Snowshoeing and Spa in the Chartreuse Natural Park
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration6 days
-
LevelIntermediate
-
DestinationChartreuse Mountains / Savoy
-
AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
-
CO₂-Emissions81.85 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages
French
In a few words
Set off in search of the hidden treasures of the Chartreuse Natural Park! This stay is an invitation to experience winter in a mountain range with a unique atmosphere, combining magnificent snowshoeing explorations with a break of absolute well-being in a natural setting.
Winter Adventure and Cultural Discovery
Let yourself be guided along routes that combine the tranquility of peaceful woodlands with the majesty of spectacular landscapes. You'll hike through picturesque villages, discover the magic of the Grande Chartreuse Monastery, and attempt the winter ascent of the Charmant Som. In the Chartreuse Mountains, every step is an opportunity for authentic encounters and breathtaking views. The hikes, both easy and spectacular, are accessible to all.
Outdoor Spa: A Natural Wellness Break
We've created a "natural wellness break" just for you, featuring a unique open-air spa concept. Immerse yourself in warm, bubbly baths on the terrace, overlooking the mountains, for a revitalizing experience, then enjoy the traditional wood-fired sauna and the light-filled yurt for complete relaxation. To perfect this moment, a relaxing massage offers deep tranquility. In this space, you'll rediscover all the warmth, essence, and comfort of wood, creating a true haven of serenity.
You will be accommodated in a comfortable 3-star hotel, located just 300 meters from the spa center.
The highlights
-
The unmissable discovery of the Monastery of the Grande Chartreuse.
-
The ascent of Charmant Som and its exceptional panorama.
-
A small, limited group, for a friendly atmosphere and personalized support.
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
The walking pace is leisurely and steady, emphasizing discovery rather than athletic effort.
Average elevation gain: 470 m Maximum elevation gain: 510 m
Average length: 9 km Maximum: 12 km
Average time: 4 hours 45 minutes Maximum: 5 hours
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 472 m
- Average daily descent: 472 m
- Maximum altitude: 1867 m
Management
French
Your guide is a state-certified professional, specializing in snowshoeing and possessing extensive knowledge of the Chartreuse mountain range. They ensure the safe and enjoyable experience of your hikes by selecting routes, adapting the pace, managing logistics, and taking into account weather and snow conditions. They also strive to maintain group dynamics and cohesion, while facilitating your exploration of the mountain environment and passionately sharing their knowledge of nature. Throughout your stay, they remain available and attentive to your needs to make your experience as pleasant as possible.
Program
-
Welcome
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We will welcome you at the Hotel Le Beau Site (04 38 02 10 12) in Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse at 7pm.
If you arrive by train, meet at 5:30pm at the Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux TGV station, Centre-Ville exit (transfer available upon reservation during registration).
Your guide will then present the week's program to you, before dinner.
Day 1 -
The ridges of Montfromage (1662 m)
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Maximum altitude 1662 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Starting from the Col de Porte, we explore varied terrain perfectly suited to snowshoeing.
For the first picnic together, it is desirable that each participant brings a specialty from their region, in order to open the hike with a warm and delicious cultural sharing.
Following a route through the heart of the forest, we reach several accessible ridges before arriving at the summit of Montfromage (1,662 m).
A gentle first descent allows us to gain confidence on the initial slopes, leaving room only for the pleasure of progressing in this enchanting winter world.
Walking time: 4 hours
Distance: 8 km
Elevation gain/loss: +400 m / -400 m
Day 2 -
The Monastery of La Grande Chartreuse (1001 m)
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Maximum altitude 1001 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We hike in the heart of the silence zone of the Grande Chartreuse Monastery, a place where the history and austere life of the Carthusian monks, present for more than nine centuries, can be felt at every step.
Our route takes us to the Habert de Billon, former sheepfold of the Carthusians, before discovering the chapels of Notre-Dame de Casalibus and Saint Bruno, erected on the site of the very first monastery.
Walking time: 5 hours
Distance: 8 km
Elevation gain/loss: +500 m / -500 m
Day 3 -
The hamlets of St Pierre de Chartreuse and the church of St Hugues (880 m)
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Maximum altitude 810 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This day is dedicated to discovering some of the many hamlets of Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse, where you will learn to recognize the typical Chartreuse architecture of the houses and barns.
We reach the Church of Saint-Hugues (880 m) for a remarkable visit. This unique place of contemporary sacred art is entirely decorated and furnished by a single artist, Arcabas, who designed the paintings, stained glass windows, sculptures, candelabras and even the altar, offering a complete and unforgettable artistic experience.
Walking time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Distance: 9 km
Elevation gain/loss: +500 m / -500 m
Day 4 -
The Entremont Desert and the Pointe de La Cochette (1618 m)
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Maximum altitude 1618 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off to explore the Entremont Desert. After a peaceful immersion in the forest, we begin the ascent of the Pointe de La Cochette (1,618 m), from where the panorama over the Grand Som massif is simply spectacular.
We then descend towards the Désert d'Entremont plateau, just as the sun is setting, offering an exceptional view of the Italian side of Mont Blanc through the gap of the Col du Granier.
Walking time: 4 hours
Distance: 7 km
Elevation gain/loss: +450 m / -450 m
Day 5 -
The Charmant Som (1867 m) and end of the stay
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 510 m
- Negative elevation 510 m
- Maximum altitude 1867 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We conclude this week in style with a gentle climb which leads us first to the alpine pastures, then to the summit of Charmant Som (1,867 m), the highest point of our stay.
From the cross, the 360-degree panorama is breathtaking, offering a spectacular view of the Monastery valley and the entire Chartreuse.
The stay ends in Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse at 4:15pm or 5:30pm, with transfer possible upon reservation at registration to Chambéry train station.
