Snowshoe long Weekend
Italian Ski Breaks
Italian Ski Breaks
Snowshoe long Weekend
Snowshoe long weekend
Chamonix Snowshoe & Ski
Chamonix Snowshoe & Ski

Chamonix Snowshoe and Ski


SNOWSHOE AND CROSS COUNTRY SKI TASTER HOLIDAY

Following the success of our Italian Winter Weekend we have designed a combined snowshoe and cross country ski trip in the world famous Chamonix Valley home to Western Europes' highest mountain, Mont Blanc.

  • Explore Chamonix, a fabulous winter wonderland 
  • Learn to ski with a BASI Approved Nordic Ski School
  • Make fresh tracks on snowshoes
  • Family run hotel with views of Mont Blanc
  • Airport transfers included

The word “ski” is Norwegian and comes from the Old Norse word “skid”, which was a split length of wood. Cross country skis are slender, very lightweight and easy to use. For centuries in the Nordic countries, skis were for travelling in winter to enable hunting, and to keep contact between communities.

On this trip you will learn the basic 'classic' technique on flat or slightly undulating ground so that you can propel yourself across the snow efficiently. Once mastered we will progress to longer journeys at a pace that is right for you. Cross country skiing can be, if you want it to be, a very aerobic activity, which also makes it ideal for winter 'cross-training'.

Snowshoeing is simply 'walking' in winter. We put snowshoes on our feet to stop ourselves sinking into the snow, and to generally make walking easier. Anyone, who is a regular walker or nordic walker and enjoys the outdoors will soon love this activity. 


This trip fulfilled a lifetime wish for me to spend time in the Alps and experience what it’s like to have skis on my feet ! So thank you very much for your expert teaching and guidance. I shall never forget that first days walk snowshoeing in such perfect conditions in that spectacular location and we have lovely photos to remind us.

- Jane, UK - Feb 2024

My wife and I had a lovely trip, our guide was outstanding, fun and knowledgeable. The hotel was good and in an excellent location. The views in Chamonix are amazing, can't wait to go again!

- Keith - UK, 2024

Julia is an excellent teacher and passionate about all things mountain. I really enjoyed the snowshoeing in spite of weather conditions conspiring against us. I was encouraged by the rate of progress I made.

- Judy, UK - Jan 2024

Brilliant trip. We had a charming and very comfortable hotel with good food. Our guide was excellent, she took us on some great snowshoe walks with stunning views. The best parts were when above the tree line on days 2 and 3. Truly spectacular.

- Chris, UK, 2020

I loved cross country skiing in the forest and it's surroundings with the mountains and the feeling of being in a massive environment therefore feeling small. Breathtaking views!

- Veronique, UK, Jan 2020

We had a fantastic time! Lindsay's experience showed and she provided great instruction. The accommodation was fabulous, as was the food. The weather turned out good as well, so all in all, splendid.

- Paul, England, 2019

The three day programme was excellent. Lindsay tailored her sessions to suit the needs of everyone in the group. A lovely hotel with real charm. I enjoyed every moment of learning to ski in such a beautiful environment.

- Jane, UK, 2019

Brilliant trip. We had a charming and very comfortable hotel with good food. Our guide was excellent, she took us on some great snowshoe walks with stunning views. The best parts were when above the tree line on days 2 and 3. Truly spectacular.

- Chris, UK, 2020

Itinerary

  • For your convenience we have included a transfer from Geneva airport, in Switzerland to Chamonix, France and the start of your snowshoe trip. The transfer from Geneva airport to your accommodation should take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Once you have confirmed your travel times we will provide exact details of your pick-up at the airport.

  • We take the historic Mont Blanc Express train towards the Swiss frontier for an introductory snowshoe walk. The train ride which takes 20 minutes is to be savoured, and you can reflect on a history which has seen climbers and mountaineers climbing aboard this train for more than 100 years. The locals regard the Mont Blanc Express with fond humour, it's called an ''Express' but travels at a very leisurely pace. To be honest it's pace is perfect as it gives you time to enjoy the beautiful views from its windows. 

