Traverse of the Chablais

Day 1 Arrival Megevette, near Saint Jeoire, in France

We meet at 7pm in the hotel bar when your guide will be available to discuss the itinerary and answer any questions about the week ahead.

Day 2 Megevette to Bellevaux

Today we begin our journey from west to east. We begin with walking through several hamlets, before reaching the Col de la Bray 1442m, then heading for the summit of the Pointe des Jottis 1548m for a great view of the area. We return to the alpage of La Bray and head down into the wild valley of La Diomaz. Then onto the Lac de Vallon in the valley of La Chevrerie and the beautiful Chapelle St Bruno. We then have a short bus ride to our hotel at Bellevaux. Ascent 800m. Descent 530m. Length: 11 km. Dur: 6.30 hrs.

Day 3 Bellevaux to Biot

This morning we head back to our finishing point at Bellevaux and begin with a climb up the south face we win the vast spaces of the Trè-le-Saix, 1486m. We then traverse the plateau to head for the Col de la Balme 1445m, and finally to Col de Seytrouset 1564m. It’s then time to begin our descent to the Dranse de Morzine, and then a short climb up to our overnight stop at the village of Biot. Ascent 870m. Descent 1000m. Length: 14 km. Dur: 7 hrs

Day 4 Biot to Abondance

We start by traversing the forest to the alpage of Thex. Then we head under the Pointe de Cercle until the Montagne de Drouzin 1620m. Then we head down into the Abondance valley by the north face until we reach the Alpages de Druges. We spend the night in the lovely village of Abondance. Ascent 780m. Descent 700m. Length: 14 km. Dur: 7.5 hrs.

Day 5 Abondance to Vacheresse

We begin today by strolling past the famous 15th century cloister with its frescos. We then head off to the hamlet of Mont with its immense chalets in the Chablais style. After a good climb we reach the ridge of Mont Chauffe at Col de la Plagne 1546m. Then its off down into the stunning valley of Ubine which is uninhabited in winter. We then descend to the village of Vacheresse to spend the night there. Ascent 780m. Descent 880m. Length: 16 km. Dur: 6.5 hrs.

Day 6 Vacheresse to Bernex

There are several ways to reach Mont Baron from Vacheresse. We will aim to choose the most unspoiled by heading up the Replain valley until we reach the foot of the summit slope. We then follow the ridge to the top of Mont Baron 1556m. Finally we begin our descent to the village of Bernex for the night. Ascent 900m. Descent 800m. Length: 12 km. Dur: 6 hrs

Day 7 Bernex to Lake Geneva

Today we traverse Mont Benand 1284m with its summit offering great views of the Gavot plateau and Lac Leman (Lake Geneva). This is a beautiful traverse under the north face of the Memises where we make our way down to Thollon at 937m. At this altitude we may well have cast aside our snowshoes as we make our way down to Lac Leman itself for a spot of toe dipping in the waters! We then travel to the world famous spa town of Evian Les Bains where we spend our last night for easy transfer to Geneva airport the next morning. Ascent 350m. Descent 900m. Length: 10km. Dur: 6.5 hrs.

Distance each day courtesy of Philip Draper, our guest on the Traverse of the Chablais 2012, and his dedication to GPS :-)

Day 8

Today is departure day after completing a true traverse of the Chablais region. In Evian we normally stay within easy reach of the train station for departures to Geneva on the French railway. However, you can take the morning ferry across Lake Geneva, and then catch the Swiss train system direct to the airport. A wonderful way to end the journey!

The actual itinerary is at the discretion of your guide who will make daily decisions based on weather and snow pack conditions. Severe bad weather may force us to alter our route or to take public transport between villages.

Price

Included: The price is based on shared twin room accommodation with half board in a 2** hotel or similar. It will include the professional guiding services of a qualified International Mountain Leader. It will include a daily transfer of your luggage to the next night’s accommodation. It includes the transfer to Evian at the end of your trip and taxi between Lac du Vallon and Bellevaux. It includes all snowshoe equipment except avalanche transceivers. If you do not have your own the charge for the week is 50€. Each client is required to have snowshoes and poles with snow baskets, a snow shovel, avalanche probe and avalanche transceiver. The carrying of this equipment is compulsory.

Not included: Flights, airport transfers, insurance, the last evening meal in Evian and your lunches are not included. A single room may be available but would incur a supplement, details on request. As stated above it does not include avalanche transceivers, which you can rent as a cost of 50€ per person per week. Depending on the group size, any fees incurred to cover additional taxi transfers or vehicle rental in the event of poor weather.

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 & Alternatives

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.

We run our snowshoe traverse 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.

Getting there

Our start point at the small village of Megevette is north of the town of Saint Jeoire in France. The Alps are 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 for this trip, only 50 minutes by road making shared transfers or trains to Cluses and then a taxi easy to arrange. Please contact us if you need further advise on your specific travel requirements or if you wish to share a transfer to Megevette.

Traverse of the Chablais

Snowshoe the Alps

Snowshoeing in France

Snowshoeing in France