Petit Bulletin LYON - We tested: a snowy weekend in Lans-en-Vercors - Heritage

We wanted snow, we got it. A lot, even ! Here is the story of our journey rich in adventures and emotions.

Day 1: cheese and night in an old school.

_ 3:00 p.m._We had planned to leave at the end of the afternoon, but the massive snowfall announced for the end of the day decided us to bring forward our departure. Our little troop therefore hastens to get into the car earlier than expected to leave for Lans-en-Vercors. This small resort in the northern Vercors located just 1h30 from Lyon is a great option for going to the mountains without driving too long.

_4:00 p.m._ We had been gone for an hour when the snow appeared on the side of the road. It becomes more and more present as we approach our destination. All trees are white. The monochrome landscape is already bewitching. The conditions promise to be perfect for a short winter weekend.

_5:00 p.m._

We finish the journey by driving on the snow. Thank you snow tires (compulsory in mountain towns between November 1 and March 31)! We park in the heart of the village and explore the surroundings to stretch our legs. Lans-en-Vercors is a small village of 3000 inhabitants, but seems quite lively. We discover its traditional gabled houses and its Saint-Barthélemy church classified as historical monuments.

_6:00 p.m._

We then head to the Grand' Mèche farm to stock up on cheese for the evening meal. We are not the only ones to have had this idea, because there is a queue to enter the farm shop. Obviously, the inhabitants of Lans-en-Vercors are numerous to supply themselves here. It's finally our turn. We buy raclette and Bleu du Vercors Sassenage.

_7:00 ​​p.m._

It's starting to snow well. We take the road to reach the place where we will sleep. The cottage of the Little School. This is the old school in the hamlet of Hérauds. Built in the early 1900s, it welcomed children over several generations, until 2012. Recently restored by a couple from the region, who made it their home, it consists of two apartments. We are welcomed by David, the host of the place who shows us around: our apartment is made up of a large living room with an impressive framework, a first bedroom with a double bed and a second with 3 beds. We're going to be great.

_8:00 p.m._ We sit down to eat. The cheese is flowing as the snow continues to fall outside. Once sated, we take a short digestive stroll around the Petite Ecole. Bundled up, we move forward in the middle of a phantasmagorical nocturnal landscape. We are almost completely covered in snowflakes, but we are so good.

_10:00 p.m._

After drinking a very hot herbal tea, we slip under our duvets. Yes, we go to bed early, but tomorrow we go for a walk very early to be at the top of the ridges and see the sun rise.

Day 2: snowshoeing and ski slopes_5h30_Waking up pulls us out of bed. We have a hearty breakfast and then we warmly equip ourselves to go on an adventure. David, our host, who is also a mountain guide, is waiting for us in front of the house.

_6:00_

It really snowed a lot. The snow tires will not be enough this time, we have to install chains on the car. We have not yet left that we already provide a physical effort to release the vehicle with the shovels. :)_6h30_

We had originally planned to go to the Crête des Ramées, but the road that leads us to the start of the walk is impassable because of the mass of snow. David, offers us a plan B, the Buffe, another more accessible ridge. So we turn around to go on this other route. Fortunately, this one has just been cleared by a snowplough.

_7:00_

We finally park. We put on our snowshoes and flashlights and set off among the fir trees. It is still dark, but the landscape around us is already fabulous. We arrive at the start of the walk. The sign indicates a duration of 50 minutes to reach the Buffe but we suspect that it will take much longer.

_8:00_

We move very, very slowly in the middle of a magical setting. There is so much snow that we sink despite our snowshoes. David leads the way, we follow in his footsteps so as not to tire too much and we progress slowly.

_9:00_

We've been walking for more than an hour. We have a smile on our faces despite the effort required for our progress. We are all alone, in the middle of nature, in the middle of a fabulous white decor. We have rarely seen so much snow. Our silhouettes stand out in the middle of this immaculate picture. We stop many times to take pictures, we really live an incredible moment.

_9:40_

We arrived at the top of La Buffe and its 1623m altitude. We don't see anything of the beautiful landscape that is usually offered to walkers at this place, but who cares. We are delighted to have achieved our goal. The wind is very strong, we take shelter in the undergrowth below for a hot cup of tea.

_10:00_

We begin our descent. Inevitably we go much faster. We even have fun running with long strides in the middle of all this fresh snow.

_11:00_

We found our car and drove to the Petite Ecole, which we rediscovered in broad daylight. We take a short warm break and have a second breakfast. Our feat made us hungry.

_12:00_

It's time to go and test the ski slopes of Lans-en-Vercors, but first we regain our strength by enjoying a hearty burger at Mountain Coffee. The place is really nice with its wood stove and its view of the mountains.

_2:00 p.m._

With our lift pass in hand, we grab the first ski lift to reach the top of the resort. Lans-en-Vercors is a small alpine area with about ten ski lifts, but there is so much snow that it is more than enough for us. We find a good spot with fresh snow, which we have fun going down and back down without getting tired.

_4:00 p.m._

The clouds finally part to let us see a patch of blue sky. The conditions are truly exceptional, the snow is incredibly fine and you literally float on it. It's our first session of the season and it's likely to be one of the best this year!

_5:00 p.m._

The station is closing. We decide to go home, but we could still ride for a long time despite the fatigue, the moment was so exceptional.

_6:00 p.m._

We go back to the lodge to change and drink a small local beer offered by David. We load the car, we thank our guide for the great welcome and we hit the road to find Lyon.

Verdict

This first mountain outing of the year was completely crazy. We have rarely seen so much snow. Even if the conditions got us into some trouble, we had a perfect weekend. Between the atmosphere worthy of the Snow Queen, the super warm accommodation, the friendliness of our host and the charm of the resort, we had a unique, exotic and rejuvenating experience. We will definitely come back!

Practical information

🏠 Gite de la Petite EcoleMore info on the Evasion ISHERE website

⛷ Lans-en-Vercors resort

24 tracks / Package: €21More info

To see / To do

🧀 Buy cheese at the Ferme de la Grand'Mèche

🍔 Eat a burger at Mountain Coffee

📷 Admire the view from Vertige des Cimes

👜 Buy a belt at Vercors Leather

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