    We then arrive at Vallorcine, this is the 'Valley of the Bears' due to the high numbers of bears in the Middle Ages. Unfortunately, at that time the locals paid their taxes in bear meat, hence there are no bears today! However, if you take a careful look at some of the ancient chalets you will see many a 'bear' motif carved into the wood. 

    Snowshoeing is not technical and easily mastered. Quite simply if you can walk you can snowshoe. After putting on our snowshoes and after a brief demonstration we are away! Our walk has a gradual ascent, never too steep, taking us past some characterful hidden chalets and hamlets along by the river. We stop at a cafe on the cross country ski trail for refreshments before entering the Berard Valley. A steeper path enters a gorge passing waterfalls where the ice is frozen into fantastic shapes. Following the river closely, we cross a bridge that leads to summer pastures and chalets which offer a wonderful view above the valley where we will have our picnic lunch. (It's recommended to bring a flask of hot drink for our lunch stop).

    It's then back down to the valley via a network of farmers trails to the le Buet train station where we can enjoy a drink at the old hotel before for our return train to Chamonix. 

  • Today we start our day with a morning warm up walk to Chamonix where we will fit our skis and boots, it's time to find our 'ski-legs'! Your instructor will take you through various exercises to introduce you to the techniques for 'classic style' cross country skiing, and what we call 'diagonal stride'. Chamonix has an excellent flat area which is great for learning. Mid-morning we normally take a break for coffee, after all it is a holiday! There is a large network of trails through the valley and forest which we will progress to during the next two days.

    We plan to ski to a hotel for lunch. In the afternoon we return to our skis for further practice, consolidating our learning and with the option to make some short journeys on your skis.

  • We aim to journey through the forests so that you can try out your new found winter sport. There will be plenty of opportunities for learning new skills and practising along the way. Our teachers aims are to ensure that you progress each day at 'your' ski level while maximising your enjoyment of the activity. At the end of the ski day we return our ski equipment. There will be time for some retail therapy or to simply savour the mountain views from one of Chamonix's many street cafes or bars.

  • Today is departure day and your private minibus transfer will collect you after an early breakfast from your hotel to take you to Geneva airport.

It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment. 

In the event of there being a lean winter and a lack of snow to cover the entirety of our route this trip will go ahead. Snowshoes are an aid to hiking in winter and if we do not require them we will still enjoy a winter walking trip. 

Accommodation

We always aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. In many cases we have known the management for years, and it’s like visiting friends. Our suggested accommodation, listed below, is subject to availability at the time of booking. We have given details of our favoured venues and those we intend to use. If unavailable we will book alternative accommodation of a similar standard.

Our trip fees are based on two people sharing a room. If you are travelling on your own your booking will be based on a twin bedroom, two single beds in one bedroom, sharing with someone of the same gender.

However, on many of our trips single rooms are available on request for a supplementary fee. We recommend booking as early as possible to secure a single room as these are always limited in number. Please contact us for details.

In 2024, our January SSC1 trip we will be staying at the Hotel Arveyron and for our February SSC2 trip we will be staying at the Hotel Aiguille du Midi.

L'Arveyron Open House, Chamonix

Hotel

The 2* L'Arveyron Open House is located opposite the Mont Blanc mountain range, a 20-minute walk through the woodland from the centre of Chamonix. It offers chalet-style rooms with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and private bathrooms.

The Arveyron Hotel has been offering a warm welcome to guests since 1910. Originally a Creamery, then a family-run guesthouse, the now Arveyron 'Open House' offers traditional home cooking and has 32 rooms distributed between a large main building and its annex. Single rooms are available. The hotel is situated right on the beginner cross country ski tracks allowing for the rare opportunity of a 'ski in-ski out' cross country ski hotel!

Hotel Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix

Hotel

The Hotel Aiguille du Midi, situated on the outskirts of Chamonix, has excellent views to Mont Blanc and a reputation for great food. Over the last 100 years five generations of the Farini family have managed this hotel, a tradition which continues today. We know that Carla and Vincent will give you a warm welcome. The hotel, which sits below the Les Bossons glacier, has forty traditionally decorated rooms.  There is a small relaxation area with a sauna, and jacuzzi. 


