It can seem a little daunting choosing the right destination for your cross country skiing or snowshoe trip this winter. So much choice!
Well, we’ve a short guide to the different countries - what they each have to offer by way of their distinct charms and unique experiences … Read on to see whether France, Switzerland, Italy, Norway, Sweden or Germany should be top of your list for your next cross country skiing or snowshoeing holiday. 

We love the Queyras, both for snowshoeing in winter and for trail running in the summer months. The remote and uncrowded Queyras National Park is situated in the Hautes Alpes region of the French Alps, east of the Ecrins, between Briançon and Gap. The area is one of the most picturesque in all of France and so far seems to have remained quite undiscovered - allowing us to truly savour an unspoilt winter wilderness. 

Snowshoeing continues to grow in popularity. More and more of you are realising that hiking in the winter mountains is a marvellous way to experience the beauty of nature. One of our most popular snowshoeing trips it the fabulous Traverse of the Chablais a long distance hike over six days. Since we first introduced this trip it has become a 'classic' for those who love the winter mountains. We visit remote villages, stay in characterful family run hotels, sample delicious local food, and get lots of fresh air and exercise. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

It's great to get the chance to explore new areas and after weeks of pouring over maps and guidebooks we have put together two new trips. One is going to be based in the village of Nevache, near Briancon and it looks fabulous. Nevache actually means 'snowy land' and it seems it's already living up to its reputation with lots of snow in valley already this winter.

Swimming with snowshoes? Traverse of the Chablais, France

“Right!” said Fred. “Six days across the Chablais mountains in winter carrying all our kit and a dip in Lake Geneva at the end?” He’s not one to be overly demanding is Fred, as long as I can come up with a decent snowshoe hike of more than 725 m ascent, and around 10.5 km in length, plus a good hotel at the end of the day with a huge hot-tub with views to the mountains, excellent local food, a masseuse on tap, and a very good red wine then he’s pretty much happy!

 

A fantastic week with the AAC team. Have a look at the film and maybe think about joining us next year? Our Traverse of the Chablais Snowshoe holiday is a must do! Lindsay

Thank goodness, the snow has returned! On the first morning of our six day journey on snowshoes across the Chablais mountains we woke up to a Christmas Card village covered in the 'white stuff' ! We had a great day in about 30 - 40 cm of fresh powder making our way from Megevette to Bellevaux with blue skies to end the day.

 

An absolutely great trip with three lovely women! They had great spirit, and determination and there were a whole lot of laughs! We had a week based in Champex, in Switzerland adventuring out every day to climb Cols and peaks in the area. Have a look at the movie and you will see what I mean. Lindsay

 

 

A great week exploring the Vercors in France with the excellent company of Jo, Margaret and George and a very large hip flask! Explore our snowshoeing holidays and choose your next winter adventure. 

Before I really get into the season I have been trying to do a little ski mountaineering for myself, and on New Year's Day celebrated my birthday with a great trip to Col San Carlo in Italy. It was also a chance to check out the area for snowshoeing and given the tracks to one of the summits in that area there is ample opportunity to snowshoe as well as ski! I hope you enjoy the film of a great day out on the 1st of January. A very Happy New Year to you all. Hope to see you soon in the snowy mountains! Lindsay