An unforgettable night camping in the Alps
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationFrench Alps / Le Grand-Bornand
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AgeFrom 18 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions3.14 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Want to experience something truly unique in the mountains ? Join us for a magical night under the stars , enveloped by a 360° panorama of snow-capped peaks . The program includes a snowshoe hike or trek (depending on snow conditions), followed by setting up your bivouac and an introduction to winter survival techniques . A warm and convivial dinner (fondue, mountain omelet, or chorizo with warm vegetables) will be served in the heart of nature, before you spend the night snug in a cold-weather sleeping bag (comfort rating -15°C) provided for the occasion. Upon waking, be amazed by a breathtaking sunrise after a night lulled by the tranquility of the snow-covered mountains. Breakfast completes this immersive sensory experience. No extreme experience is required: simply come with the desire to venture off the beaten path and experience the mountains in a new way . Group equipment is provided, and a technical sheet will guide you on what personal gear to bring. The supervision and safety are ensured by a mountain professional so that you can surrender to the present moment with complete confidence.
The highlights
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Winter bivouac facing snow-capped peaks with 360° views
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Experience led by a mountain professional
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Snowshoeing and mountain survival training
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
The stay is tailored to the level of the participants.
It will be important for participants to mention their physical levels when booking.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 6 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 350 m
- Average daily descent: 325 m
Management
French
English
Corentin will be delighted to guide your stay. A mountain professional and resident of the Aravis mountains, he knows this region like the back of his hand.
Smiling, enthusiastic and attentive, he will make your stay a real success.
Specializing in cold weather survival techniques, he will bring all his expertise to your service.
Program
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Setting up camp high in the mountains
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Depending on snow conditions and the group's skill level, the guide will choose a suitable area to set up camp. Once there, you'll participate in preparing the overnight site to ensure maximum comfort despite the winter conditions. The guide will involve you in setting up the bivouac: a hands-on opportunity to learn and fully experience this immersion in the mountains.
Day 1 -
Return after a night of immersion
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 50 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After a warm night in your cold-weather sleeping bags, you pack up camp and begin the return journey. Corentin, your guide, will accompany you back to the starting point to rejoin your vehicle. A final walk to gently conclude this interlude in the heart of nature.
Day 2
Note
Depending on the snow conditions, we will proceed either on foot, with crampons, or on snowshoes (equipment provided by the organizers).
Accommodation
We built our own shelter for the night using snow shovels.
Access
The departure time and location will depend on snow conditions. You will be notified of the exact location 48 hours in advance (within a 20km radius of Le Grand-Bornand).
Go to the starting point
Parking is available at the car park at 222 Route du Vieux Village
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a mountain professional
- The evening meal
- Breakfast the next day
- Loan of cold weather bivouac equipment
The price does not include
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Extreme cold weather sleeping bag (-15°C)
- Mattress
- Snowshoes or crampons
Equipment to bring
A backpack of at least 60L.
Sunglasses
Headlamps (charging)
Clothing to bring
Mountaineering or hiking boots suitable for snow and cold (trail running shoes)
(Prohibited, summer canvas hiking shoes prohibited) --> Possibility to rent a pair
in store.
Sleeping bag liner (a protective insert for inside the bag). Decathlon sells them.
(You don't have any).
spare long-sleeved technical T-shirt
Warm alpine ski-type socks (two spare pairs).
Gloves (bring a spare pair)
Hat/Neck warmer
Warm sweater (in addition to the one you'll have when you leave)
Puffer jacket (3rd layer)
Warm jacket (4th layer)
Your energy bars/compotes
Allow for a 2L water capacity
Tights to wear under trousers (in the evening)
Technical mountain trousers and/or ski trousers
Spare bra for the ladies (we don't keep anything wet)
spare underwear