  • Arrival

    Chamonix, France is easily reached from other European and worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane.

    Geneva, in Switzerland is the closest international airport, only 1h15 by road which makes shared transfers, buses or trains easy to arrange. For this trip we have included a private transfer as part of your trip fee and you will be collected and returned to Geneva Airport. Our departure/pick up time from Geneva Airport is scheduled for 16h30 however, once we have all the guest arrival times we may bring this forward if it suits all the other members of the group. If your flight arrives earlier in the day you can use the time to explore the city of Geneva.

    Departure

    On your departure day there will be a private minibus transfer which will collect you after breakfast to take you to back to Geneva airport. The return transfer will leave Chamonix at approximately 0830hrs in order to arrive at the airport for 1000hrs. Any flights from Geneva airport should be booked to depart no earlier than 12-midday. Again this departure time may be changed it all the group flights are departing later in the day.

    It is important that you inform us of your flight times as soon as possible after booking.  

    Please contact us if you need further advice on your specific travel requirements.

  • When booking a trip we ask you to acquire insurance to cover you for the following:

    Mountain Rescue Insurance

    It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, mountain rescue, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. Please ensure that your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude for any trip can be checked on the 'At A Glance' box on each trip page. Most of our trips have a maximum altitude of 3,000 metres. If you are unsure or are joining a bespoke trip, then please ask us for specific details.

    Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance

    You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Please note that your deposit and balance payments are non-refundable, unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the required minimum numbers. In this case we will offer you a refund or the option of transferring to another trip if one is available. We also advise that you should have insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage as Tracks and Trails will not be held responsible for loss/damage to baggage/equipment.

    COVID-19 Insurance

    As well as medical cover, we recommend that you have appropriate travel insurance so that if you fall ill and test positive for COVID-19 prior to (or during) your trip, you will be financially covered for cancelling your trip. You should also consider booking a policy that covers you if you have to cancel or curtail your holiday because you have to self-isolate. If you choose to cancel, cancellation charges will be payable, but if the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges. Please read the clauses below detailing trip cancellation and curtailment.

    Travel Insurance covering COVID-19 is now available from a number of suppliers, Campbell Irvine, Trailfinders and Staysure. Please check their websites for the latest information on what is and isn't covered. It is likely that more companies will offer COVID related cover in the future.

    All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions

    If you are joining a trip in the UK helicopter/mountain rescue insurance is not required as this is a free service.

    For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.

  • Winter mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley. 

    In winter the weather can deliver everything from clear blue skies, and glorious sunshine, to heavy snowfall and strong winds. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for any eventuality.

    Temperatures vary depending on the month, generally December, January, and February are colder, but by March and April the temperatures are warming up and spring is on the way. 

    In December and January they can range from -10°Celsius (14°F) to 3°Celsius (37.4F), in February from -5°Celsius (23°F) to 7°Celsius (44.6°F), and in March from 0°Celsius (32°F) to 13°Celsius (55.4°F). 

    The above figures are a general indication only as the weather can vary considerably year on year for any given month.

  • Cogne, in Italy has an excellent reputation for good snow cover. There are over 55km (35 miles) of ski trails, and IF for any reason the weather has not delivered sufficient snow Cogne has excellent snow-making facilities. The Italians have become experts at the production of so-called 'artificial snow' and the quality of skiing on this snow is superb. Cogne also boasts a fabulous 'stadium' providing the perfect flat open training ground for beginners. 

    In Chamonix, in France the snow usually begins in December, runs through until April, and sometimes into May. As we are snowshoeing and not therefore tied to specific tracks, as with the cross country skiing, we will aim to provide the best options for a good day out. 

  • The cross country skiing equipment we will use features lightweight track fishscale classic skis (not skate skis or waxables), NNN (or similar) boots, bindings and poles. The total ski hire for the weekend is approximately 40 Euros per person. We ask that you pay this sum directly to the ski shop. Ski equipment hire is arranged in advance.

    Please make note of your equipment hire on our Booking Form. We will need to know your height, weight, normal shoe size (you must give us your everyday shoe size and not your personal adjustment for wearing boots) and the measurement of your height up to your armpits (for ski pole hire).

