Undiscovered Alps was founded by Sally Jackson, a dedicated outdoor enthusiast and nature lover with the aim of providing quality outdoor activity holidays. "We came up with the idea for Undiscovered Alps when we found a beautiful little corner of the French Alps that wasn't on most travel itineraries. The more we got to know the area, the more we fell in love with it
Now we have been living and working in the Alps for many years means we know the area in which we operate intimately. Our clients aren’t just numbers on some PLC’s spreadsheet, they are real people, looking for individual holidays. This approach has lead to our significant repeat business and growing reputation for service and quality. We have discovered a beautiful part of the Alps and we want to share that with our clients in a responsible and sustainable way. We use local guides and suppliers who share the same values."
Walking
Season: Year round
Walkers of all ages and levels of experience will be pleasantly rewarded in the Champsaur and Valgaudemar valleys. There really is something for everyone. There's plenty of wildlife to look out for, including butterflies, marmots, chamois, ibex, wild boar, golden eagles and other birds of prey. The flora is also beautiful, and we have over 60 species of orchid here.
For families we can recommend some great walks with easy paths, gentle gradients, spectacular views and plenty of good places for rests and picnics.
For more experienced walkers we can suggest some brilliant long distance walks and more technical routes with a bit of scrambling and ridge walking. The classic Alpine long distance walk along the GR 50 and GR 54 is the Tour du Vieux Chaillol.
There are countless day walks taking in ridges, cols, lakes and peaks from either valley. Or, if you want to go for a longer journey why not utilise the network of long distance footpaths - GR routes (Grande Randonne), that criss-cross the high mountains of the Ecrin National park and go off for a few days staying in mountain refuges along the way.
Unusually for the Alps, there has never been any industry in these valleys, and as a result the area has become famous for its pure air and the diversity of flora and fauna that thrive on the mountainsides and in the valleys. Every season has its own special charm.
Conditions are great for walking all year round, however from November until May winter walking equipment may be needed - see our snowshoeing tours
We can organise a week of guided walks or treks or simply advise you on good routes you can do by yourself.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Season: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Aug
There are six ski resorts in Champsaur, and what's really special about this valley is the preservation of the five small ski villages on the way up to the main ski resort of Orciers 1850, a large high altitude resort with lots to say!
There are four small, traditional French ski villages; Chaillol, Ancelle, Laye and St Leger les Melezes. which are all very friendly, quiet and peaceful with a strong emphasis on family friendly skiing. And for serious skiers with a passion for powder there is one tiny but tough little ski village called Serre Eyraud with a selection of off-piste descents to die for!
The season stretches from December until April. The best time to come if you want to avoid the French school holidays are the months of January and March, but even in peak season you will be surprised at how quiet it is compared to some of the better known resorts.
Most of the ski villages and the main resort of Orcieres have child care facilities for little ones from 3 months - 6 years old, and a special ski kindergarten for 3 - 6 year olds.
Half or full day lessons with an English speaking instructor are also available for all ages, either as part of a group or as an individual at all the villages and Orcieres.
We can organise you a skiing or snowboarding holiday in any or all of the resorts, with or without instruction. And if you want a break from skiing on any of the days we can plan in a trip out on snowshoes, a husky dog sledge ride or a day cross country skiing or you can try other snow sports like ice diving, snow mountain biking, speed riding...
Cross county skiing
Season: Jan, Feb, Mar
Cross-country skiing is a beautiful way to explore an area and there is an extensive network of over 200km of cross-country routes passing through some of the most stunning parts of the Champsaur and Valgaudemar valleys.
We can arrange a guided week of cross-country skiing or if you prefer to just have a go yourself, we can arrange all your equipment and passes so they are waiting for you when you arrive. Or you might want to try cross-country skiing as part of a multi activity winter holiday which we can organise for you.
As most cross-country skiing is lower down the valleys than the actual downhill ski resorts it's best to come in the months of January, February or March when the snow cover is good.
There are four bases to ski from in Champsaur and two in Valgaudemar.
