Relaxing New Year's Eve on the Balcons du Mont-Blanc
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationMont Blanc Massif - France / Haute-Savoie
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions47.4 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Imagine an unforgettable New Year's Eve, a gentle adventure in a small group under the majestic gaze of Mont Blanc. Starting from the charming village of Saint-Gervais Le Fayet, let Yves, our passionate local guide and native son, be your guide. He will share the stories of this iconic mountain range and lead you to hidden corners of unspoiled nature, far from the beaten track, for a simple and rejuvenating immersion.
Join Yves for a snowshoeing excursion on gentle trails, discovering the most beautiful viewpoints offering breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif. Magnificent panoramas and mountain traditions await you. To top off your stay, a delightful discovery session awaits you at the Saint-Gervais Thermal Spa – a truly relaxing and rejuvenating escape to recharge in complete tranquility.
This stay also offers the chance to enjoy unique experiences: hop aboard the famous Mont Blanc Tramway, which will take you to the summit of the Col de la Voza, offering one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the massif. Ending the year and recharging at the foot of this French giant is a true gift. On the evening of the 31st, head to the restaurant Le Petit Bouchon for a festive and convivial evening, where you'll ring in the New Year in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. A wonderful program that truly captures the essence of the mountains!
The highlights
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Easy access by train from the Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet SNCF train station.
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A festive New Year's Eve party in a friendly atmosphere
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A ride up and down on the legendary Mont-Blanc tramway
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
Average elevation gain: 400 m Maximum elevation gain: 500 m
Average length: 9 km Maximum: 11 km
Average time: 4 hours Maximum: 4 hours 30 minutes
The walking pace is slow and steady, the discovery aspect is prioritized over the sporting aspect.
the stay is classified as level 2 medium .
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 523 m
- Average daily descent: 523 m
Management
French
State-certified mountain guide, with perfect knowledge of the mountain range .
As a mountain professional, he is committed to:
- to best manage the course of your hike in complete safety: choice of route, pace of progress, logistics, health, adaptation to weather hazards and snow conditions.
- to ensure the dynamics and cohesion of the group.
- to make it easier for you to approach the mountain environment and to passionately share its knowledge of nature with you.
- to be available and attentive to your needs.
Program
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Welcome
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet your guide at the Hotel**La Chaumière in Le Fayet at 6:45 PM. Check in, program presentation, then dinner. Evening meals are taken at the small, traditional restaurant located opposite the hotel.
Dinner with the guide and final adjustments to the last details, weather, atmosphere, level of the outings.
Day 1 -
Balconies overlooking Mont Blanc from Val Montjoie
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We will explore the Val Montjoie by venturing to its very end.
For the first picnic together, in addition to our own preparations, it is appreciated if each participant brings a specialty from their region of origin in order to begin the hike with fruitful cultural exchanges.
We begin at Notre Dame de la Gorge (1210 m), a splendid 17th-century Baroque church. Following the ancient path, mistakenly called the Roman Road, we cross over the roaring Bon Nant stream below to reach the "Roman Bridge." The terrain levels out, and we walk between the clearings of La Rosière.
A further climb leads to our highest point (1584 m). The gentle descent of Combe Noire takes us to the Combe Noire waterfall.
From clearing to clearing, we find the Roman Bridge and then Notre-Dame de la Gorge.
Distances - Elevation Gain - Walking Time - Technical Skills
7 km - + 500 m, - 500 m - 4 hours
Day 2 -
In the heart of the traditional Savoyard village, Megève
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 540 m
- Negative elevation 540 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We'll start today from Megève and its hamlet of Le Leutaz (1320 m). This area is always well covered in snow. We begin by crossing the Cassioz stream to find our wild route through the forest which, via the clearing of La Revenaz, leads us to the beautiful Chalet de Barchamps (1393 m).
The good trail that follows leads to the Chalet de la Tête (1484 m) and then to Les Molliettes (1564 m). We once again leave the classic routes to discover the wild Cirque des Chavannes.
After a high point at 1670 m, we continue our progression from chalet to chalet which are named: La Socquaz (1610 m), Le Stiard (1558 m) and finally Chevran (1620 m).
We discover Mont Blanc from the Contamines-Montjoie side in all its splendor. The forest road allows for a gentle return.
Distances - Elevation Gain - Walking Time - Technical Skills
11 km - + 540 m, - 540 m - 4h30
Day 3 -
The Fayet train and the viewpoint overlooking Mont Blanc
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 540 m
- Negative elevation 540 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In a valley that feeds into the Val Montjoie, the day in the Bionnassay Valley promises to be rewarding, with terrain perfectly suited to snowshoeing. After taking the little train from St Gervais Le Fayet, we set off from clearing to clearing towards a viewpoint at 1900 meters altitude, well-known to film buffs as the filming location for some scenes in the movie "Malabar Princess".
Because of its location facing the Mont Blanc glaciers, the place will leave no one cold... This panorama of a set of peaks, some of them well-known, gives us an excellent opportunity to understand the region from a geological or more... contemporary point of view.
The return to the deep forest promises to be wild and pleasant.
Distances - Elevation Gain - Walking Time - Technical Skills
10 km - + 540 m, - 540 m - 4h30
Day 4 -
The alpine pastures of Truc
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 510 m
- Negative elevation 510 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We end our week by returning to the Contamines-Montjoie Valley.
