Ice, Snow and More

Taking the plunge, we (Andy) hired a car for the weekend. This meant flexibility - to go where we wanted and when we wanted. With fresh memories of his recent snow shoeing expedition with work, Andy was keen to get the family out on the snow. We researched potential areas and decided on Villard de Lans with Lans en Vercors as a back up plan.

Funnily enough, while googling family friendly raquettes (snowshoe) trails in these areas, Andy mentioned that he thought we'd been here before... and we had! Way back in 1996, we were travelling with Jonno and Andy ran a couple of World Cup orienteering races around the ski areas of Villard de Lans!! And just to prove it here are a few photos I managed to find....the top left - views overlooking Grenoble and the Bastille, looking remarkably similar to the photo I took only last weekend at the orienteering!

  

Off we drove, all hyper vigilant that Andy kept to the right side of the road and in the right direction! He did a sterling job under pressure. Andy's work colleague Chris, an Australian who is currently in Cambridge doing his post doc, joined us. The road to Villard de Lans was very scenic initially with stunning views over Grenoble followed by passing through the steep limestone cliffs that make up part of the gorges of Furon. Some 50 mins later, we arrived in the centre of Villard de Lans, located a ski shop and hired snow shoes. We were ready for an adventure!

 

The raquettes trail we'd earmarked to do had us starting a km or so out of town, however not confident that our car would make it up the icy roads (it wasn't equipped with snow tyres) so we began our walk from town. Just at the hike upwards was getting to the girls (they were impatient to try out the raquettes) a black cat playing in the snow caught their attention which just happened to be at the start of the trail!

Croissants were snacked on while everyone adjusted they own raquettes to their boots. Andy gave us a few quick tips - the most important one was you can't walk backwards otherwise this happens.....

 

And we were off. Our hike was based around the Fauge river and depending on our progress and /or energy levels, our route could be shortened. Arriving at the Pont de l'Amour (Bridge of Love) the girls are instantly attracted to the partially frozen stream and start poking around. We choose the path to the left, gently climbing upwards in single file. A short while later we briefly stop for a drink, a snack and also to consult the map.

Continuing on, it wasn't that long before we reached the crossroads where we would need to make a decision on our route. The longer version would see us climb another 200m in elevation (probably another 1.5 hrs) to the hut, Cabana de Roybon before crossing beneath the spectacular Ranc des Agnelons (which no doubt would be hidden in the clouds) then dropping back into the Fauge valley. The shorter version would see no more climbing but to contour before crossing the Fauge river and joining the route back down. As it was midday already, it was no surprise that the girls chose the latter option!

The path wove between pine trees dusted with snow. Everyone enjoyed tapping the low branches, hoping to cover an unsuspecting victim in a flurry of snow! We emerge after crossing the river into a snowy field that looked great for a lunch spot. Sitting on our raquettes, trying to keep our bums warm and dry, we devour our ham and cheese baguettes.

 

Post lunch activity was to build a snowman under strict instructions from Ella. She rolled a snowball from the top of the field until it was deemed big enough for the bottom part of the snowman who was aptly named Aussie. The ball was smoothed and rounded. Then this process was repeated twice more. A slightly wonky Aussie was given arms and eyes.

  

Leaving Aussie to enjoy his position overlooking the field and river, we continued on in search of the ice waterfall. The path once again took us through beautiful sections of snowy pines while descending to the river. Turning right we walked along the river bank before turning a corner crossing a small bridge to see this amazing sight...

The cascade de la Fauge!

With only a dribble of water still trickling down form above, this frozen waterfall is impressive. On closer inspection, we realise you can walk behind the waterfall and are intrigued by the icicles. What a fantastic way to finish our walk.

 

After making our icicle snow unicorns, we ambled back to the bridge of love where we discarded our snow shoes for the 1.5km walk back into town. All up the 9km loop with 250m climb took us around 2.5 hrs with another 1.5 hours of breaks. We celebrated with crepes and frites before tackling the drive home.