Lodge-Based Winter Adventure in France and Switzerland

Snowshoeing in the Alps

Tour Cost Departures & Leaders Trip Rating Download Full Itinerary Route Map Reserve This Trip Terms & Conditions

Snowshoeing is a wonderful way to savor the winter glory of the French and Swiss Alps. Modern, lightweight snowshoes make snowshoeing much like hiking and give us access to spectacular off-trail terrain from deep, silent forests to winter-white meadows beneath glistening snow peaks. Herds of chamois and ibex are often seen here in winter, and the architectural heritage is stunning, with centuries-old farmhouses tucked into the alpine landscape. One evening, we head out for the magic of a torch-lit (maybe even moon-lit!) hike in the winter forest. Our lodge-based adventure takes place in two unique valleys nestled between France’s Savoy region and Switzerland’s Valais region. No prior experience is needed; snowshoeing is just like hiking—sometimes even more exciting and off the beaten path!

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-2
Chatel, France / Vallee d’Abondance

We gather in Chatel, a wellkept secret in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski circuit in the French Alps. Nestled at the top of the Vallee d’Abondance with spectacular mountain views in all directions, this picturesque village retains its old Savoyarde atmosphere. We begin our snowshoe adventure on the slopes of Mont Grange (7,976') and in the nature reserve that surrounds it, home to some 500 chamois and the highest point in the Vallee d’Abondance.

Days 3-5
Chatel, France / Vallee d’Abondance

Above the village of Morgins, we explore the mountains on the Swiss side of the border. The pastures above this village in summer echo the music of hundreds of cowbells and in winter are home to ptarmigans and mountain hares. Our snowshoe hike offers us a unique panorama of the Dents du Midi (10,705') and the peaks of the central Swiss Alps. The next day, we set off from the hamlet Le Mont. Some of the oldest working farms of the valley, dating from the 18th century, still stand here, defying time. In the quiet of the night, we set out into a deep winter forest for a torch-lit snowshoe hike. On Day 5, south of Chatel, we climb through a beautiful spruce forest, ascend to the snow-covered meadows of the Grand Plans, and reach the Col de Bassachaux (6,000') for a breathtaking panorama. We drop down on the sunny side of the mountain through thick forests to Linderets, a village of goat herders and one of the most picturesque hamlets in Savoy.

Days 6-8
Megeve / Le Petit Croise Bollet / Les Monts de Vores

We move our snowshoe adventure south to Megeve, one of France’s first winter resorts, with its wonderful proximity to Mont Blanc. It is full of fashionable boutiques, fine restaurants, and Savoy charm. We explore the terrain of Le Petit Croise Bollet (6,586'), a nature reserve created for the rare black grouse that survives in the upper limits of the spruce forest, and venture by snowshoe across the vast snow slopes of Le Mont de Vores (6,770'), where three different valleys open out between Mont Blanc and the mountains of the Beaufortain. Depart on Day 8.

Questions? Email Us	Download Full Itinerary	Reserve This Trip

Tour Costs Prices for 2009 TBA, please call for details **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

Trip Rating Rating Explanation

Departures & Leaders

Route Map

© Wilderness Travel  |  Contact Us  |  1-800-368-2794

Privacy Policy | Site Map | Home | Free Catalog | About WT | Our Trips
E-Newsletter | Reserve a Trip | Contact Us | Private Journeys | Exploratories
Special Events | Testimonials | Special Offers | Photo Gallery | Toucan Club

All content and photography within this website is copyrighted and
may not be reproduced without the express permission of Wilderness Travel.  CST 1007696-40