Snowshoeing and New Year's Eve in the Chablais mountains
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationChablais Massif / Haute-Savoie
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions45.59 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
In a few words
A guided snowshoeing weekend in the Chablais mountains of Savoie! Discover a magnificent region for an unforgettable New Year's Eve filled with sport! Designed for regular athletes, the hikes have been selected for their diverse landscapes, the wild nature they traverse, and the remarkable views of Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva they offer! You'll be staying in a comfortable holiday center.
The highlights
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A pristine valley away from the winter crowds
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Warm welcome at the accommodation
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A refined and hearty New Year's Eve meal
Photos
Jean luc - verified review - december 2024
Jean luc - verified review - december 2024
Jean luc - verified review - december 2024
Jean luc - verified review - december 2024
Jean luc - verified review - december 2024
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 7 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 600 m
- Average daily descent: 600 m
- Maximum altitude: 2012 m
Management
Program
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Welcome at Thonon-les-Bains train station
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 4 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival at Thonon-les-Bains train station at 1:30 pm, transfer to Bellevaux to drop off luggage, then a first snowshoe hike towards the wild and silent Lake Petetoz.
Return via the Petetoz chalets
Distance: 4 km
Elevation gain/loss: +300 m / -300 m
Time: 3:00 AM
Day 1 -
Tré le Saix Plateau
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Maximum altitude 1800 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Starting from Ermont, we follow the Nants stream upstream, then turn south to reach the Tré le Saix pastures. Unless conditions allow us to start from Malatraix, on the south-facing slope. We cross the plateau to reach the summit of Tré le Saix (1657 m), have a picnic, and then climb the Pointe de la Gay (1801 m) and its pleasant ridge walk.
Gourmet menu for New Year's Eve (only for departures on 30/12/26)
Day 2 -
Chavan Pass
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Maximum altitude 2012 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We start from La Chévrerie and follow the Bellecombe stream up to the Chavan chalets (1614 m), a wild setting at the foot of the north face of the Pointe de Chavasse (2012 m). After a break, we climb to the Col de Chavan (1757 m).
Elevation gain: +700 m; -700 m Distance: 8 km
Day 3 -
Miribel Point
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Maximum altitude 1580 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Starting from Megevette, we reach the Plaine Joux plateau. Less austere and more open than the Roc d'Enfer area, it offers a 360° view as well as an original and very playful landscape. We then ascend the Pointe de Miribel (1581 m), the ultimate panoramic summit!
Elevation gain: +600 m; -600 m Distance: 6 km
End of stay around 5pm.Day 4
Note
SNOW COVER
We are primarily hikers, and even if there isn't enough snow, we will still run our trips. The winter atmosphere and light will be there, even if we can't use snowshoes.
The mountain is very different in winter, the colours are not the same as in summer, and the sun is lower on the horizon offering sunset lights throughout the day!
INFORMATION ABOUT THE REGION
The hotel is located in the Abondance Valley, a wide-open, south-facing valley at an altitude of 900 meters. For most hikes, we'll take a minibus to the starting point (approximately 10 minutes). Each hike aims for a mountain pass or summit. They begin in a beautiful spruce forest, then open onto alpine pastures with views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including Mont Blanc. Lake Geneva is ever-present, sometimes right beneath our feet, or further away between two mountains.
The peaks are slender and aesthetically pleasing, composed of a steep cliff on the north side, while access is via the gentler south side!
SNOWSHOEING
Each day we explore a different area. The program may be modified due to snow conditions, weather, or to adapt to the group's level.
At midday we eat a picnic lunch with a hot drink. Most often, your guide will choose a sheltered spot if it's cold: a mountain chalet, a refuge,
Accommodation
Three nights in a holiday center in double rooms with private bathrooms and toilets. The rooms are mini-dormitories equipped with bunk beds, but we will be the only occupants, so everyone can have a lower bunk. Each room has a private bathroom, but it may be shared.
This is a family-run hotel comprised of several buildings. The holiday center, hotel, and restaurant are housed in three separate chalets located in the same hamlet. At this time of year, it welcomes both individuals and families. You'll only need to cross a small road (with little traffic) to reach the hotel restaurant.
Sheets, duvets, and towels are provided.
