Snowshoeing in the Alps

Snowshoeing is a wonderful way to savor the winter glory of the French and Swiss Alps. Modern, lightweight snowshoes make snowshoeing fun and they 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. Our lodge-based adventure explores 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!

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Châtel, France / Vallee d’Abondance

We gather in Châtel, a well-kept 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. The next day, we snowshoe in the mountains on the Swiss side of the border. In summer, the pastures above this village echo the music of hundreds of cowbells; in winter, they give shelter 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.

Days 4-8
Megève / Col de Bassachaux / Chamonix Valley

We move our snowshoe adventure south to Megève, one of France’s first winter resorts, with its wonderful proximity to Mont Blanc. Snowshoeing through a beautiful spruce forest, we ascend through snowy meadows to the Col de Bassachaux (6,000'), then descend to Linderets, a village of goat herders and one of the most picturesque hamlets in Savoy. We also explore 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. The peaks around Megève are the perfect playground in full view of the Mont Blanc range. We venture by snowshoe across Le Mont de Vorès (6,770'), where three different valleys open out between Mont Blanc and the mountains of the Beaufortain. Our adventure ends with a walk to the Aiguillette des Houches (7,495') for breathtaking views of the granite peaks and hanging glaciers of the Mont Blanc range. Depart on Day 8.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 4, Moderate to Strenuous, according to our trip grading system. All trip members should have mountain hiking experience, but there is no technical climbing experience necessary. Our snowshoe routes are not on trails. Instead, we head out cross-country, climbing about 2,000 feet on any given day and covering around 4-5 miles on a typical 6-hour snowshoe hiking day. In general, we are on easy to moderate slopes of up to 30 degrees, but there will be steeper sections of switchbacks, although they won’t be too long. No previous snowshoeing experience is necessary but good physical condition and reasonable stamina are essential. Trip members are welcome to bring their own snowshoes if they wish but Wilderness Travel will provide snowshoes and walking poles. A list of clothing essential to keeping you comfortable on winter hikes will be provided in our Departure Notes.

Explanation of Trip Levels