Ticking off another summit in the Vanoise
Snowshoeing in the Vanoise
Heading down from a mountain pass in the Vanoise
River Doron, Pralognan-la-Vanoise
Snowshoeing in the Vanoise
Making tracks, Vanoise National Park
Val Maurienne towards Aussois, Vanoise
Snowshoeing in the Vanoise
Snowshoeing in the Vanoise
Snowshoeing in the Vanoise, Maurienne Valley
Stunning light in the Vanoise
Snowshoeing in the Vanoise

Vanoise Snowshoeing Week


Snowshoe week in the Vanoise

A unique two part snowshoeing holiday to the beautiful Vanoise National Park. Join us on this week long trip in the north and the south of the Park.

Situated in the Savoie region of France discover hidden valleys, high mountain refuges, passes and summits which are all part of this wonderful week of snowshoeing.  In the heart of the French Alps, the Vanoise is a paradise for nature and adventure lovers - the perfect winter escape.

Our meeting point for this week is Pralognan-la-Vanoise, a village, surrounded by the largest glacier ice cap in Europe, we then move to the south to Aussois in the Maurienne valley close to the Italian border.

Highlights

  • Explore the north and south Vanoise National Park
  • Guided by a qualified mountain professional
  • Snowshoe equipment included
  • Stay in two 3* mountain hotels with pool and/or spa facilities
  • Sample local Savoyard cuisine and wines
  • Single rooms and room upgrades available on request

Situated in the Savoie, the Vanoise massif is France’s oldest National Park created in 1963. The striking and unspoiled landscapes of the massif are magical and awe-inspiring. Mountain walking fans will simply be in heaven! With 600km of footpaths and 107 peaks reaching an altitude of over 3,000m, the Vanoise National Park offers easy access to several different mountain road and hiking passes.

Initially created to protect ibexes, the Vanoise national park is today an important site for the protection of flora and fauna. During the winter the ibex come lower down the mountains and we will have the opportunity to see them on some of our snowshoeing days along with chamois and if we are lucky the rare bearded vulture.

Stretching over 53,000 hectares, this park is divided into two parts: a central area in the heart of the massif for walkers and skiers only, and an outlying area grouping together the prestigious ski resorts of the Tarentaise area, as well as typical villages and it's from these villages that we being our snowshoe exploration.


Julia was exceptional in arranging the trip and helping us find extra accommodation in Pralognan. She was attentive and quick to complete arrangements especially with COVID uncertainties. We were very grateful for her time and expertise.

- Dan, UK - Feb 22

This was our best snowshoe trip to date, with an exceptional guide in a beautiful location. The accommodation was excellent, particularly in Termignon, and the best moment was the ascent to a remote col which had a real mountaineering flavour.

- Dan, UK - Feb 22

Best memory: Perhaps lunch on Mont de la Guerre, with the Vanoise massif spread out before us.

- Martin, UK - 2022

The Vanoise snowshoeing trip was superb, with six different day walks, all in magnificent scenery. We were extremely lucky with the weather. Sarah was an outstanding guide, highly competent, working hard to give the group the best experience, full of fascinating information about the natural world around us, and tremendous fun to be with.

- Martin, UK Jan 2022

Sarah was outstanding. She had all the necessary professional guiding skills; she worked hard to devise the best possible outings, modifying itineraries where necessary; she provided a fund of information on flora, fauna and landscape; and she was great fun to be with!

- Martin, UK Jan 2022

Itinerary

  • Today you will arrive in Pralognan-la-Vanoise, at 1418m (4,651 ft), a traditional alpine village well known for being the main town in the first National Park in France. Situated at the foot of the mighty Grande Casse, Savoie's highest peak, the village is regarded as a hidden gem and is the 'gateway' to the Vanoise National Park. With its 'end-of-the-world feel' it combines the vast mountain environment of the Vanoise massif with the atmosphere of a friendly, cosy village. It is a true nature and sport lovers paradise, all year around. Once you have settled into your hotel your guide will meet you at approximately 1900 hrs; here they will answer any questions you may have about the week ahead.

  • Far from the crowds, Pralognan-la-Vanoise has only seven hundred inhabitants and is very much a traditional village. The characterful hamlets, shingle roofs, narrow streets, and alpine pastures, speak of a rich agricultural and architectural heritage. Pralognan enjoys exceptional quantities of snow which makes it a great snowshoe destination.