Husky dog sledding
Season: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Aug
Huskies have been used for centuries to help people cross the otherwise inaccessible snowy wildernesses of the Alpine winter. They are perfectly adapted to work in the snow with their huge thick coats, incredible strength and stamina and can go for miles pulling sledges through deep virgin snow.
Driving the dogs or 'mushing' is a special skill, but it's easy to learn the basics and anyone can have a go. You can try a taster session, lasting about 10 minutes on a sledge to see if you like it. Or you can go out on a day or 1/2 day trek into the winter wilderness. It's also possible to go out on a moonlit excursion!
There are different sized sledges for between 1 - 4 people so you can either have your own sledge and dog team or take it in turns on a shared sledge (perfect for people who want a few lazy minutes enjoying the ride while someone else does all the work!)
The dogs are all very well trained and friendly and are always secured by a lead. Our instructors are fully qualified dog handlers and professional 'mushers' with a special license to provide treks and taster sessions with the dogs.
White Water Sports
Season: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
There are several different ways to experience the roller-coaster ride of big and bouncy alpine white water!
Rafting - this is usually in a group of 6 - 8 people and the idea is that you work together as a team to steer the raft down the rapids!
The reality is that you bounce around sometimes where you want to go and sometimes not!! It's not unusual to go for a little swim alongside the raft - very pleasant on a hot day!
Hydrospeed - this is like a type of white water surf board that you lie on and 'surf' down the river. It's excellent fun and if you want to get close to the water - this is the way to do it!
Hot Dogs - Inflatable solo or two man canoes - Hot Dog is the technical name for an inflatable canoe. You steer with your hips and canoe paddles and hope for the best. You are closer to the water than in a raft so the bumps feel bigger!
Kayaking - To kayak down white water you need to have had some experience in a kayak as it is quite a skilled activity. We arrange courses that will take you from beginner to a white-water paddler over a week.
There are other forms of crafts for white-water descents being invented and tried out all the time and we like to keep our hand in everything that's new so don't be surprised if a new unusual looking inflatable thing appears in front of you on the river!
All our guides for the white-water activities are fully qualified to French and European standards and have excellent local knowledge of the rivers as well.
We are not just dependant on one river as in some areas - we have a choice, so if the levels are too low or too high on one, we'll find you a more suitable river for your descent!
The best time for big white-water is from May until the end of July when the winter snow is still melting. After that it is the glacial melt that keeps them going so the levels are generally lower, but you can still find good white-water until the end of September (after that it gets a bit cold!)
We can organise you a white-water holiday or can include some white-water fun as part of a multi activity holiday.
Canyoning
Season: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Canyoning is an exhilarating white-water ride down gorges and waterfalls. You run or slide down wet slabs of rock, jump off blind escarpments, scramble up rocks, splash around in pools and abseil down drops. You are fully kitted out before you go with helmets and wetsuits so you're well protected.
Our guides are very experienced, qualified mountain guides who know the canyons in the region extremely well. They will look after you in the canyon, make sure you are safe and ensure you have lots of fun!
What better way to wipe the cobwebs away than by plunging off waterfalls into cold water!
We can organise a day or half-day’s canyoning for you as part of a multi-activity holiday or just as a single activity. Or for keen canyoners why not spend the week trying out different ones?
The best time of year to go canyoning is in the spring and summer, when there is a good amount of water from the melting snow and ice. However, too much water can be dangerous in some canyons. Our guides will take into account local conditions when choosing the best canyon to take you down.
To do canyoning, you must be over 10. For some more difficult canyons the age limit is 14 and for the longer technical canyons it is 16. There is a canyon suitable for younger children in the region but it is not accessible for everyone. If you are interested, please don't hesitate to contact us and we can explain more.
Mountain biking
Season: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Mountain biking has really taken off in the valley in the last few years, and new routes are being created all the time. Where we are is just outside the Ecrins National Park which means, if it's bike-able, you can ride it - the only limit is yourself!
The conditions are good for mountain biking between May and November. And, if you fancy trying something new it's possible to go snow biking in the winter!
In the Alps, all mountain bike routes are graded like ski runs; green, blue, red and black routes, with black being the most difficult and green the easiest.