    Ski passes can be purchased once you arrive and are expected to cost approximately 20 Euros in total for the 2 days.

  • Your safety while skiing is our top priority. All skiers are requested to adhere to the Code of Conduct published by the International Ski Federation, or FIS. The aim is to make you, the skier, aware of how to avoid risks, take responsibility and act thoughtfully while on the cross-country ski tracks. 

    • Respect for others
      A cross-country skier must ski in such a manner that he/she does not endanger or
      prejudice others.
    • Respect for signs, direction and running style
      Trail marking signs must be respected on any trail marked with an indicated
      direction. A skier shall proceed only in that indicated direction and ski in the
      indicated running style.
    • Choice of trails and tracks
      On cross-country trails with more than one packed track, a skier should choose
      the right-hand track. Skiers in groups must keep in the right track behind each other. With free
      running style, skiers shall keep to their right-hand-side of the trail.
    • Overtaking
      A skier is permitted to overtake and pass another skier to the left or right. A skier ahead is not obliged to give way to an overtaking skier, but should allow a faster skier to pass whenever this is possible.
    • Encounter
      Cross-country skiers meeting while skiing opposite directions shall keep to their
      right. A descending skier has priority.
    • Poles
      A cross-country skier shall make the utmost effort to keep his poles close to his/her
      body when near another skier.
    • Control of speed
      A cross-country skier, and especially going downhill, shall always adapt his/her
      speed to personal ability and to the prevailing terrain and visibility and to the
      traffic on the course. Every skier should keep a safe distance from the skiers ahead. As a last resort, an intentional fall should be used to avoid collision.
    • Keeping trails and tracks clear
      A skier who stops must leave the trail. In the case of a fall, he/she shall clear the trail
      without delay.
    • Accident
      In case of an accident, everyone should render assistance.
    • Identification
      Everybody at an accident, whether witnesses, responsible parties or not, must
      establish their identity. 
  • When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you will encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. 

    Equipment

    Cross Country Skiing

    For cross country skiing clothing should be similar to that required for a winter walking day, but it should allow you mobility, and your trousers should ideally have some degree of 'stretch' to them. You need freedom of movement without any restrictions. If you are a runner then winter running gear is suitable. 

    We use 'classic' style cross country track skis for this trip either ‘fishscales’ or ‘skintec’. You can choose to bring your own 'classic' track skis, however, do check with us first to ensure they are suitable. 

    Skis, boots, and poles - can be hired at the start of the trip. The cost of hire is indicated in 'Trip Information'. If you are intending to hire you must inform us as soon as possible as equipment must be booked in advance. The type of ski supplied by the hire shop is provided in the 'Ski Rental' section of the Trip Information page. If in doubt about the suitability of your own skis please contact us.

    Snowshoeing

    For snowshoeing we suggest that clothing for a day of winter walking is perfect. We do not advise 'downhill' ski clothes as these are generally too restrictive for these activities and too warm. 

    We will provide snowshoes, walking poles, avalanche transceiver, snow shovel, and snow probe free of charge. These items are compulsory and demonstrate best practice in a winter environment. 

    General Equipment

    • Rucksack - 20 to 25 litres with waist and chest strap
    • Rucksack waterproof cover or liner to keep contents dry
    • Water container - 1 litre, drink tubes and bottles stowed on the outside of your rucksack usually freeze in winter
    • Waterproof and warm walking boots for snowshoeing - these must NOT be ‘low cut’ and should cover your ankles
    • Whistle

    Clothing 

    • Waterproof jacket - essential, this must keep you dry during a day of continuous snowfall or at least as dry as any waterproof jacket ever keeps you!
    • Waterproof trousers - in case of heavy snowfall
    • Trousers - lightweight, windproof and warm 
    • Thermal top - long sleeves
    • Thin fleece - long sleeves
    • Waistcoat - fleece/wind stopper 
    • Gloves x 2 (one thick and one thin)
    • Over-mittens for colder days can be useful
    • Warm hat
    • Sun hat
    • Head/ear band 
    • Duvet jacket (or second warm layer)
    • Scarf or 'Buff' for neck
    • Socks - 2 or 3 pairs

