Chamonix Snowshoe Adventure

Day 1 Arrival in the Chamonix Valley

We meet you at your hotel/chalet the evening you arrive to brief you on the week and answer any questions. Unless otherwise stated please be at the chalet for 6.00 pm.

Day 2 Introduction - Chalets de Chailloux

Today we fit our snowshoes and take time to look at technique. We also introduce you to using avalanche transceivers and other essential safety equipment when walking in the mountains in winter. We aim to spend the day enjoying a walk with views of the Mont Blanc massif from the Chalets de Chailloux, a fabulous vantage point that gives superb views of the Chamonix valley and glaciers. If we have time we plan to spend a little time in Chamonix itself before heading back to our accommodation. Ascent 570m.

Day 3 Loriaz, Vallorcine

Chalet Loriaz is above the hamlet of Vallorcine. The Vallorcinevalley, which means ‘valley of the bears', used to easily be cut off during the winter months due to it's access being two mountain passes. Unfortunately because the locals used to pay their taxes in bear meat there are none left today! We leave the village to climb steadily until we reach the open mountainside of the alpage at Loriaz. If the conditions permit we can also ascend the higher point of the Charmoz. Ascent 700m.

Day 4 Mont de l'Arpille, Switzerland

Today we have a trip to Switzerland, and an ascent of one of the best viewpoints of the area. We head up initially through pine woods, watch out for squirrels and roe deer, and then into more open ground as we arrive at the alpage. We then head for the summit which offers incredible panoramas of Mont Blanc, the Dents du Midi, and the Rhône Valley. Ascent 770m.

Day 5 Tête de la Sallaz

We begin by driving up a steep mountain road to start our walk from the high village of Romme. After leaving the tiny ski area in the village we head up through the pine forests before emerging to wonderful views of the region. The forests are magical in fresh snow, a real winter wonderland. Our goal is the summit of the Tête de la Sallaz, which offers a stunning panorama. Ascent 700m.

Day 6 Grand St Bernard Monastery

We head off today for our overnight stay in the famous Grand St Bernard Monastery which sits on an historic high pass at 2469m. The monastery is isolated in winter, and can only be accessed by snowshoes or on skis making it a very special experience. This area is steeped in history and we follow in the footsteps of Hannibal, and Napoleon as we climb its snowy slopes. In more recent times the monastery has been famous for its iconic mountain rescue dogs. In the morning we leave St Bernard to climb to the Col Ouest de Barasson at 2635m to enjoy views down into Italy before heading off to the monastery perched on the Swiss Italian border. Ascent 900 metres.

Day 7 Grand St Bernard Monastery

Today we plan to soak up the atmosphere of this high pass, and explore the area around the monastery. If conditions allow we will make an ascent of one of the nearby peaks or cols, many of which offer wonderful views, such as the Col du Bastillon from which you can look down into the lovely Swiss Val Ferret. Tonight we return to our chalet in Argentière. Ascent approx 600 - 800 metres.

Day 8 Departure

Today is departure day.

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 with either en suite or shared bathrooms depending on availability. The group also 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. One of the evenings you will eat out in the village of Argentière - this is included in the price.

Price

Included: Half-board accommodation in a 2* hotel or chalet, based on shared accommodation (based on twin or occasionally triple rooms possibly with a shared bathroom) plus one night in dormitory accommodation at the Grand St Bernard Monastery. One night eating out in Argentière. It includes the services of a qualified International Mountain Leader. The price also includes all your equipment hire; you require snowshoes, poles, snow shovel, probe and avalanche transceiver.

Not included: Insurance, drinks, flights and transfers. It does not include lunches, but these can be ordered at your chalet. If we should need to use any lift to access our route this is not included, but this is unlikely to be required.

Minimum numbers

This trip will run once a minimum number of 4 clients have booked. We will 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 can supply all specific snowshoe equipment required. Upon booking a full kit list will be provided. Warm and waterproof walking boots are essential. They must be boots with ankle support and not low cut walking shoes or trainers.

Travel

Chamonix is easily reached from other European and worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane. For suggested travel links please refer to our Booking & Information pages for further details. Geneva is the closest international airport, only 1 hour 15 minutes away by road, making shared transfers, buses or trains easy to arrange. Please contact us if you need further advise on your specific travel requirements.

Chamonix Snowshoe Adventure

Snowshoeing in Chamonix

Snowshoeing in the Alps

Winter walking in Chamonix