Chamonix Snowshoe and Ski
Views from Chalets du Truc
This 8 day trip is especially suited to those who are regularly active and would like to experience a winter wonderland on both skis and snowshoes. It is aimed at those of you who have little or no cross country skiing or snowshoe experience. Both activities are very easy to pick up and enjoy in a week.
The world famous Chamonix Valley in the French Alps is a good base from which to explore the alpine valleys and plateaus of the Mont Blanc Massif. With Switzerland and Italy each just a 30 minute drive away it allows us to experience three different cultures in just as many days.
- Learn to cross country ski 'classic technique'
- Snowshoe peaks around Mont Blanc
- Enjoy a Savoyarde meal on a night snowhoe excursion
- Snowshoe & ski to a remote mountain hut for the night
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Departures
Trip
Departure date
End date
Price
Status
CSS 1
Sun 27 February 11
Sun 6 March 11
£995 or 1195 Euros
Places available | Make a Booking
Day 1 Arrival in Chamonix Valley
We meet you at your hotel the evening you arrive to brief you on the days ahead and answer any questions. Your guide will be at your accommodation at 6.30pm.
Day 2 Introduction to snowshoeing & night snowshoe!
Today we head towards the Swiss border to the hamlet of Vallorcine which means the ‘valley of the bears'. Unfortunately because the locals used to pay their taxes in bear meat there are none left today! Here we put on our snowshoes and leave the village to head along the remote Berard Valley and explore a true winter wonderland. We then gently climb through woodland to visit chalets and to summer pastures cut off by the depths of winter. We come out to a wonderful view point at 'Les Granges' or 'the graneries'. Our high point is an excellent vantage point with the Swiss and French peaks all around us. We then enjoy a walk back down to the valley base and along the ancient stage coach road known as Chemin des Diligences.
Enjoy a restful afternoon back at the chalet, where you can relax in the hot tub or sauna. After which we put on our snowshoes once again and leave the chalet for a short walk to a Savoyarde restaurant for the evening. Head torches can be provided! Enjoy trying local wines and dishes of the Haute Savoie region.
Day 3 Classic Skiing and afternoon in Chamonix
Today is all about learning how to slide & glide! After organising our skis we take our time to learn and practice the 'classic technique' of cross country skiing (also known as Nordic Skiing). We enjoy learning how best to slide efficiently along freshly groomed/pressed trails with fabulous mountain views all around us. After a picnic lunch we re-visit those newly learned skills and finish the day with a journey along easy angled trails at our own pace. Enjoy gliding gracefully along a deep sided valley, glaciers all around and through thick Norwegian spruces. This ancient form of skiing is not only an excellent form of excercise but IS easy to pick up at a basic level and can be tailored to your experience, fitness and enthusiasm! No ski experience is necessary to have fun on cross country skis!
After your ski you will have time to enjoy a little 'apres ski' whilst exploring Chamonix's town centre.
Day 4 Snowshoe Day - Mont Truc 1811m
We get higher today! We start with a drive through the spa town of St Gervais heading for the Contamines Valley, famous also for a night on the Tour du Mont Blanc. Our destination is Mont Truc which offers a 360 degree panoramic view taking in the high summits of the Domes des Miage and the Aiguille de Bionassay. We have a steady climb through the forests before emerging into the alpage of the Chalets du Truc, or summer meadow, and eventually to the peak itself. From this wonderful vantage point you can now view the Chains des Aravis, the Rocher des Fiz, Mont Joly and surrounding valleys and ski villages. Don't forget to watch out for the chamois! Ascent 700m.
Day 5 Mastering the ups and downs
Today we will take back our skis and enjoy visiting a different ski area and exploring new trails and ejoy new views. The focus today is to practice our new skiing skills and to get to grips with a few ups and downs that we might on our travels. That way we will feel confident and ready for slightly longer and more challenging journeys. We will only use quiet places to practice and as our groups sizes are not large the sessions are always aimed to teach you at your individual level. You can now see how far you have progressed since your first day on skis!
Tonight we will pack for a night away in the Bonatti Refuge, Italy!
Day 6 Val Ferret, Italy – Bonatti Refuge – Ski and Snowshoe day
Today we travel through the famous Mont Blanc Tunnel into Italy. We ski along the beautiful Val Ferret with our journey taking us through the trees to the snowy meadows at La Vachey. Here we stop for lunch in a rustic mountain restaurant which has great atmosphere and cake! The views of jagged ridges, spires, and glaciers are stunning.
In the afternoon we swap our skis for snowshoes, and head deeper into the mountains for a night at the famous Bonatti Refuge. The Refuge enjoys stunning views of the Mont Blanc Massif from the Italian side giving another perspective to this famous alpine range. This is a new mountain hut which pays homage to the world renowned Italian mountaineer and photographer Walter Bonatti. It makes a fantastic overnight trip, with excellent accommodation, Italian coffee and pasta to match!
