Italian Snowshoe Explorer
Stunning morning Malatra Valley
Explore the area around the Aosta Valley in Italy. We will be based in the mountain village of Etroubles which is itself in the Artanavaz Valley. It has been known since the time of the Roman Empire when it was called Restapolis and was the winter garrison for the mountain pass of Mont Jovis, now known as the Grand St Bernard Pass. Napoleon and Hannibal are both believed to have passed through here so you will be in the good company of adventurers from history! There are views to be had of some of the major alpine peaks such as the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc and the Grand Combin. The highlight has to be a trip to Val Ferret for a night in a mountain refuge.
- stay at the famous Bonatti Refuge
- destinations off the beaten track
- major alpine peaks in view
- Italian hospitality
Download PDF version of this pageDepartures
| Trip | Departure date | End date | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISE1 | Sun 4 March 12 | Sun 11 March 12 | £1095 or 1315 Euros | Trip Guaranteed | Make a Booking |
| ISE2 | Sun 11 March 12 | Sun 18 March 12 | £1095 or 1315 Euros | Places available | Make a Booking |
View Italian Snowshoe Explorer in a larger map
Day 1 Arrival Etroubles
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 Plan Puitz
Today we aim to stay local to our hotel to avoid unnecessary travelling. With this in mind we head to the ancient village of St Rhemy from where we begin our ascent through the larch forests to Plan Puitz. En route we have stunning views up the valley towards the Grand St Bernard pass and the Col Serena area which we will visit later in the week. Emerging from the forest we arrive at the World War 11 gun emplacements at Plan Puitz which have been tunnelled into the mountainside with commanding views of the valley below. Ascent 500 m.
Day 3 Notre Dame de la Neige
We head into Valpelline this morning to start our climb to the Comba de Champillon. We have excellent views across to Mont Avril and Mont Gele as we make are way to our start point. We climb through open meadows until we reach the high alpage at Champillon and the cross of Notre Dame de la Neige. The view here is stunning and makes a great destination for our day out. Ascent 620 m.
Day 4 Col Serena, Crevacol
A col provides an excellent objective to a day of snowshoeing, and today we aim for Col Serena. This is a beautiful setting in winter as we pass through the larch forests into the open bowl below the Col. Views to be enjoyed include the majestic 4,314 m peak of the Grand Combin. Ascent 887 m.
Day 5 Val Ferret and ascent to Rifugio Bonatti
The Rifugio Walter Bonatti run by Sara and Mara Rizzo is dedicated to the legendary photographer and alpinist and has got to be one of the best 'hut' experiences in the Alps. Built in traditional Valdotain style, the salon is decorated with photos taken by Bonatti himself. With duvets on the beds, hot showers, and a five course Italian meal it's a wonderful place to stay. We begin with morning coffee in Courmayeur before snowshoeing along the truly beautiful Val Ferret and climbing to the hut. Ascent to the hut is 475 m, and if we choose we may climb a further 300 m up the mountain to a viewpoint below the Tete entre-deux Sauts.
Day 6 Col Entre Deux Sauts
This morning we leave the hut to head into the wonderful Malatra Valley and make our way gently upwards to the Col Entre Deux Sauts. This is a great objective and offers breath-taking views of Mont Blanc. A photo stop at the Col is essential and it is indeed an excellent place to savour the surrounding mountains. We then return to the Rifugio Bonatti for Italian hot chocolate or coffee before descending back to the valley. We then return to our hotel near Etroubles. Ascent 900 m.
Day 7 Ars and the Rifugio Chaligne
Today we stay near to our hotel and head for the alpage at Chaligne. The climb is gentle and gives us the time to take in the views. In this case of the mountains surrounding the Aosta Valley and across to Switzerland to the Matterhorn! We aim to make a circuit which takes us round into the next valley to Ars. This is a great walk as new views appear round each corner. Then it's back to the hotel for a final drink and dinner. Ascent 720 m.
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.
Day 8
Departure day.
Price
Included: The price is based on shared twin room accommodation with breakfast, and dinner in a 2** Hotel or similar. It includes one night in a mountain refuge with dortoir accommodation. It will include the professional guiding services of a qualified International Mountain Leader. It includes all snowshoe equipment except Avalanche Transceivers. Each client is required to have snowshoes and poles, a snow shovel, avalanche probe and avalanche transceiver. The carrying of this equipment is compulsory.
Not included: Flights, insurance and airport transfers are not included. Lunches are not included as we find that our guests prefer to choose their own food. A single room may be available but would incur a supplement, details on request. As stated above it does not include Avalanche Transceivers which if you do not have your own will cost 50€ per person for the week.
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
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.
Etroubles is 18 km from Aosta in Italy, and can be reached on public transport from Turin airport, either by taking the bus or train to Aosta then onwards to Etroubles. www.savda.it for bus timetables. It can also be accessed from Geneva airport, followed by a train to Martigny in Switzerland. www.sbb.ch Buses from Martigny to Etroubles a journey of approx one hour run at either end of the day. We can arrange to collect you at Martigny at a time which suits the majority of the group. Etroubles can also be accessed from Milan airport in Italy followed by a bus and train via Aosta. Please feel free to contact us for advice on your specific travel arrangements.