    Comfort

    • Lip salve
    • Sunscreen - essential
    • Sunglasses - essential
    • Goggles - or Nordic Ski Visor
    • Snack bars/chocolate
    • Tissues - we recommend biodegradable bags to dispose of rubbish
    • Anti-bacterial hand wash

    Personal First Aid

    • Personal medication 
    • Blister plasters (e.g. Compeed)
    • Painkillers/anti-inflammatory
    • Glucose tablets/Energy gel
    • 2 x Rehydration sachets - eg Dioralyte
    • Throat lozenges
    • Antiseptic cream/spray

    Documentation 

    • Mountain Rescue/Ski Insurance documents - compulsory
    • Passport
    • Credit card
    • Cash - Euros

    Additional Items

    • Slippers for use at accommodation
    • Clothing for use at accommodation
    • Travel Kettle if required 
    • Swimwear for when sauna is available
    • Camera/ Book/Music
    • Toiletries – soap/shower gel; not all accommodation supplies these
    • Ear plugs - if room sharing
    • Small thermos for hot drinks
    • Short gaiters for snowy days - not essential 
    • Head torch - plus spare batteries 

    **Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**

    Leaders are all first aid trained and carry their own first aid kit

  • On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.

    The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person. 

    If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened. 

    Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.

  • When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. If you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. The extra price for a single room is £300 in January & £240 in February.

  • Please note your guide/instructors have complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. 

    For our snowshoeing trips your guide will be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader and for cross country ski trips you will be with a fully qualified professional BASI Nordic Ski Instructor or equivalent. BASI is the British Association of Snowsport Instructors.

     

     

  • Please note that our Snowshoe and Ski Combo is designed to be an introduction to these activities and therefore you do not require previous experience, but you do require a reasonable level of fitness and be used to taking exercise. All our grades are available here but for ease of reference we have also provided the description below. 

    Cross Country Skiing - Grade: Beginners

    Our beginner cross country ski trips are designed for newcomers, those who have had some time away, or cross country skiers wanting a refresher before moving on to more challenging trips. Previous alpine ski experience could be helpful, but is not essential. Full instruction is given on the ski techniques for 'classic' style cross country skiing and the equipment. All skiing will take place on prepared tracks skiing in and out of parallel grooves, first on the flat progressing to more undulating terrain. Instruction will be given on how to control speed and direction including how to initiate a basic 'snowplough' enabling you to control speed when travelling downhill. We will expect you to have a reasonable level of fitness so that you can be active and on skis over the course of the day for approximately 4 hours. While very active, anyone with average fitness will be able to enjoy this holiday.

    Snowshoeing - Grade: Moderate

    This is for you if you would like to walk in the mountains in winter, but your experience of snowshoeing is limited or zero! On these trips full instruction is given on snowshoe technique and equipment. In reality you just need to be able to walk, it is that easy. However, we will be walking in the mountains and we expect that you take regular exercise that involves climbing up hills and have a reasonable level of fitness. We will walk on a variety of terrain from flat to steeply undulating, most of the time we will be walking on a trail, but if there is fresh snow we will enjoy making our own track. We may on occasion reach an altitude of up to 2500m (8200ft), and we will sometimes take a cable car to get there. We may complete ascents/descents of between 300–500m (984-1640ft) per day with one longer day of up to 750m (2460ft). Expect to be out on the mountain for between 4 – 6 hours per day.

  • For this trip you are centre-based, in other words you are staying in two hotels with one vehicle transfer between your hotels in Chamonix, France and Cogne, Italy. We would, however, ask that you keep your luggage to a maximum of 15kgs (33lbs), and ONE bag per person. This is because your luggage will travel with you in the minibus between Chamonix and Cogne and there is only a certain amount of space for all the group luggage. 

    Please note that not all the hotels we use have elevators. This means you may need to carry your luggage to your bedroom and this might involve climbing several flights of stairs. We would suggest that luggage with wheels is generally a good idea.