Day 7 Val Ferret, Italy – Snowshoe and ski - Return to Chamonix
After a relaxing breakfast in the high mountains we make our way back down to the Val Ferret valley floor and remove our snowshoes. We then need to return onto our skis to ski out and down the valley back to our transport. As this is our last day and depending on how we feel we can do as much or as little skiing as we wish. Val Ferret has 20km of groomed tracks to keep us busy. We complete our trip with a little ‘après ski’ celebration in the delightful Italian town of Courmayeur before returning to our Chamonix Valley accommodation.
Day 8 Departure
Today is departure day. The package ends after breakfast.
Accommodation
Our accommodation for this week is in The Yeti Lodge in the lovely alpine village of Argentière. The chalet has a sauna, hot tub and wonderful views of Mont Blanc. The bedrooms are twin or triple bedded, so you should be prepared to share your room & bathroom with one or two course participants. The group has the use of the comfortable lounge area which has a real fireplace, satellite TV & DVD and free WIFI. There is a secure underground car park, ski lockers and overnight ski boot warmers in the basement. All meals (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and three-course dinner), are included.
Price
Included: The price includes full board accommodation. Based on two people sharing, in a chalet at Yeti Lodge and half board in the mountain hut based on non-segregated dormitory accommodation. Twin rooms can be arranged in advance in the mountain hut, subject to a small fee. The transport to and from the ski area’s via mini bus, the ski passes, snowshoe hire, shovels and probes (essential avalanche equipment), the fees of a qualified BASI Nordic Ski Instructor/International Mountain Leader and their expenses are also all included.
Not included: Insurance, flights & transfers (but we can advise on the best options), drinks and lunch on the last day as we descend from the Bonatti Refuge. If, due to adverse weather conditions, we use uplifts/ transport to another area as an alternative itinerary this is unlikely to be included. Ski hire and avalanche transceivers are also not included. In total the ski hire and transceivers will cost approximately 100 euros.
Minimum numbers
This trip requires a minimum of 4 clients to run. We take a maximum of 8 clients.
Insurance
Please note that you must have the appropriate insurance for your chosen activity. You must be covered for helicopter rescue, repatriation and medical costs. With regard to this please be sure you have read the Insurance section in our Terms and Conditions.
Further Information
We prefer not to specify exactly where we will ski each day, but have given a possible itinerary (this is dependant mainly on weather/snow conditions at the time). Upon booking a full list of the necessary suitable clothing will be provided. Our starting point in Argentiere is easily reached by airport transfer, car, train and bus from Geneva airport. It is a drive of approximately 1 hour 15 mins.
Departures
| Trip | Departure date | End date | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSS 1 | Sun 27 February 11 | Sun 6 March 11 | £995 or 1195 Euros | Places available | Make a Booking |
Day 1 Arrival in Chamonix Valley
We meet you at your hotel the evening you arrive to brief you on the days ahead and answer any questions. Your guide will be at your accommodation at 6.30pm.
Day 2 Introduction to snowshoeing & night snowshoe!
Today we head towards the Swiss border to the hamlet of Vallorcine which means the ‘valley of the bears'. Unfortunately because the locals used to pay their taxes in bear meat there are none left today! Here we put on our snowshoes and leave the village to head along the remote Berard Valley and explore a true winter wonderland. We then gently climb through woodland to visit chalets and to summer pastures cut off by the depths of winter. We come out to a wonderful view point at 'Les Granges' or 'the graneries'. Our high point is an excellent vantage point with the Swiss and French peaks all around us. We then enjoy a walk back down to the valley base and along the ancient stage coach road known as Chemin des Diligences.
Enjoy a restful afternoon back at the chalet, where you can relax in the hot tub or sauna. After which we put on our snowshoes once again and leave the chalet for a short walk to a Savoyarde restaurant for the evening. Head torches can be provided! Enjoy trying local wines and dishes of the Haute Savoie region.
Day 3 Classic Skiing and afternoon in Chamonix
Today is all about learning how to slide & glide! After organising our skis we take our time to learn and practice the 'classic technique' of cross country skiing (also known as Nordic Skiing). We enjoy learning how best to slide efficiently along freshly groomed/pressed trails with fabulous mountain views all around us. After a picnic lunch we re-visit those newly learned skills and finish the day with a journey along easy angled trails at our own pace. Enjoy gliding gracefully along a deep sided valley, glaciers all around and through thick Norwegian spruces. This ancient form of skiing is not only an excellent form of excercise but IS easy to pick up at a basic level and can be tailored to your experience, fitness and enthusiasm! No ski experience is necessary to have fun on cross country skis!