    Our first snowshoe walk offers fine views along the valley making it the perfect introductory walk. We stroll past the cross-country ski trails, before heading into the pine forests where the trail climbs to reach the chalets and hamlet of Cholliere. As the path narrows we enter the vallée de Chavière and continue to climb gradually, all on good trails, to pick up the River Doron. We have a good chance of spotting either chamois or ibex as we make our way to the next hamlet of Prioux, then to the Pont de Gerlon where we can stop for morning snacks. If time allows, a further climb on a wide cart track brings us to the beautifully located, but well hidden, Refuge Roc de la Peche at 1911m (6269ft). This private mountain hut is looked after by Carole and Tierry and offers the perfect setting for a savoyarde lunch on the veranda and opportunity to soak up the fresh mountain air.

    In the 1800's the salt road and road to Beaufort made Pralognan-la-Vanoise a major stopover between France and Italy. In 1916 Pralognan was officially recognized for the health benefits of its pure mountain air. It became the 'oxygenation centre' for patients undergoing heat treatments at the thermal baths in Brides-les-Bains.

    Ascent: 570m (1870ft) Descent: 570m (1870ft) Distance: 15km (9.3 miles) Duration: 5 hours

  • From our hotel we have a short walk through the village of Pralognan to access the first of two chairlifts. The first lift takes us up to Les Fontanettes. We then take the second chairlift which takes us up to the Les Barmettes Refuge at 2010m (6594ft) and it's here that we will put on our snowshoes for today’s walk and officially enter the Vanoise National Park.

    Today our aim, if conditions allow, is the Col de la Vanoise at 2517m (8257ft) at the foot of the highest mountain in the Vanoise, the Grande Casse 3855m (12647ft). On August 8th, William Mathews, Michel Croz, and Etienne Favre reached the summit of the Grande Casse. In 1933 the legendary north face of the Grande Casse, aka the "Italian Couloir," was first climbed by Aldo Bonacossa and L. Binaghi. It is considered one of the major ice routes in the Vanoise Range.

    Crossing over a snow-covered bridge an easy trail leads us past alpine chalets following the line of the 'Route du Sel', an ancient salt trading route which continues through the mountains to reach Italy. Our trail steepens then eases off as we make our way towards the Lac des Vaches at 2318m (7604ft) a beauty spot hidden under snow in the winter which is the perfect location for stunning views of the Grande Casse. 

    If conditions allow, we may carry on to reach a point overlooking Lac Long or even as far as the Col de la Vanoise and refuge of the same name. The refuge, opened in 1902, also goes by the name of 'Félix Faure' the deceased French president who in 1897 traversed the full Vanoise Range on a mule to observe military training exercises.

    Our descent retraces the same route, but there are plenty of opportunities to go 'off piste' to access the good snow on offer at this higher altitude. We will take the two chairlifts to return for our last night in Pralognan.

    Ascent: 570m (1850ft) Descent: 570m (1870ft) Distance: 10km (6.2 miles) Duration: 4.5-5 hours

  • In preparation to transfer to Aussois in the Maurienne Valley and the second area of our Vanoise week we first check out from our hotel and pack our minibus.

    Today's snowshoe hike starts from the hamlet of Tincave just a 30 minute drive away from Pralognan. Situated at 1300m (4265ft) Tincave is tiny, just fifty people live there and it is a small cluster of houses. Built with local materials from the spruce forest, homes are characterized by a house divided in three parts, one used for permanent living, a stable and a barn. As with many villages in this area Tincave has a 'bachal', a basin built with rocks to provide water to the hamlet. Tincave is known for its coal mining history which ran from the beginning of the 20th century until the mines closed in 1961. 

    Our objective today is Mont de la Guerre which offers a superb panoramic view of the full Vanoise massif. After the first short section of trail in the woods our route will leave the forest and we will see our goal for the day, the summit of Mont de la Guerre. Eventually, after a steady climb we are rewarded with views across to the ski village of Champaney-en-Vanoise which connects with the popular La Plagne resort. Continuing up we reach the Panneau Croix de la Porcière, 'the Witches Crossing', at 2075m (6725ft) for superb views of the Dou de Moutiers, Mont Jovet, Bécoin, Roc des Verdons, Bellecôte, Grande Motte , Grande Casse, Grand Bec, Glaciers de la Vanoise, Péclet-Polset, Aiguille du Fruit - to name just a few! The full massif de la Vanoise. 