At the moment there are over 700 km of marked mountain bike routes of all levels in the Champsaur valley and still 100ds of km of unmarked routes to be discovered.
Whether you are a hardcore mountain biker looking for an adrenaline rush down a fast, technical single-track route, or a family wanting a gentle ride in some beautiful countryside, you will be pleasantly rewarded.
There is a bike park with tricks and jumps, as well as a range of managed downhill tracks with lift access in Orcieres.
Alternatively there are plenty of day rides if you want to base yourself in one place. Or if you fancy a journey, why not try the 'Tour de Champsaur', a 130km tour of the valley over 4 - 5 days. We can arrange for your luggage to be taken to your accommodation each night so you can just go out with your daysac.
We organise self-guided and guided mountain biking holidays for all ages and abilities, but you can try mountain biking as part of a multi-activity holiday.
Our guides know the area like the backs of their hands, and some of them have even written the guide books, so they'll know which routes to take you on.
If you fancy biking alone, you can use our route cards and maps to guide you around the valley.
Tree climbing
Season: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Most of us at some time, have been tempted to explore that cool, peaceful, leafy canopy of a tree, swing from a branch, or just sit up high and yell madly at our mates down below!
Well tree climbing is no longer the domain of young children. It is a fully recognised sport and is great fun for all ages. You wear a harness and are attached to a rope so you are totally safe, which means you can climb much bigger trees than you would ever have dared to climb as a child. You can try different species (some are a lot harder than others). Different climbing techniques and different ways of getting down! If you didn't know the difference between a pine tree and a beech tree before, you will afterwards!
Our guides set up the rope systems for you in the trees making sure they don't cause any damage to the trees and give you tips and advice on your tree climbing technique.
You can go for a half day or a full day in the trees and it's accessible for all ages (well maybe not babies!). And if you really want to experience the mystery and charm of the woods, you can spend the night in a hammock, listening to the leaves rustling and the noises of the night animals as they come out to play.
High Ropes Adventure
Season: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Hurtle down a zip wire, climb up a spider net, negotiate the wobbly log staircase, tip-toe across the tightrope wire.... High ropes adventure courses are designed to challenge you vertically, horizontally and personally!
They are essentially elaborate obstacle courses set up in the trees. You wear a harness and protective gloves and using the network of safety wires (to make sure you don't fall off) you navigate your way around the courses.
In the Champsaur and Valgaudemar valley we have 6 different high ropes adventure course centres, including the biggest in Europe - Jungle Aventure. Each centre has a choice of routes you can do and cater for children right through to dare devil thrill seekers. The extreme courses really are challenging and you won't be allowed to do them until you have proven your ability on an initiation course - so be prepared! They really are great fun and a definite 'must try' on any activity holiday.
Before starting the course you will be given a thorough safety briefing and the instructors will be continuously checking that you are moving safely once you are on the course. All the centres we use conform to European safety standards and are continually supervised by experienced and qualified staff.
We can organise a week of high ropes adventure courses for you, or can include it as part of your multi activity holiday.
Caving
Season: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Right next to Champsaur is Devoluy, a huge limestone massif with over 600 caves. It's one of the best places for caving in the world and really is an immense underground playground.
Hidden away in this underground labyrinth you can find streams and lakes, climb in ice caves and walk through the heart of an underground glacier. You'll see beautiful formations of stalactites (the tights are the ones that fall down!) and stalagmites, walk through grand caverns fit for a banquet and crawl through small secret passage ways.
Of course you won't do all that in one trip!! But there is a cave for everyone - from experienced cave explorers to children going underground for the first time.
You don't need to have had any experience to go caving - there are lots of spectacular trips that are very easy. But, for some caving trips, like the ice caves, you will need to have had some experience. It is possible to gain that experience here. You can go for an introduction caving trip where you will learn the different techniques you will need to be able to do some of the more difficult caves. The guide will only take you down a cave if he thinks you are competent.
Our guide for caving is Eric Faroux who is a very experienced and qualified caver. He absolutely loves Devoluy and caving and will share his passion with you safely and securely.
Paragliding
Season: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
With its 300 days of sunshine a year and the unique microclimate created by the mountains this a perfect location for paragliding and as it's still a relatively well-kept secret, you can fly without hundreds of other paragliders getting in your way.
