Swiss Snowshoe Safari
Lunch at Les Fers refuge
If you want to get a real sense of making a journey across the alpine landscape in winter then join us for a snowshoe walk between the Swiss villages of Leysin and Château-d'Oex. We make our way from village to village on snowshoes, while your luggage is transported to the next location.
If you enjoy walking in summer, and would now like to experience a winter wonderland then these 5 day trips are ideal. You do not need previous snowshoeing experience.
Your guide will make a daily decision based on weather and snow conditions which could mean we have to adapt our plans.
- Make a journey over the winter landscape
- Enjoy views of snow clad peaks and forests
- Create fresh tracks in powder snow
Download PDF version of this pageDepartures
| Trip | Departure date | End date | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSS2 | Thu 16 February 12 | Mon 20 February 12 | £655 or 790 Euros | Places available | Make a Booking |
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Day 1 Arrival Leysin
We meet you on the evening of your arrival in Leysin to brief you on the days ahead and answer any last minute questions.
Day 2 Leysin to Col des Mosses
We begin in the Swiss village of Leysin which sits on a terrace above Aigle in the lower Rhône Valley. It offers views to Mont Blanc, Dents du Midi, and Diablerets. We head off traversing the mountainside passing ancient farms before descending to the valley and making our way to the village of Col des Mosses. Ascent 550m.
Day 3 Col des Mosses
Col des Mosses is a wonderful high pass which gives a great sense of height and space combined with clear alpine air. Today we enjoy a local walk from our hotel. Heading off above the village we venture into the forests in search of mountain views before returning to Col des Mosses for a second night. If time allows you might want to try cross country skiing or the outdoor ice skating rink. Ascent 350m.
Day 4 Col des Mosses to Château-d'Oex
This morning we snowshoe down the valley before aiming for our high point and the summit of Monts Chevreuil. This is a straightforward ascent, enjoyed by all ages, with the reward of a hot chocolate at the mountain refuge just below the summit. We then make our way to our accommodation in the beautiful Swiss village of Château-d'Oex. The village claims to be the world capital of hot air ballooning and balloons are often seen flying high above the snowy mountains. Ascent 400m.
Day 5 Departure Château-d'Oex
Today is departure day as you travel from Chateau d'Oex back to Geneva airport.
Accommodation
The accommodation is based on two people sharing. A single room supplement may be available on request. Accommodation on the first night is bed and breakfast only; this is to allow for late arrivals. For dinner on this evening we generally head out to sample traditional cuisine in one of the rustic restaurants in the old part of the village of Leysin. Often we can watch cheese being made over the huge open fire while we eat!
Price
Included: the services of a qualified International Mountain Leader and their expenses, the transfer of your luggage between accommodation, half board accommodation in a 2* hotel/chalet. It includes all snowshoe equipment except Avalanche Transceivers. If you do not have your own the charge for the weekend is 36 Swiss Francs to be paid on arrival. Each client will be provided with snowshoes and poles, a snow shovel, avalanche probe and avalanche transceiver. The carrying of this equipment is compulsory.
Not included: flights, transfers, insurance, lunches, and drinks. Dinner on the first evening is not included, to allow for late arrivals. As stated above the hire of Avalanche Transceivers is not included. Depending on the group size, vehicle hire or taxi transfers in the event of poor weather conditions.
Minimum Numbers
This trip will run once a minimum number of 4 clients have booked. We will take a maximum of 8 clients. We may run this trip on less numbers but it will incur a price increase. We advise you to not make your travel arrangements until this trip is guaranteed to run.
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 list of the necessary suitable clothing 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.
We run our snowshoe safari at a time of year when the snow is most reliable. However, in the event of a season with poor snow conditions and the traverse is not possible or another region would be better to visit we will offer an alternative itinerary. Any alternative itinerary will provide the same quality and standard of holiday.
Travel
The Alps are easily reached from other European & 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 making shared transfers, buses or trains easy to arrange. Please contact us if you need further advise on your specific travel requirements.
We begin in Leysin which can be easily reached by train from Geneva airport and end our journey in Chateau d'Oex which also has a train link to Geneva airport. Train times from www.rail.ch.