    There will be time after our walk to stop in Bozel for refreshments before driving to Aussois, Val Maurienne. The drive will take approximately 1hr40. 

    Ascent: 750m (22460t) Descent: 750m (2460ft) Distance: 8.5km (5.2 miles) 4.5-5 hours

  • This morning we wake up in Aussois the gateway to Val Maurienne and makes the perfect base to explore the valley from. Our walk today explores the upper Maurienne valley where the road in winter ends, between Bessans at 1705m (5593ft) and the village of Bonneval-sur-Arc at 1850m (6069ft).

     

    Bessans offers reliable snow conditions from November until early April and over 80km (50 miles) of cross-country skiing trails make it one of the flagship sites of Nordic skiing in Europe. Our snowshoe today will discover the mountain village life of the Ribon, Arc and Avérole valleys.

    Leaving Bonneval-sur-Arc we first pass the Rocher du Chateau, an archaeological site dating from Neolithic times. It is particularly remarkable because of its cave paintings, including a group of eight deer made in red ocher. However, they are difficult to perceive with the naked eye! At a height of almost 100m (328ft) above the trail the carvings are on polished green serpentinite rock which was formed during the ice age.

    Our trail then takes us to the picturesque hamlet of L'Ecot tucked into the mountainside at 2000m (6561ft) where the houses are made entirely of stone and slate. Ecot feels very remote, the perfect location to soak up the mountain ambience. There’s also a good chance of seeing ibex on the slopes above the village. As we continue on further into the "grand blanc" we reach the foot of the Evettes and Carro glaciers along the torrent of the Arc and the entrance to the Duis 2145m (7053ft) and Reculaz valleys. On our return we plan to have a hot drink at the refuge in the hamlet of Villaron. We complete our walk along-side the river Arc to Bonneval where we will pick up our vehicle and transfer back towards Bessans.

    Ascent: 450m (1476ft) Descent: 450m (1476ft) Distance: 13km (8 miles) Duration: 4-5 hours 

    For more information on Aussois visit Val Maurienne.

  •  

    We start today's snowshoe walk from Bramans, a 20 minute drive away. We start on a section of the 'Chemin de Petit Bonheur', a 50km (31m mile) pine and larch trail stretching from Modane to Bonneval sur Arc at the head of the valley. First on a wide cart track we then climb on narrower trails through the Jeu forest to the Jeu alpage, where we find the summer meadows, and chalets. Here we have great views of the surrounding area, and it is a perfect walk to orientate you to your new surroundings. Along the summit ridge, called the 'Crêtes du Général Sarret,' are scattered with old military fortifications. Named after a revolutionary battle in 1744 where out of 2200 men, 1500 lost their lives along the border from Mont Cenis.

    Ascent: 840m (2755ft) Descent: 840m (2755ft) Distance: 9km (5.6 miles) Duration: 5.5-6 hours

  • Our final day explores the Valfréjus close to the Italian border. Enjoy fabulous panoramic views, north towards the Vanoise massif and south into Italy. A short drive brings us to the Gîte des Tavernes where we begin today's snowshoe walk. The route follows the summer trail towards refuge du Mont Thabor and on too a small hut near Mont Craveroz which makes for the perfect sunny lunch spot. Depending on the weather and snow conditions today it's possible to adjust todays itinerary to lengthen or shorten the day. We return to Aussois for our final night.

    The Vanoise National Park stretches from the Isère and Tarentaise Valleys in the north down to the Arc and Maurienne Valleys to the south. On the other side of the border in Italy, the park is twinned with the Gran Paradiso National Park (since 1927), making their combined area of 1250 km² (781 miles) the largest protected area in western Europe.

    Due to the geography of the mountains the Maurienne valley offers a mountain weather of its own. From heavy snow and wind coming from Italy and heavy humid westerly wind and precipitation from the Vanoise National Park.