There are several courses on offer in the valley. running from May to October. You can also go paragliding in the winter, with a ski landing.
We can arrange any of the courses or taster sessions for you as part or all of your holiday.
All courses are run by fully qualified and experienced instructors operating within European regulations and guidelines and all equipment is provided.
Tasters:
Fly tandem with an instructor and discover what it's like to be airborne above one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world!
Beginners:
If you want to feel what it's like to fly and be in control of your own ‘shute, there is a five day course to show you how. The first couple of days are spent familiarising yourself with the equipment and practising take off and landing procedures. Then on the last three days, if the instructors are happy with your progress and the weather, you can fly on your own. You will be in radio contact with the instructors at all times.
Intermediate:
If you are a more experienced flyer there is a five day course aimed at helping you to acquire more flying techniques so you can really make the most out of your air time. You will be in radio contact with the instructors at all times.
Some of the courses will only run with minimum of 8 people and a maximum of 10.
Via Ferrata
Season: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
If you like a challenge and like being in unusual situations, you'll love via ferratas!
Via ferratas were invented by the Italian army as a means of getting their troops through the inaccessible mountain ranges of the Alps. They have since become a sport in their own right and there are now via ferrata courses dotted all over the Alps.
They consist of metal ladders and thick wires positioned strategically over rock faces and some have wire bridges crossing over the narrow gorges above rivers.
You wear a harness, with two cow's tails (ropes with carabiners attached) attached and a helmet, clip into the wires or ladders and then climb, following the course of ladders, wires and bridges. You make sure you are always attached to the wires by one of the cow's tails at all times so can never fall very far.
They allow you to climb on exposed rock faces normally inaccessible to mere mortals such as ourselves!
Via ferratas are generally designed for adults and as such smaller children can find it difficult to reach the wires and ladders. However, there are via ferratas suitable for children from 7 years of age.
They are graded by technical difficulty and the length of time taken to complete the course.
We can organise you a harness and helmet, show you where to go and you can go off on your own (not recommended for non-climbers or beginners) or we can organise a guided trip out.
Road cycling
Season: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
The French are crazy about road biking and the residents of Champsaur and Valgaudemar are no exception. It's not surprising when you've got some of the most famous Tour de France cols on your doorstep!
Champsaur is a beautifully wide valley surrounded by mountains so riding round here can be as easy or as hard as you want. Within easy reach of St Bonnet (the main village of Champsaur) you have access to several high mountain passes ranging from 1248m to 2361m, including the famous Col de Noyer, Col d'Izoard and Col de Manse. It's not too far to go for a day trip to Alpe D'Huez, Mont Ventoux, Lautaret or Gallibier either. And of course, we have the world's hardest long distance triathlon, the Embrunman, here with its notorious 187 km bike route, if you feel like a challenge!
And there are plenty of roads up and around the valley that aren't quite so taxing!
We can arrange all types of cycling holidays, from fully supported training holidays, to self guided independent tours. We can provide vehicle support to drop you off and collect you at the end of a ride and / or be with you during it and provide refreshment stops on route.
We can arrange for a local enthusiast to show you his favourite routes or you can just go out and explore the area yourself, with the help of our route cards and maps. For those of you who want to do some serious training we can also organise a structured training holiday with a fully qualified trainer.
Every year, usually at the beginning of September, there is a cyclosportif here, called the AlpiGap, with routes between 70 and 155 km long and up to 3300m of ascent. If you are interested in taking part in the AlpiGap 2008, we can organise a race package for you with accommodation and transport. Please contact us for more information.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Season: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Aug
There are six ski resorts in Champsaur, and what's really special about this valley is the preservation of the five small ski villages on the way up to the main ski resort of Orciers 1850, a large high altitude resort with lots to say!
There are four small, traditional French ski villages; Chaillol, Ancelle, Laye and St Leger les Melezes. which are all very friendly, quiet and peaceful with a strong emphasis on family friendly skiing. And for serious skiers with a passion for powder there is one tiny but tough little ski village called Serre Eyraud with a selection of off-piste descents to die for!
