:

Hiking poles and good hiking boots Sun Screen, sun glasses, wide brimmed sun hat Gaiters, warm hat or headband Daypack, water bottles, thermos Camera with extra battery and memory card Headlamp and extra batteries

Personal: Prescription and OTC personal medications Personal first Aid kit Contact lens supplies Toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, etc Plastic bags, thick ones and large enough to keep things dry inside your daypack Alarm clock or just use the one on your smart phone