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Mont Blanc Snowshoe Weeks

Price £795 or 970€

Trip 1 Sunday 18 January – Sunday 25 January 2009
Trip 2 Sunday 8 February – Sunday 15 February 2009
Trip 3 Sunday 8 March – Sunday 15 March 2009

*These trips have the required minimum numbers and are guaranteed to run

Grade:Beginner - Intermediate

Intermediate Week

This 8 day trip is aimed at those who are regular summer hill walkers and used to spending a full day on the mountain. You do not need previous snowshoe experience, but you do need a good level of fitness and be prepared to snowshoe off-piste!
The world famous Chamonix Valley in the French Alps is a good base from which to explore the valleys and peaks in 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.
We prefer not to specify where we will walk each day, but have given a possible itinerary below. Your guide will make a daily decision based on weather and snow conditions.

Day 1 Arrival in Chamonix Valley

We meet you at your hotel/chalet the evening you arrive to brief you on the week and answer any questions.

Day 2 Introduction

Today we fit our snowshoes and take time to look at technique.  We also introduce you to using avalanche transceivers, 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.

Day 3 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 4 Mont Truc, Les Contamines

We drive through the spa town of St Gervais as we head for the Contamines valley. Our destination is Mont Truc which offers a 360° panorama 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 , the summer meadow. Watch out for chamois! Ascent 700m.

Day 5 Loriaz, Vallorcine

We head towards the Swiss border and the hamlet of Vallorcine which means ‘valley of the bears'. 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. Ascent 700m.

Day 6 Tête de la Sallaz

Today we take a steep mountain road as we drive to 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. Ascent 700m.

Day 7 Dent de Valerette

We finish our week with the Dent or ‘tooth’ at Valerette which offers a stunning view point of the whole Dents du Midi range.  For this we head over the frontier and descend into the Rhone Valley before climbing to our start point below the alpage at Chindonne. We walk up through the woods, before gaining the final ridge to the summit cross. Ascent 770m.

Day 8 Departure

Today is departure day.

Price

What’s included:- full board accommodation in a 2** hotel or chalet, based on shared accommodation. It includes the fees of a qualified International Mountain Leader and their expenses and equipment hire; you require snowshoes, poles, snow shovel, probe and an avalanche transceiver.

What’s not included:- insurance, lunch, drinks, lift access which may be required, flights and transfers.

Minimum numbers

This trip will run once a minimum number of 4 clients have booked. We will take a maximum of 8 clients.

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.

Travel

Chamonix is easily reached from Geneva airport by transfer, train, bus or car. It is a drive of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Please ask for information on the best options.

Please note that this trip is run in conjunction with our partners at KE Adventure Travel

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