    Ascent: 570m (1870ft) Descent: 570m (1870ft) Distance: 15km (9.3 miles) Duration: 5 hours

  • Today is the departure day and trip services end after breakfast.

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

On all of our trips we aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, comfortable, characterful, family run accommodation. We take time to research, update and view the best options available to us on every trip. Detailed below are examples of our favoured venues and those we intend to use. If unavailable at the time of booking we will use alternative accommodation of a similar standard.

The trip fees are based on 3 nights based in Pralognan-la-Vanoise and 4 nights in Aussois with two people sharing a room in either a double or a twin room, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom. Upon early booking it is possible to book a single room for the week for a supplementary fee.

The accommodation is based on standard rooms with a bathroom. It's possible to upgrade to larger rooms for an additional total. Please contact us if you would like this option.

Hotel Le Grand Bec, Pralognon-la-Vanoise

Hotel

Ideally situated in the heart of the Vanoise National Park, the 3* Hotel Le Grand Bec welcomes you in a chalet-style building where everything was designed with your comfort in mind. In winter it features a heated indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna (free use for guests).

Hotel Le Granc Bec features comfortable rooms and small suites. Our trip price is based on a standard twin or double room with a shower room but an upgrade to have a bathroom or small suite is available upon request. Each room is uniquely decorated and has a balcony offering a view of the mountain. They feature wooden furniture which creates a cosy atmosphere. The hotel offers a restaurant serving home-made produce and local and traditional specialities. Free Wi-Fi access, a heated boot room and free private parking is provided. The hotel pool and spa is included in the trip price and massages are available to book at an additional cost of 30min : 45 € / 1h : 70 € (2019 prices).

Hotel du Soleil, Aussois

Hotel

The Hotel du Soleil offers 3* accommodation in the heart of the old town of Aussois village in the Val Maurienne. Guests can relax in the sauna and in a Nordic bath set on the terrace with a panoramic view of the valley, open in summer and winter. A buffet breakfast is served every day and the restaurant is open in the evening serving traditional gourmet cuisine using only products that are in season.

The Hotel du Soleil has 21 ensuite rooms decorated in a chalet style featuring a flat-screen TV and free WiFi. Some rooms have a balcony with a view of the mountains. As wells as the panoramic solarium with outside nordic bath the hotel also has a relaxation room with sauna - hammam - spa baths. Guests can relax in the lounge and bar area to sample the local Savioe wines by the traditional open fire.

The Modane main train station is 5.6 miles away offering easy travel on the the departure day. Free outdoor parking is available on site.


  • Arrival Day

    There are various options for getting to and from the Vanoise. On your arrival day you will need to arrive to the village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise reached by the Tarentaise valley via the town of Moutiers. You can take the TGV train from the UK to Paris and then head south to Moutiers, 27km from Pralognan. From Moutiers regular scheduled buses shuttle guests between the train station and Pralognan-la-Vanoise. For timetables visit www.altibus.com

    Information on trains go to www.raileurope.co.uk.

    If arriving by plane the closest airport is Chambery, which is 1 hour by road, Geneva and Lyon International airports are 2 hours away. Regular scheduled transfers are available from all 3 airports. For transfer information visit www.altibus.com

    Please follow this link to help you with planning your arrival to Pralognan-la-Vanoise.

    The website https://www.rome2rio.com/ is also very helpful when planning your travel.

    Departure day

    This trip ends in Aussois in the Maurienne Valley. The closest main train station to Aussois is Mondane 7km (4.5 miles) away. There is a fast direct TGV train from/to Paris to Modane taking less than 4 hours.

    Mondane can be reached either by taxi or by bus from Aussois.

    For bus times visit Altibus - 6.50€ per person one way (2019 prices). Altibus update their prices in November for the following winter.

    TAXI MARIUS to Aussois
    Telephone : 0033 (0) 6 15 19 13 55 ou 00 33 (0) 4 79 83 33 20 - taximarius@wanadoo.fr

    If departing by plane the closest airport is Chambery, 1 hour by road, and 2 hours by road from the International airports of Lyon, Geneva, Annecy, Grenoble or 1 hour 30 to Turin.

    Please follow this link to help you with planning your departure from Aussois.

  • 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.

  • When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have the appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and the accommodation you will be staying in. 

