Snowshoeing has long been popular in Europe’s Alpine countries and in North America and is fast becoming popular elsewhere as an alternative to other forms of winter walking and winter mountaineering. Some of the most diverse and spectacular snowshoeing in the Alps can be found in and around the Chamonix Mont Blanc region, so we have put together a week of some of the best snowshoe outings in this area.
Every day, we will chose a route which offers the best conditions, accessible exclusively for snowshoers and back-country skiers. Based in the famous Chamonix valley, we will explore the diversity of the region and may cross the border into the neighbouring Italy or Switzerland, which are only a 20 minutes drive away. Our objective for each day is to ascend via an interesting route to a high mountain pasture, a pass or a peak in the region.
Only few people venture away from the busy ski areas and into the mountains during the winter months. Therefore, we will achieve a greater wilderness experience characterised by a silent and pristine snow landscape with stunning views. Arriving home to a well-deserved drink at our warm and comfortable hotel at night is the icing on the cake.
Extra attention must be paid to safety when travelling in the mountains in winter. If necessary, we will spend some time at the beginning of the week to practise skills such as avalanche rescue.
Below is a typical itinerary from our Best of Mont Blanc Snowshoeing tour. We do keep the programme flexible to cater for the current conditions and our members’ specific aspirations.
Brief itinerary:
Day 1:
Arrive Chamonix valley and meet with leader in the evening for welcome, equipment check and briefing.
Day 2:
Our first tour kicks off from the Montjoie valley to the West of Mont Blanc. We ascend from a small hamlet, through forest, to an idyllic high mountain pasture with charming old barns. This is a great spot to spend some time practising a few skills needed for safe travel in winter before our final ascent to the top of Mont Truc (1811m).
Day 3:
From Les Houches in the Chamonix valley, we zig-zag upwards through wonderful snow-covered pine forest until we reach an interesting and steep ridge for the final part of our ascend. When we arrive at the summit of le Prarion (1969m) we are met by the most amazing views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix valley.
Day 4:
We head into Switzerland to a small hamlet above the Rhone valley. From here, we begin our ascent to the summit of Mont de l’Arpille (2085m). Our route takes us past an idyllic mountain pasture to the summit, which offers spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif and views far up the Rhone valley.
Day 5
Our aim today is an ascent of the Aiguillete des Houches (2285m) situated above the Chamonix valley with, probably, the best views of the Mont Blanc massif as well as views of the Fizz mountain chain. We have a choice of two routes to the summit, depending on conditions and how we feel on the day.
Day 6: From the hamlet le Buet we move up the gorgeous Bérard valley along a mountain stream until the valley opens up and reveals a stunning snowy bowl. We continue ascending until we reach the high-point of our week Col de Bérard (2460m). From the col we have have views into the stunning and remote Aiguille Rouges nature reserve. This is a long day and a great final to our week.
Day 7:
Depart Chamonix.
Best of Mont Blanc Snowshoeing holiday
View image gallery:
Trekking and walking holidays: Chamonix Spring Walking ; Best of Mont Blanc Walking ; Tour du Mont Blanc trek ; Haute Route trek, Chamonix to Zermatt ; Gran Paradiso trek.
Tailor made trekking and walking: Weekend Explorer trek ; Trekking skills weekend ; Tailor made trekking ; Tailor made trekking expeditions.
Snowshoeing in the Alps: Best of Mont Blanc snowshoe week ; Weekend Explorer Snowshoeing ; Tailor made snowshoeing.
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