High-altitude hikes in the Abondance Valley
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationFrench Alps / Haute-Savoie
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions59.25 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Between Lake Geneva and the Mont Blanc massif , the Abondance Valley reveals the rich beauty of the Chablais region , bordering Switzerland. Nestled amidst traditional chalets and alpine peaks , this authentic region captivates visitors with its alpine landscapes and spectacular panoramas . From a comfortable hotel with a swimming pool , set off to conquer several iconic peaks over 2,000 meters high , offering breathtaking views of Lake Geneva or a stunning perspective of the roof of Europe. Accompanied by a passionate local guide , you'll discover secluded routes , far from the beaten track. Each day blends physical exertion , immersion in nature , and encounters with local people , for a unique hiking experience in the heart of a vibrant and bountiful mountain environment.
The highlights
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Exceptional panoramic views, sometimes overlooking Mont Blanc.
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A comfortable hotel with a swimming pool.
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A sporting program with several peaks of +2000m.
Photos
Maria - verified review - june 2024
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 945 m
- Average daily descent: 945 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
The name of the supervisor will be communicated to you shortly before departure.
Program
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Thonon-les-Bains - Vacheresse
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival at Thonon-les-Bains train station at 5:45 PM
Transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Those arriving by car will go directly to the hotel and can relax in the pool while waiting for dinner.
Day 1 -
La Combe Chemine
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 730 m
- Negative elevation 730 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
On the north slope of Mont de Grange, in the heart of the Nature Reserve.
A loop hike that goes up a wild valley where you might encounter chamois and sometimes mouflon.
A descent via the Trebentaz refuge offers a change of scenery and a chance to spot a golden eagle in flight. As you can see, this wildlife discovery outing is off to a great start!
Day 2 -
Oche Castle
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 940 m
- Negative elevation 940 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The end of the French Alps: where the mountain range that rises from Nice plunges down to Lake Geneva.
Next to the Dent d'Oche, a well-known and very popular summit, is a citadel, which can only be climbed by initiates: the Château d'Oche.
The result of this unique situation is a summit overlooking Lake Geneva in a dizzying way and slopes populated by ibex.
Day 3 -
The Tour of the Cornettes de Bise
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 1035 m
- Negative elevation 1035 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Yet another new route that goes around the impressive summit of the Cornettes de Bise.
Once past the first pass, here is the Swiss side where you don't meet many people and where you can truly appreciate the scale of this summit.
The second pass offers a revelation: the view of Mont Blanc is truly beautiful!
The crossing at the foot of the south face is a panoramic delight and it is a pleasure to climb back up among the alpine chalets to cross the 3rd and final pass.
Day 4 -
The Roc de Tavaneuse
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 960 m
- Negative elevation 960 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The Chablais region of rock and water. This limestone massif is crisscrossed by clay layers, creating streams and lakes. This loop begins by crossing a small glacial moraine that allowed the formation of Lake Tavaneuse.
Then comes the ascent of a sharp ridge which provides sensations, and leads to the summit of the Roc de Tavaneuse.
On the other side is the Morzine valley, a famous resort in the Portes du Soleil.
The return journey takes place in a beautiful valley typical of the Pre-Alps.
Day 5 -
The Grange Mountain
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 1060 m
- Negative elevation 1060 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
To end this week on the peaks, the highest summit of the massif!
It's centrally located and allows you to review all the hikes of the week. The view faces the Dents du Midi (3257 m), a truly spectacular little mountain range.
But the highlight of the day will be the climb up a very wild ridge where chamois are present and swing down the steep slopes of the north face to let us pass.
Day 6
Note
- This program is indicative; it may be modified by your guide to adapt to weather and snow conditions.
Accommodation
5 nights in a 2-star hotel, in a double room with private bathroom and toilet.
Your accommodation is located in the village of Vacheresse, overlooking the valley and facing south. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a lounge area. Free Wi-Fi is available.
Individual registrations will be grouped into rooms of 2 or 3.
Access
Go to the starting point
A direct TGV train connects Paris to Thonon-les-Bains once a day . Other options include several TGV trains to Bellegarde or Annemasse , with a connecting TER train to Thonon . It is also possible to travel via Switzerland: TGV to Geneva , then Léman Express to Thonon-les-Bains .
If you arrive in Thonon later than usual, a regional bus provides easy access to Vacheresse , with a stop located directly opposite the hotel . For more information, contact SAT at +33 4 50 71 00 88. The fare is approximately €3.50 per person , with an additional €2 per piece of luggage .