Walking time: 5 hours
Distance: 12 km
Elevation gain/loss: +510 m / -510 m
Day 6
Note
Wellness sessions - spa
This winter, spa sessions are offered as an optional extra in the price, with no commission or additional fees, to keep your stay affordable. Consider choosing this option if you want to fully enjoy the Oréade spa area.
New Year's Eve Special Week
This week's program has been adapted to the festive evening and the availability of the Oréade center. No worries: you'll be able to enjoy a wonderful week combining fun, relaxation, and friendly gatherings.
Snow cover
We are, first and foremost, hikers, and even if snow is scarce at the beginning or end of the season, our trips will still take place. The winter atmosphere and light will be there, even if, at times, you'll need to wear snowshoes to reach the snow.
Accommodation
You will be staying at the Hotel Beau Site, a warm establishment run by the same family for five generations, ideally located in the heart of the village of Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse and only 300 m from the Oréade centre.
You will be accommodated in comfortable rooms, with private shower and toilet.
Individual bookings are grouped in single-sex rooms of 2 to 3 people. A single room is also possible, subject to availability and at an additional cost.
Access
Welcome :
If you arrive by car or bus, you can go directly to the Hotel Le Beau Site in Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse at 7:00 PM.
Parking is readily available near your accommodation.
Being in a mountainous area, winter equipment is mandatory (snow tires or chains). Remember to practice installing them before you leave.
If you arrive by train, meet at 5:30 pm at the Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux TGV station, in front of the Le Kiosque à Journaux newsagent. A round-trip transfer to the hotel is available for €30 per person; this must also be booked when registering.
In case of delay on the same day, you can leave a message directly at the Hotel Le Beau Site or at the agency on 04 51 20 50 50.
Dispersion:
The stay ends at 4:15 pm at your accommodation or at 5:30 pm at the Chambéry TGV station if you have booked the transfer.
Additional accommodation
If you wish to arrive the day before your stay or extend your departure by one day, please do not hesitate to contact us on 04 51 20 50 50 to arrange your accommodation.
Go to the starting point
If you arrive by train, meet at 5:30 pm at the Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux TGV station, in front of the Le Kiosque à Journaux newsagent. A round-trip transfer to the hotel is available for €30 per person; this must also be booked when registering.
If you arrive by car or bus, you can go directly to the Hotel Le Beau Site in Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse at 7:00 PM.
Parking is readily available near your accommodation.
Being in a mountainous area, winter equipment is mandatory (snow tires or chains). Remember to practice installing them 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 spa sessions included in the program (optional: 145.00 euros)
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Spa sessions can be booked as an option in addition to the initial program.
- 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 (subject to availability) : CHF219.55 / person
- Spa and wellness options (3 sessions, including 1 x 30-minute massage) : CHF132.65 / person
- Additional night based on 2 people (night + breakfast) : CHF68.61 / person
- Additional night in a single room (night + breakfast) : CHF114.35 / person
- Round-trip transfer from Chambéry train station : CHF27.44 / person
- 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 offer robust and lightweight snowshoes, equipped with plate bindings and anti-slip tips, compatible with all mountain or trekking shoes, as well as rigid poles and specific hiking safety equipment.
- Snowshoes: TSL
- Poles: rigid, stronger than telescopic models
This equipment is provided free of charge. If you already have your own reliable equipment, you are welcome to use it. In that case, please let us know when you register, specifying what you will be bringing. This will allow us to better assess the group's equipment needs.
Equipment to bring
Equipment
- Backpack 35-40 litres, flexible frame, with waist belt and snowshoe attachments
- Plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack
- High-quality sunglasses with side protection
- Water bottle or insulated thermos (minimum 1.5 liters)
- Opinel-type pocket knife
- Small waterproof pouch for money, ID card, health insurance card and assistance contract
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Airtight plastic container (0.5 l minimum), cup and cutlery
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
Personal pharmacy
- Usual medications
- Elastic adhesive strip (Elastoplast type, 8 cm)
- Adhesive bandages and disinfectant compresses
- Double-layer blister plasters (like Compeed or SOS Blisters)
- Tweezers
For the spa center
- Swimsuit and two towels or bathrobe (swimsuit can be purchased and towels rented on site)
- Bathing clogs provided
Clothing to bring
Clothing principles for the upper body
- The three-layer system allows it to adapt to almost any situation:
- Long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material (hollow fiber).
- Warm fleece jacket for breaks or very cold weather.
Waterproof and breathable windproof jacket (Gore-Tex type) to protect against wind, rain or snow.
When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In bad weather, a waterproof jacket is enough, and a fleece becomes essential during breaks or in very cold conditions.
Opt for quick-drying clothing: wool (merino underwear), silk, or synthetic fibers. Avoid cotton.
Dress warmly before you get cold, but undress before you get too hot. Sweat dampens clothing and can quickly lead to chills. Avoid anoraks or ski suits, which are too warm and bulky.
Ideal clothing list (to be adapted according to the hike and the season)
- Sun hat or cap
- Scarf or neck warmer
- Cap
- A pair of mittens, possibly accompanied by silk gloves and an extra pair
- Breathable short-sleeved T-shirts
- Long-sleeved undershirt or breathable shirt
- Fleece jacket
- Waterproof and breathable windproof jacket with hood (Gore-Tex type)
- Rain poncho or sleeping bag cover if the waterproof jacket is already provided
- Loose-fitting trekking trousers
- Waterproof and breathable overtrousers (Gore-Tex type)
- Hiking socks (1 pair for 2 to 3 days, wool or hiking-specific, avoid cotton)
- High-top, waterproof hiking boots with Vibram-type soles (test the boots before departure; avoid boots or après-ski boots)
- gaiters