After your ski you will have time to enjoy a little 'apres ski' whilst exploring Chamonix's town centre.
Day 4 Snowshoe Day - Mont Truc 1811m
We get higher today! We start with a drive through the spa town of St Gervais heading for the Contamines Valley, famous also for a night on the Tour du Mont Blanc. Our destination is Mont Truc which offers a 360 degree panoramic view taking in the high summits of the Domes des Miage and the Aiguille de Bionassay. We have a steady climb through the forests before emerging into the alpage of the Chalets du Truc, or summer meadow, and eventually to the peak itself. From this wonderful vantage point you can now view the Chains des Aravis, the Rocher des Fiz, Mont Joly and surrounding valleys and ski villages. Don't forget to watch out for the chamois! Ascent 700m.
Day 5 Mastering the ups and downs
Today we will take back our skis and enjoy visiting a different ski area and exploring new trails and ejoy new views. The focus today is to practice our new skiing skills and to get to grips with a few ups and downs that we might on our travels. That way we will feel confident and ready for slightly longer and more challenging journeys. We will only use quiet places to practice and as our groups sizes are not large the sessions are always aimed to teach you at your individual level. You can now see how far you have progressed since your first day on skis!
Tonight we will pack for a night away in the Bonatti Refuge, Italy!
Day 6 Val Ferret, Italy – Bonatti Refuge – Ski and Snowshoe day
Today we travel through the famous Mont Blanc Tunnel into Italy. We ski along the beautiful Val Ferret with our journey taking us through the trees to the snowy meadows at La Vachey. Here we stop for lunch in a rustic mountain restaurant which has great atmosphere and cake! The views of jagged ridges, spires, and glaciers are stunning.
In the afternoon we swap our skis for snowshoes, and head deeper into the mountains for a night at the famous Bonatti Refuge. The Refuge enjoys stunning views of the Mont Blanc Massif from the Italian side giving another perspective to this famous alpine range. This is a new mountain hut which pays homage to the world renowned Italian mountaineer and photographer Walter Bonatti. It makes a fantastic overnight trip, with excellent accommodation, Italian coffee and pasta to match!
Day 7 Val Ferret, Italy – Snowshoe and ski - Return to Chamonix
After a relaxing breakfast in the high mountains we make our way back down to the Val Ferret valley floor and remove our snowshoes. We then need to return onto our skis to ski out and down the valley back to our transport. As this is our last day and depending on how we feel we can do as much or as little skiing as we wish. Val Ferret has 20km of groomed tracks to keep us busy. We complete our trip with a little ‘après ski’ celebration in the delightful Italian town of Courmayeur before returning to our Chamonix Valley accommodation.
Day 8 Departure
Today is departure day. The package ends after breakfast.
Accommodation
Our accommodation for this week is in The Yeti Lodge in the lovely alpine village of Argentière. The chalet has a sauna, hot tub and wonderful views of Mont Blanc. The bedrooms are twin or triple bedded, so you should be prepared to share your room & bathroom with one or two course participants. The group has the use of the comfortable lounge area which has a real fireplace, satellite TV & DVD and free WIFI. There is a secure underground car park, ski lockers and overnight ski boot warmers in the basement. All meals (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and three-course dinner), are included.
Price
Included: The price includes full board accommodation. Based on two people sharing, in a chalet at Yeti Lodge and half board in the mountain hut based on non-segregated dormitory accommodation. Twin rooms can be arranged in advance in the mountain hut, subject to a small fee. The transport to and from the ski area’s via mini bus, the ski passes, snowshoe hire, shovels and probes (essential avalanche equipment), the fees of a qualified BASI Nordic Ski Instructor/International Mountain Leader and their expenses are also all included.
Not included: Insurance, flights & transfers (but we can advise on the best options), drinks and lunch on the last day as we descend from the Bonatti Refuge. If, due to adverse weather conditions, we use uplifts/ transport to another area as an alternative itinerary this is unlikely to be included. Ski hire and avalanche transceivers are also not included. In total the ski hire and transceivers will cost approximately 100 euros.
Minimum numbers
This trip requires a minimum of 4 clients to run. We take a maximum of 8 clients.
Insurance
Please note that you must have the appropriate insurance for your chosen activity. You must be covered for helicopter rescue, repatriation and medical costs. With regard to this please be sure you have read the Insurance section in our Terms and Conditions.
Further Information
We prefer not to specify exactly where we will ski each day, but have given a possible itinerary (this is dependant mainly on weather/snow conditions at the time). Upon booking a full list of the necessary suitable clothing will be provided. Our starting point in Argentiere is easily reached by airport transfer, car, train and bus from Geneva airport. It is a drive of approximately 1 hour 15 mins.