Access by air : Arrival at Geneva-Cointrin Airport , connected to the Swiss and European rail networks . A Swiss Federal Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) train station is located directly within the terminal, accessible from the check-in and arrival areas. All trains stop at Geneva-Cornavin station in the city center, where connections with the Léman Express provide easy access to Thonon-les-Bains . Train schedules are available from Swiss Rail services.
The airport is directly connected to the Swiss rail network and European lines . The integrated SBB train station is accessible from the check-in and arrival levels. All trains then stop at Geneva-Cornavin station , located in the city center, where it is possible to connect with the Léman Express to Thonon-les-Bains . Train schedules are available from Swiss Rail services.
Price details
The price includes
- Organization costs and supervision.
- Accommodation in a 2* hotel in a double, twin or triple room, private bathroom, full board.
- Shuttles between the train station and the hotel.
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Personal equipment.
- The means of transport to the meeting place.
- The single room supplement.
- Cancellation insurance - repatriation assistance - interruption of stay.
Options
- Extra night before stay - Single room : CHF98.80 / unit
- Extra night before stay - Double room : CHF82.33 / unit
- Additional night after stay - Single room : CHF82.33 / unit
- I'm coming by train : CHF0.00 / person
- 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 to bring
- 1 backpack of 35/40 litres with a flexible frame, equipped with a waist belt and allowing the snowshoes to be attached.
- A large plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack.
- 1 pair of excellent quality sunglasses with side protection.
- 1 thermos or a preferably insulated water bottle (1.5 liters minimum).
- 1 Opinel-type pocket knife.
- 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) to put your money, identity card, health insurance card and assistance contract in.
- Toiletries (opt for the essentials, small sizes, samples and travel kits).
- Earplugs or ear pads (optional).
- Toilet paper + 1 lighter.
- Sunscreen + lip balm.
- Airtight plastic container (minimum capacity 0.5 l) + cup + cutlery.
- 1 headlamp or flashlight.
- 1 survival blanket.
- Camera, binoculars (optional).
Clothing to bring
For the upper body, the 3-layer principle allows you to manage almost all situations:
- a long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material (hollow fiber).
- a warm fleece fur jacket.
- a windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket of the gore-tex type.
When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In rain, snow, or wind, simply add a waterproof jacket. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is an essential addition.
Choose clothes that dry quickly, so avoid cotton. Opt for wool, silk, and synthetic fibers that will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible.
Remember to dress warmly before you get cold, but especially to remove layers before you get too hot. Sweat is the enemy of snowshoe hikers, as it dampens clothing that quickly becomes icy during breaks. Therefore, it's very rare to undertake a climb wearing a fleece jacket.
Avoid anoraks and ski suits, which are too warm and bulky.
The ideal list : (to be adapted according to the hike and the season)
- 1 sun hat or cap.
- 1 scarf.
- 1 beanie.
- 1 pair of mittens with possibly silk gloves and an extra pair of gloves.
- Short-sleeved T-shirts in breathable material preferred (1 for 2 to 3 days of walking).
- 1 long-sleeved undershirt in breathable material or a shirt.
- 1 fleece fur jacket.
- 1 windproof, waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket with hood.
- 1 rain cape or a bivvy bag if you own the jacket above.
- 1 pair of loose-fitting trekking trousers.
- 1 pair of waterproof and breathable overtrousers such as Gore-Tex (if your budget allows).
- 1 pair of underwear (maybe be used in the evening at the stopover).
- Hiking socks (1 pair for 2 to 3 days of hiking). Opt for wool or hiking-specific socks. Be careful with cotton as it can cause blisters.
- One pair of hiking boots with good ankle support and waterproof soles (like Vibram). Remember to test new shoes and those that haven't been worn for a long time beforehand. Boots and après-ski boots are absolutely forbidden.
- 1 pair of gaiters.
- Underwear.
- 1 swimsuit (optional).
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers for the evening.
- 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes for the evening.
- Plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack
- Sunglasses with side protection
- Thermos or insulated water bottle
- Pocket knife
- Waterproof pouch for documents
- Toiletries
- Earplugs
- Toilet paper + garbage bag
- Sunscreen + lip balm
- Airtight container + cup + cutlery
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Survival blanket
- Camera, binoculars (optional)
They traveled with us
