The snowfalls have finally arrived and all the massifs are covered, including the Vercors. It's quite rare for such a large amount to fall in so little time on the High Plateaus (60cm of fresh snow within a week). For the amateur photographer that I am, it's the promise of beautiful immaculate landscapes and snow-covered pines! With two friends who are also photographers, we decide to set off for a weekend to enjoy these exceptional conditions.
We had initially planned to bivouac near the Cabane des Aiguillettes towards the Pas des Chattons. Unfortunately, the freshly fallen snow, the lack of any trail, and rather terrible weather made progress difficult, and the sun was already setting when we arrived at the Cabane de Pré Peyret. Originally planning to bivouac under a tent, we ultimately chose the comfort of the cabin for the night. Indeed, the wind is strong and it's still snowing — the tent option isn't very tempting!
The next morning, we wake at 5 AM to try to reach the Plaine de la Queyrie before sunrise. 20cm of fresh snow fell during the night and progress through the powder is rather exhausting, to say the least. We take turns — in a rather unequal way, it must be said — breaking trail. We finally arrive at dawn, the immaculate plain all to ourselves. The sunrise isn't rich in color, but the light filtered through the mist creates a particularly soft atmosphere, perfect for minimalist compositions.
Beyond its superb view, the Plaine de la Queyrie is also known for the Arbre Taillé (the Carved Tree) that stands right in the middle. It's a very large and very old hook pine with a rather unusual shape. If you happen to pass through, regardless of the season, you can't miss it!
After a fruitful morning, we turn back to return to the cabin where we left our bivouac gear. The sun is now higher in the sky but it's still very beautiful!
A well-deserved lunch break and we put our snowshoes back on for the return journey to the Beure parking lot. We also take the opportunity to rediscover the landscape we traveled through on the way up. The lack of visibility hadn't really allowed us to enjoy it! The trail, packed down by the many skiers and snowshoers passing through since morning, is excellent and allows us to return quickly.
