Mountains and Wonders of the Beaufortain on snowshoes
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationBeaufortain Massif / Savoy
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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
Welcome to the Beaufortain, a true favorite for mountain lovers! This mountain range, rich in a unique history linked to pastoralism and the development of skiing, offers an exceptional backdrop for your winter adventure, with the majestic Mont Blanc as a backdrop.
An Authentic Discovery Far From the Crowds
We invite you on a unique adventure, far from the beaten path and the hustle and bustle. Our starting point will be a historic hotel in the valley, where authenticity and comfort intertwine. Each day, your guide Alain will lead you to new slopes, guaranteeing ever-changing panoramas and snowshoeing excursions that will delight your senses. You will appreciate the serene atmosphere of the mid-mountain region in winter, where the beauty of the landscapes blends perfectly with the flavors of a time-honored local tradition.
Warmth and Flavors of the Beaufortain
You are here in the kingdom of the "Prince of Cheeses," the famous Beaufort! After your hikes, Brigitte, your host, will introduce you to mountain specialties in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Imagine yourself in a large chalet filled with the scents of winter and the mountains, sharing moments of well-being after a day outdoors.
This trip, designed for an intermediate level and easily accessible by train, is your invitation to fully experience the mountains.
The highlights
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A small group to share a warm and friendly atmosphere
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A true immersion in the winter landscapes at the foot of Mont Blanc
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Accompaniment by a passionate local guide, a native of the region and an expert on the mountain range
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
For average walkers
Hiker level 2, 2.5 on a scale of 5.
Mountain route with elevation gains of 400 to 600 meters/day.
Average elevation gain: 500 m Maximum elevation gain: 600 m
Average length: 10 km Maximum length: 12 km
Average time: 5 hours
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 470 m
Management
French
All mountain outings are supervised by our local guide, who is an expert on the mountain range.
His expertise allows him to adapt the itinerary according to weather conditions in order to guarantee comfort and safety throughout the stay.
Program
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Arrival and check-in
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We will welcome you to the Hotel from 5:30 pm.
If you arrive by train, you can either take the regular Albertville / Beaufort shuttle, or take advantage of the private transfer organised by our agency at 5:30 pm, from Albertville station.
Upon arrival, you will be shown to your rooms, followed by a welcome drink to start your stay in a friendly atmosphere.
Day 1 -
The Col du Pré and the Chalets de l'Entrus
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Starting from the historic hamlet of Boudin, we begin a gentle climb along a snowy road which leads us to the Col du Pré (1,703 m), a spectacular passage in the heart of the massif offering breathtaking views of the vast basin of Lake Roselend.
Our path continues towards the Entrus chalets, revealing a breathtaking panorama of the highest peaks of the Beaufortain, the famous Pierra Menta and, true to form, Mont Blanc.
On the return journey, the golden light of sunset envelops the village of Boudin, making the walk through its steep alleyways simply magical.
Walking time: 5 hours
Distance: 12 km
Elevation gain: 450 m
Day 2 -
Lake Clou seen from the hamlet of Chozeaux
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off to discover a small, secret lake, nestled in the heart of spruce trees and high-altitude peat bogs, under a blanket of immaculate snow.
A peaceful and quiet place, offering a spectacular panorama of the Beaufort valley and Mont Blanc.
Walking time: 5 hours
Distance: 10 km
Elevation gain: 550 m
Day 3 -
The Véry pass starting from Planay
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off to explore the borders of Beaufortain and Val d'Arly, from the foot of the Col du Joly (closed in winter).
Through vast alpine pastures bathed in light, our ascent is gentle to the Véry pass, an exceptional viewpoint offering a 360° panorama, with Mont Blanc very close.
On the way back, we make an essential stop at the Beaufort dairy cooperative to uncover the secrets of making the famous "prince of Gruyères".
Walking time: 5 hours
Distance: 10 km
Elevation gain: 600 m
Day 4 -
The alpine pastures of Saint Guérin
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the 1960s, the Beaufortain massif was extensively developed for hydroelectric production, with the Saint-Guérin dam and lake being among the most emblematic examples.
Our round trip route starts at the bottom of the valley and takes us into the Saint-Guérin basin, dominated by vast alpine pastures at the edge of the Tarentaise valley.
On our way, we pass near the chapel of Saint-Guérin, protector of the flocks, discreet witness to these pastoral landscapes.
Walking time: 4 hours
Distance: 10 km
Elevation gain: 400 m
Day 5 -
The shoulder of the Légette and the Villard plan
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A magnificent loop route, rich in diversity, takes us through pastures, spruce forests, then opens onto panoramic spaces overlooking the Arêches valley, always with Mont Blanc and memories of our week's getaways in the background.
This final hike offers a postcard-worthy panorama that will remain etched in our memories.
The trip ends in the afternoon, with an itinerary designed to facilitate the return to Albertville train station. It is also possible to extend your stay by an additional night at the hotel with half-board; please feel free to inquire about the available options.