  • We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons. We have found our guests have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you choose and buy what you require. Buying supplies and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with the local people and to practise your language skills. 

    While on your snowshoe trip in Chamonix, France we suggest that you order a sandwich or packed lunch from the hotel the evening before your day out. When in town it is a good idea to also stock up on a few snacks, and high energy food. 

    In Cogne, in Italy where you will be skiing there are many cafes and restaurants and we usually eat lunch in one of them. This is the best way to warm up, and hydrate and enjoy the best local dishes. The meals in Cogne are relatively cheap, and you can indulge in an Italian experience with fresh pasta, and polenta dishes. Great fuel for skiing, just don't eat too much before getting back on your skis or you will find the afternoon hard work. 

     

  • On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. 

    We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day. 

    The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. 

  • For both of these trips you will require Euros. The hotels will take a credit card for any payments necessary, but ski hire and your ski pass usually require a cash payment. Please refer to the Ski Rental and Ski Pass section for the cost. There are cash points in both Cogne, and in Chamonix if you require to withdraw cash Euros. 

  • Food

    We encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes and for this reason many of our accommodation options will be family run with a reputation for traditional food. 

    If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy or intolerance which will make you ill then the accommodation will cater for this as best they can, eg gluten free, nut free, lactose free. Gluten-free diets will be possible with regard to the evening meals, but we would advise that you bring along some gluten-free snacks for your breakfasts and lunches.

    If you are vegetarian his is not a problem as the hotels/refuges are used to being asked for vegetarian meals. Our accommodation will try to cater for those with vegan diets but in remote refuges in the mountains this is more difficult. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet contact us

    If you have a 'special' diet which is NOT because of an allergy or intolerance, and is not 'veggie' then we apologise, but we cannot cater for this. The accommodation on the popular routes will be catering for many people each evening, in some cases up to 70/80 meals per night, 7 days a week, and realistically they cannot produce many different meal options unless the food will result in illness.

    We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.

    Water

    The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel is having a problem with a remote mountain water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water. At all times you are welcome to ask your guide/instructor if the water can be drunk. We would ask, for environmental reasons, that you avoid using single-use plastic bottles, and bring a water bottle that can be used repeatedly.

  • A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.  

    We ask that you carry a paper copy of your passport with you on your trip. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in any luggage you might have. If your trip is without luggage transfers then keep a paper copy somewhere in your rucksack, separate from your original document. 

  • We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:

    Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country

    Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera. 

  • Chamonix has a large range of activities on offer, and there is plenty to see and do. You will find many recommendations on the local Tourist Office website

    In Chamonix you also might enjoy visiting the newly opened QC Terme a luxury wellness and spa experience offering a large range of treatments. This can be booked by yourself on-line in advance of arriving in Chamonix.

  • Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your  departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.

    For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.

    If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number. 

  • We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.

    You can read our full policy here.

  • Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means that the price of our trips can change overnight. We have, however, undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. In this respect we urge you to book early to ensure that you receive the price advertised on our website. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained in your individual case. 


What's Included

  • Half-board accommodation for 4 nights, based on two people sharing in a 2* hotel
  • Two full days of 'classic' style cross country instruction by a qualified Nordic Instructor
  • One full day of snowshoeing
  • Snowshoe equipment rental (includes: snowshoes, poles etc)
  • Three course evening meal
  • Transport as part of the itinerary
  • The services of an International Mountain Leader
  • Transfers to/from your hotel to Geneva Airport, Switzerland

What's Not Included

  • Insurance
  • Flights
  • Lunches and drinks
  • Ski hire 
  • Ski passes
  • Any optional activities
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Grade: Beginners

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At a Glance

From Price £1085
Holiday Type Low Impact
Duration 5 Days
Group Size 8
Minimum Age 18
Maximum Altitude 1969m (6458ft)
Countries Visited France
Meet In Geneva airport, Switzerland
View all Low Impact Holidays

Free time in Chamonix: Aiguille du Midi

Why book with T&T?

  • Highly professional guides
  • Personal service guaranteed 
  • Attention to detail throughout
  • Explore off the beaten track
  • Single rooms on request
  • No surcharge guaranteed
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