Meals
Dinners consist of home-style cooking adapted for hiking.
Breakfast is served in unlimited quantities. Picnics include a hot drink. If the temperature is low, your guide will do their best to find shelter (a chalet or cabin) so you can enjoy your meal and lunch break.
Access
Day 04 at Thonon-les-Bains station around 4:30pm.
Return by car: to Bellevaux around 4:00 PM
Return train: Check SNCF for timetables
Thonon-les-Bains-Paris Gare de Lyon: 4:46 PM – 9:49 PM (Via Bellegarde)
Thonon-les-Bains – Lyon-Part-Dieu: 4:46 PM – 7:22 PM (Via Bellegarde)
Go to the starting point
Train access: SNCF train station in Thonon-les-Bains. Check train times with SNCF.
Paris – Thonon-les-Bains: 12:11 PM – 5:30 PM (via Bellegarde)
Lyon-Part-Dieu – Thonon-les-Bains: 2:38 PM – 5:30 PM (via Bellegarde)
Return train: Check SNCF for timetables
Thonon-les-Bains-Paris Gare de Lyon: 4:46 PM – 9:49 PM (Via Bellegarde)
Thonon-les-Bains – Lyon-Part-Dieu: 4:46 PM – 7:22 PM (Via Bellegarde)
Car access to Bellevaux:
You are arriving from the northern half of France, or via Geneva:
Take the A40 motorway, continue past Annemasse towards Chamonix and exit after the tollbooth (exit 15). Follow signs for "Pont de Fillinges" then "Vallée Verte". In Boëge, continue towards Habere-Poche. At the entrance to the village of Habere-Poche, turn right towards Hirmentaz. A little further on, turn right again, drive through the small ski resort of Hirmentaz and continue to Bellevaux. The holiday center is on the right.
You are passing through Lyon:
Take the A41 motorway, pass through La Roche-sur-Foron, then follow signs for Geneva at the A40 interchange. Exit the motorway immediately after this interchange (exit 15). Follow signs for "Pont de Filinges" then "Vallée Verte". In Boëge, continue towards Habère-Poche. At the entrance to the village of Habère-Poche, turn right towards Hirmentaz. A little further on, turn right again, drive through the small ski resort of Hirmentaz, and continue to Bellevaux. The holiday center is on the left.
DISPERSION
Day 04 at Thonon-les-Bains station around 4:30pm.
Return by car: to Bellevaux around 4:00 PM
Price details
The price includes
- Organization fees
- Meals
- Accommodation in a double room in a holiday center
- Equipment loan
- Supervision by a mountain guide
The price does not include
- Drinks
- Individual equipment
- Transportation
- Cancellation, assistance, repatriation, and interruption insurance
Options
- I'm coming by train : CHF0.00 / unit
- Single room : CHF50.31 / 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
- For these snowshoe hikes, you will be provided with a pair of high-performance "TSL" or "INOOK" snowshoes. Their binding system adapts to all types of shoes (if you have any doubts, please call us). To complete your equipment, we also offer ski poles.
Equipment to bring
- A 35/40 litre backpack 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.
- A pair of sunglasses
- A thermos or a preferably insulated water bottle (1.5 liters minimum)
- An Opinel-type pocket knife
- A small pouch to hold your money, ID card, health insurance card and assistance contract.
- Toiletries
- A bath towel
- Sunscreen
- Airtight plastic container, cup and cutlery
- A headlamp or flashlight
- A survival blanket
- A sleeping bag sheet
Clothing to bring
- A hat or cap
- A scarf
- A beanie
- A pair of mittens, possibly with silk gloves, and an extra pair of gloves
- One short-sleeved t-shirt, preferably made of breathable material (1 for 2 to 3 days of walking)
- A long-sleeved undershirt in breathable material or a shirt
- A fleece fur jacket
- A waterproof and breathable windproof jacket (gore-tex type) with a hood
- A rain cape or a bivvy bag if you own the jacket above.
- Loose-fitting trekking trousers
- Waterproof and breathable overtrousers such as Gore-Tex (if your budget allows)
- A pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support and are waterproof, with Vibram-type soles. Absolutely no ski boots or après-ski boots.
They traveled with us