Walking time: 4 hours
Distance: 8 km
Elevation gain: 350 m
Day 6
Note
This program is given as an indication and may be adjusted by your guide to adapt to weather and snow conditions.
Snow cover
We are, first and foremost, hikers: even with little snow, our trips will go ahead. The winter atmosphere and its unique light will still be there, even if the snowshoes have to stay put.
The mountain in winter reveals a very different face from that of summer: the colours become softer, the sun sets low on the horizon, offering warm and golden lights reminiscent of a sunset throughout the day.
Accommodation
You will be welcomed to a historic hotel located in the heart of the village of Arêches-Beaufort. The atmosphere is warm, authentic and imbued with the mountain spirit.
Meals are served in the hotel restaurant and showcase tasty cuisine, prepared using local and high-quality products.
If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, please inform us when making your reservation so that we can accommodate you.
Accommodation is provided in double or triple rooms. Single rooms may be offered, subject to availability and at an additional cost.
Please note – Prices vary depending on the room type:
The accommodation package price is €845 per person, based on accommodation in a mixed room with 4 separate single beds, with shared bathroom and WC.
To benefit from a double or twin room, you must select the “Double or twin room” option at the time of booking, with a supplement of €90 per person.
The total price with this option is therefore €935 per person.
Access
Welcome :
The meeting is scheduled for Sunday late afternoon, starting at 5:30 p.m., at the hotel in Arêches-Beaufort.
Access by car
You will be able to easily park your vehicle in the immediate vicinity of your accommodation.
Access by train
Arrival at Albertville TGV station.
You have two options:
- Register for the private transfer organized by the agency, departing at 5:30 pm from the train station.
- Take the bus line between Albertville and Arêches-Beaufort (line 21 - TRA Mobilité network), which departs on Sundays at 6:30 p.m. from the station.
Dispersion:
Dispersal on Friday at 5:30 p.m. from Albertville train station to reach your accommodation via the agency's private shuttle.
The return journey is via the regular line departing from Place d'Arêches at 4:20 pm, with an expected arrival at Albertville station around 5:15 pm.
The organization of the hike will be adapted to respect these return times.
Go to the starting point
Arrival at Albertville TGV station.
You have two options:
- Register for the private transfer organized by the agency, departing at 5:30 pm from the train station.
- Take the bus line between Albertville and Arêches-Beaufort (line 21 - TRA Mobilité network), which departs on Sundays at 6:30 p.m. from the station.
You will be able to easily park your vehicle in the immediate vicinity of your accommodation.
Price details
The price includes
- Organization costs and supervision
- Food and full board accommodation
- Loan of snowshoes and poles
- The transfers and visits scheduled in the program
- The welcome drink on the first evening
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- The single room supplement is €225 (subject to availability)
- The means of transport to the meeting place
- Personal equipment
- Everything not mentioned in the price includes
- Insurance
Options
- Double or twin room : CHF82.33 / person
- Single room supplement : CHF205.83 / unit
- Round-trip transfer from Albertville train station : CHF18.30 / unit
- Additional night in room + breakfast package: based on 2 people : CHF141.79 / unit
- Additional night in room + breakfast package: based on 1 person : CHF123.50 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Valid identity card or passport.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Pair of snowshoes
- Hiking poles
- Crampons (if needed)
Equipment to bring
- 1 backpack of 35/40 litres with a flexible frame, equipped with a waist belt and allowing for the attachment of snowshoes
- 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 hold your money, ID card, health insurance card and assistance contract
- Toiletries (opt for the essentials, small sizes, samples and travel kits)
- Earplugs or earplugs (optional)
- Toilet paper + 1 lighter
- Airtight plastic container (minimum capacity 0.5 L) + cup + cutlery
- 1 headlamp or flashlight
- 1 survival blanket
- Camera, binoculars (optional)
Personal pharmacy:
- Your usual medications.
- Pain medication: paracetamol preferred.
- Lozenges for sore throats.
- Elastic adhesive strip, Elastoplast type, 8 cm wide.
- Sets of adhesive bandages + disinfectant compresses.
- Double skin (like Compeed or SOS blisters).
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 Gore-Tex type jacket.
When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a simple base layer may suffice. In case of rain, snow, or wind, simply add a waterproof jacket. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket becomes an essential addition.
It's important to dress warmly before you get cold, but especially to remove layers before you get too hot. Perspiration is the enemy of snowshoe hikers: it dampens clothing, which cools down quickly during breaks. For this reason, it's rare to climb a slope wearing a fleece jacket.
Avoid overly warm anoraks and bulky ski suits.
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 gloves or mittens for winter hiking.
- Short-sleeved T-shirts made of breathable material are preferable.
- 1 long-sleeved undershirt in breathable material or a shirt.
- 1 fleece 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.
- 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 high-top 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 out of the question.
- 1 pair of gaiters.
- Underwear.
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers for the evening.
- 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes for the evening.
