Immersive hike in the wild Val d'Arly
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationEurope / France
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions72.3 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on an unforgettable winter adventure in the heart of the Val d'Arly , amidst snow-covered forests , pristine alpine pastures , and panoramic ridges . This guided snowshoeing trip invites you to explore the unspoiled landscapes of the Upper Val d'Arly , at the foot of the majestic Aravis mountain range , with Mont Blanc as a backdrop. From the charming village of La Giettaz , each hike begins right outside your hotel, with no transfers required, ensuring maximum comfort . Between wildlife tracks , breathtaking alpine panoramas , and the cozy atmosphere of wooden chalets , each outing is an immersion in the magic of winter. An accessible getaway, ideal for fully enjoying the tranquility of the mountains and experiencing snow in a new way , in an authentic and soothing setting.
The highlights
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Snowshoeing excursions facing Mont Blanc from a hotel at the foot of the trails
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A winter immersion amidst forests, pristine alpine pastures and panoramic ridges
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A stay without transfers for optimal comfort and total disconnection
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 2h
Management
French
Local supervisors
Program
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Installation and reception in La Giettaz
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Arrival is possible from 5 pm in the heart of the village of La Giettaz, at the Flor'Alpes accommodation. Settle into your rooms and explore the premises. At 6:45 pm, a welcome drink will be held to get acquainted, present the program of your stay, and explain how the accommodation works.
Day 1 -
First views of Mont Blanc
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From La Giettaz (1204m), you'll set off on a hike towards the Croix des Buts (1544m). This gradual 340m ascent immerses you in the local atmosphere, offering a beautiful vista around the village and the Col des Aravis pass. The hike takes approximately 4.5 hours to reach a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the Mont Blanc massif, which gradually unfolds along the trail. A gentle warm-up, offering a taste of the magnificent landscapes to come.
Day 2 -
Between Mont Blanc and Aravis
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 6km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Starting from Saint-Nicolas-la-Chapelle (1330m), you'll reach the Col du Treu (1600m) via a 4-hour hike with 390m of elevation gain. The route crosses the Avenières alpine pasture, a favorite spot for local guides and a true natural link between the Mont Blanc massif and the Aravis mountain range. Along the way, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Mont Blanc range while learning to identify chamois tracks on these wild slopes.
Day 3 -
Wild immersion at the foot of Mont Charvin
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 9km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From Héry-sur-Ugine (1200m), you'll embark on a 5-hour hike to the summit of Tête (1562m), with a 400m ascent. The route alternates between shady forests and open alpine pastures, in a peaceful and unspoiled setting. This secluded area is home to chamois... and sometimes wolves. Throughout the hike, you'll walk at the foot of Mont Charvin, enjoying unobstructed views of Mont Blanc. A day dedicated to the wild and silent beauty of nature.
Day 4 -
Gentle climb to the Jaillet pass
- Transportation Minibus - 00h09 - 3km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Starting from Plan de la Giettaz (1210m), this 5.5-hour hike takes you to the Col du Jaillet (1723m), with 520m of elevation gain. The ascent is gentle, alternating between peaceful forests and open alpine pastures, until you reach a stunning viewpoint facing Mont Blanc. Lunch will be enjoyed with this spectacular panorama as a highlight of the trip.
Day 5 -
360° view from the Cartier cross
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 7km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The final hike starts from Chaucisse (1334m) and heads towards the Croix Cartier (1862m), a 540m ascent taking approximately 5 hours. The route crosses a wild plateau, often frequented by chamois, before reaching a summit offering exceptional panoramic views. From the cross, the vista stretches from Mont Blanc to the Aravis range, taking in the Bauges, the Fiz, the Chartreuse, the Vercors… all the way to Mont Aiguille. A beautiful way to end the week, with our eyes still fixed on the mountain peaks.
Day 6 -
End of stay and departure
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast , it's time to pack our bags. Departure from the hotel is scheduled for 10:00 AM at the latest . The end of a stay rich in scenery, encounters, and shared experiences in the mountains.
Day 7
Note
Lunch is a picnic during the hike.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
From Albertville train station, check bus departures for LA GIETTAZ VILLAGE at:
- www.altibus.com
Free parking
Price details
The price includes
The welcome drink
• Accommodation for 6 nights with half-board in a ** hotel, from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
• The 5 midday picnics
• 5 days of guided hikes led by a state-certified professional
• Loan of equipment (snowshoes and adjustable poles)
The price does not include
• Drinks
• Transfers to/from the train station/hotel if needed
• Personal insurance
• Walking shoes for snowshoeing
• Tourist tax (€1.10/person/night)
Options
- single room : CHF256.14 / 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 provided on site
- TSL snowshoes and poles
- bathroom linen
- sheets
Equipment to bring
- a comfortable backpack (40 liters) with a waterproof cover
- a water bottle (minimum 1 liter) or an unbreakable thermos
- airtight container and cutlery for the picnic
- sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
- a small personal pharmacy
- an insulating material for sitting on snowbanks
Clothing to bring
- a pair of high-top, waterproof hiking boots
- Comfortable hiking pants for walking, or Nordic skiing gear. If not very waterproof, bring waterproof overpants.
- High gaiters (unless your trousers already cover your shoes)
- two pairs of warm hiking socks
- underwear
- a long-sleeved undershirt
- a warm sweater or a fleece jacket
- a Gore-Tex type waterproof jacket with a hood
- high-performance gloves and/or mittens
- a hat, a scarf, a cap