    Generally clothing for snowshoeing should be equivalent to that used for walking in the mountains in winter. For this trip all the necessary snowshoe equipment is provided free of charge. This includes snowshoes, walking poles, snow probe, snow shovel, and avalanche transceiver. The carrying of this safety equipment is compulsory and demonstrates ‘best practice’. 

    Your guide will arrive at the ‘Welcome Meeting’ with only enough snowshoe equipment for those who have booked it via their Booking Form. 

    Equipment

    • Snowshoes - supplied free of charge 
    • Poles - supplied free of charge
    • Avalanche Transceiver - supplied free of charge
    • Shovel - supplied free of charge 
    • Snow Probe - supplied free of charge 
    • Rucksack – 30-35 litres, with waist and chest strap. Ideally it should have a system that allows you to attach snowshoes if it is necessary to carry them. See image below
    • Rucksack – waterproof liner/cover
    • Walking Boots - warm and waterproof. They should not be ‘low cut’ and must cover your ankles
    • Bags to waterproof items, such as documentation
    • Gaiters - useful on days with deep fresh snow

    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 - 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 - very useful in snowfall
    • 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

    • Tupperware box - if you wish to order lunches from your accommodation. They usually provide a salad (couscous, lentils etc) so you need small box, as well as cake, bread, cheese etc. 
    • Slippers for use at accommodation
    • Clothing for use at accommodation
    • Hair dryer if required 
    • Travel Kettle if required 
    • Swimwear for sauna, if one available
    • Camera/ Book/Music
    • Toiletries – soap/shower gel; not all accommodation supplies these
    • Ear plugs - if room sharing
    • Small thermos for hot drinks
    • 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

    The image below gives examples of how snowshoes can be attached to your rucksack

  • 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.

  • For each of our trips there is a minimum number of guests required to book before we can 'guarantee' your trip will run. It depends on the particular trip in question, but it is normally 4. The maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page. 

    We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.

  • 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. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. This trip has a single supplement of £500.

  • We go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.

    Please note your snowshoe guide has 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. This is particularly relevant in a winter environment where the snowpack can change on a daily basis.

    Your guide will be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. International Mountain Leaders are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, and traditions of the area which you are visiting. You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page. 

  • For this trip where you are centre-based in two hotels and we will transfer this for you between the two locations. As you and your luggage will be moved by minibus with your guide part way through the week we ask that you keep the weight of your bag to a maximum of 15kgs (33lbs), and ONE bag per person to ensure that we only need one vehicle. Packing light is also a good idea as 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. 

    Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout your day of activity. If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. 

    Each evening you can choose to order a picnic or a sandwich from the hotel, or your guide/instructor will advise you of other options such as a local shop or market and whether you need to purchase items in the evening or if the shop/market is open early enough the next morning not to delay your start. In all cases we would always ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks in the evening before you depart, and not on the morning of your last day when there may be a queue.

  • 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.

  • It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card. 

    On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will only accept payment in the local currency in cash.

  • 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 for visits to countries outside the EU, such as Norway. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. 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 recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:

    http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/

    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. 

  • 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

  • 3 Nights half board accommodation in a 3* hotel; based on twin rooms in Pralognan-La-Vanoise
  • 4 Nights half board accommodation in a 3* hotel; based on twin rooms in Aussois
  • Access to hotel spa facilities
  • Professional guiding services of a qualified International Mountain Leader
  • Expenses of the International Mountain Leader
  • Snowshoe equipment; poles, snow shovel, avalanche probe, transceiver
  • In resort transfers and between Pralognan-la-Vanoise and Aussois

What's Not Included

  • Lunches
  • Flights
  • Transfers to resort
  • Cable car tickets that might be used to access the routes
  • Drinks and snacks
  • Insurance
Return to Search Print Trip Notes

Grade: Advanced

READ GRADE DESCRIPTION

At a Glance

From Price £1945
Holiday Type Snowshoeing
Duration 8 Days
Group Size 4-8
Minimum Age 18
Maximum Altitude 2518m (8261ft)
Countries Visited France
Meet In Pralognan-la-Vanoise
View all Snowshoeing Holidays

Col de la Vanoise

TSL Snowshoes Explained

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
Read More

Related Articles