Our starting point is the hamlet of La Frasse (1263 m). We climb the path through the forest and emerge into the Truc Alpine pastures (1760 m). We truly feel as if we are in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif, at the foot of the Dômes de Miage. The contrast below is striking, between the V-shaped valley carved by the stream and the U-shaped glacial valley of the Miage pastures.
In good conditions, the bravest will be able to climb higher promontories, while the rest of the group will indulge in a less intense activity: a nap!
We then reluctantly leave this spectacular place to return to the forest cover.
End of stay in Fayet around 4:00 PM.
Distances - Elevation Gain - Walking Time - Technical Skills
8 km - + 510 m, - 510 m - 4H00
Day 5
Note
The New Year's Eve celebration takes place on December 31st at the small restaurant opposite the hotel. A menu and a convivial evening await you.
The spa session takes place in the morning, depending on the establishment's schedule. The hike will be adapted that day to allow for this wonderful wellness and relaxation session.
The program outlined is for guidance only and may be modified depending on weather conditions, snow cover, or specific local circumstances. Your guide will do everything possible to address these unforeseen events, drawing on their experience and professionalism, and will modify the program if necessary. For example, they might choose a hike to a summit in clear weather and a hike through the forest in inclement weather. Rest assured, these modifications are always made in your best interest, for your safety and comfort!
Snow cover:
We are first and foremost hikers and if there is a lack of snow (especially at the beginning and end of the season), we still ensure the departure of our trips.
The winter atmosphere and light are perfect, even if you have to carry your snowshoes on your pack a bit to reach the snow. Since we started organizing this hike, we've rarely needed to carry our snowshoes.
Accommodation
Chalet Hotel** La Chaumière in Le Fayet. This establishment is a historic part of the village and has been run by Emmanuelle, Medhi, and their team for many years. Simple yet comfortable, it's a welcoming place where you can truly experience the spirit of the mountains.
Individual registrations are grouped in single-sex rooms of 2 to 3 people.
Single room (subject to availability): To be booked at registration.
Access
Welcome :
Day 01 at 6:45 PM in Fayet at the La Chaumière hotel located a few meters from the St Gervais Le Fayet train station, with your guide.
St Gervais Le Fayet SNCF train station. Your accommodation is located a few meters from the station.
Take the A40 motorway towards Chamonix, exit 21, follow signs for Le Fayet, then follow signs for "les gares" (the train stations). The hotel is a few meters from the St Gervais - Le Fayet train station.
You are in a mountainous area: winter equipment is mandatory (snow tires/chains). Practice putting them on before you leave.
Go to the starting point
St Gervais Le Fayet SNCF train station.
Your accommodation is located a few meters from the train station.
You can park your vehicle without worry near your accommodation.
You are in a mountainous area: winter equipment is mandatory (snow tires/chains). Practice putting them on before you leave.
Price details
The price includes
- Organization and supervision costs.
- Full board food and accommodation.
- Loan of snowshoes and poles.
- The transfers planned in the program.
- The round trip to the St Gervais Mont-Blanc tramway
- The welcome drink
- the introductory session at the Saint Gervais thermal spa.
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Personal equipment.
- The journeys to and from the reception location.
- The different types of insurance
- Everything that is not listed under "The price includes".
Options
- Single room supplement : CHF182.96 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
During the hike, you must have the following documents in your possession:
- Valid identity card or passport.
- Your travel insurance leaflet received upon registration (if you purchased the insurance we offer) or your personal insurance (contract number + telephone number).
- Health insurance card.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
We provide you with sturdy and lightweight snowshoes, with plate bindings and anti-slip tips adaptable to all mountain or trekking shoes, poles, as well as specific hiking safety equipment.
- TSL Snowshoes
- Hiking poles
- crampons if needed
Equipment to bring
Equipment :
- 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.
- Sunscreen + lip balm.
- Airtight plastic container (minimum capacity 0.5 l) + cup + cutlery.
- Camera, binoculars (optional).
For the evening at the accommodation:
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers.
- 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes.
- 1 toiletry kit.
- 1 headlamp or flashlight.
Personal pharmacy
- Your usual medications.
- Sets of adhesive bandages + disinfectant compresses.
- Double skin (Compeed or SOS blister type).
- 1 pair of tweezers.
Clothing to bring
Clothes :
The principles:
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 waterproof and breathable windproof 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 quick-drying clothes , so avoid cotton. Opt for wool (merino wool underwear is comfortable and doesn't develop unpleasant odors), 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 a hiker's enemy because it dampens clothing, which 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 or neck warmer.
- 1 beanie.
- 1 pair of mittens with possibly silk gloves and an extra pair of gloves.
- Short-sleeved T-shirts preferably made of breathable material.
- 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 sleeping bag cover if you own the jacket above.
- 1 loose trekking pants.
- 1 pair of waterproof and breathable overtrousers, Gore-Tex type.
- 1 pair of high-top hiking boots with good ankle support and waterproof soles (Vibram type). Remember to test new shoes and those that haven't been used for a long time beforehand. Absolutely avoid ski boots, après-ski boots, and trail running shoes .
- 1 pair of gaiters.