The season stretches from December until April. The best time to come if you want to avoid the French school holidays are the months of January and March, but even in peak season you will be surprised at how quiet it is compared to some of the better known resorts.
Most of the ski villages and the main resort of Orcieres have child care facilities for little ones from 3 months - 6 years old, and a special ski kindergarten for 3 - 6 year olds.
Half or full day lessons with an English speaking instructor are also available for all ages, either as part of a group or as an individual at all the villages and Orcieres.
We can organise you a skiing or snowboarding holiday in any or all of the resorts, with or without instruction. And if you want a break from skiing on any of the days we can plan in a trip out on snowshoes, a husky dog sledge ride or a day cross country skiing or you can try other snow sports like ice diving, snow mountain biking, speed riding...
Ice Diving
Season: Jan, Feb, Mar
Brrrrrrr! No!! You’ll be totally seduced by the whole experience! After spending a good half an hour togging up and listening to the briefing you’ll be sitting on the edge of a hole cut into a metre thick layer of ice over a freezing lake! As beginner you’ll be one on one with the instructor, but experienced divers can go down in pairs with one instructor.
You’ll explore an underground igloo with a tapestry of greens, yellows and blues sparkling through the ice and then continue on a tour of the lake before finally emerging from this strange but marvellous world back to reality!
It's a unique experience - very humbling and very beautiful.
The lake is just off one of the pistes in Orcieres 1850 so you can ski there easily and non-skiers can be collected by snowmobile!
It takes about two hours altogether to do the ice dive although you are probably only under the water for 20 minutes. All equipment is provided - dry suit, tank, masks and even a very sexy giant babygrow! I would recommend gloves and warm socks as well as long johns and three layers to wear under your babygrow!
The dive is just under the surface of the ice and goes no deeper than about 3 metres. You are always attached to a rope and your instructor is by your side the whole time. You don't need to have had any experience of diving - anyone over the age of 16 can do it. As long as there is enough ice on the lake it's fine - so between December and mid April.
All the instructors are fully qualified PADI diving instructors.
If you would like more information or would like to try ice diving as part of your skiing holiday or as part of a multi activity winter holiday, please contact us.
Sleep in an Igloo
Season: Jan, Feb, Mar
Up on the Rocherousse Plateau at 2300m is the Kanata igloo village. It's built every year in December when the snow arrives and stays there until April. There are a series of igloos built in the classic Eskimo way to conserve heat inside.
In the daytime you can take the telemix up to the plateau and walk to the village to explore. There is also sledging nearby and sometimes the odd snow sculpture appears! Nearby is a chalet restaurant serving food and drinks when you need a bit of refreshment!
If you want more of an adventure, why not spend the night in one of the igloos! The people who run the igloos will take you on a short stroll to watch the sunset which is a magnificent spectacle, made all the more special by having it all to yourselves!
After that you eat a hearty three course dinner in the restaurant before going out to sleep in your igloo!
Each igloo sleeps four people (it's very cosy!) and has a special insulated mattress with warm sleeping bags suitable for the cold night time temperatures. They are lit with candles inside, which against the snow create a rather unique and quite romantic atmosphere!
It's worth bringing a head torch and warm clothes including hat to sleep in, especially if you feel the cold. In the morning you are woken up with hot drinks and brekkie!
If you would like to experience a night in an igloo as a part of your winter holiday or would like to know more about it, please let us know when you make your enquiry.
Snow mountain biking
Season: Jan, Feb, Mar
It's winter and officially that means it's the skiing season... well yes but in Orcieres 1850 you can still give your ski legs a taste of mountain biking to remind them of pastures green! Of course it’s best not to have skiers darting about all over the place so we wait until they've all gone home and take the last lift up. That way we have the whole resort to ourselves and our bikes!
It's an amazing experience just to have the pistes to yourselves... to be on a bike and ride down them, often with a spectacular sunset as a view is another thing altogether! The bikes are specially adapted for the snow and anyone can have a go - well as long as you can ride a bike! It's always the last lift of the day for snow mountain biking and you will be with an instructor who will explain the techniques and help you navigate down the pistes!
