Snowshoeing and Wellness in the Heart of the Beaufortain
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationBeaufort / Beaufortain Massif
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AgeFrom 15 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions81.85 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Discover an exceptional winter getaway in the heart of the snow-covered Beaufortain mountains . This stay perfectly combines snowshoeing and absolute relaxation , far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Accompanied by your guide, explore the most beautiful slopes of the mountain range daily, traversing snow-covered forests, pristine alpine pastures , and breathtaking panoramas . Each route immerses you in unspoiled nature, set to the gentle rhythm of the mountains.
After your outdoor adventure, return to the comfort of your 3-star hotel . The program includes two spa visits to soothe your muscles, as well as a 50-minute Californian massage – a true invitation to unwind.
This rejuvenating experience also celebrates epicurean pleasures thanks to the bountiful land and local traditions , symbolized by the delicious Beaufort cheese . A perfect blend of wide-open spaces , the art of living , and well-being .
The highlights
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A 3-star mountain hotel, ideally located in the heart of the village of Arêches-Beaufort
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A wellness break with two spa access passes and a 50-minute Californian massage
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A variety of snowshoe hikes in the heart of the snowy landscapes of the Beaufortain
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
For intermediate hikers (level 2 on a scale of 5). Mountain routes with elevation gains of 400 to 600 meters per day. This trip is suitable for hikers who have never tried snowshoeing.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 470 m
Management
French
All mountain outings are supervised by our local guide, who is very knowledgeable about the mountain range and its routes.
Thanks to his experience and knowledge of the terrain, he adapts the routes daily according to the weather and snow conditions, in order to guarantee you safety, comfort and enjoyment throughout your stay.
Program
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First moments in the heart of the Beaufortain
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We welcome you on Sunday in the late afternoon, from 5:30 pm, at the Hotel Les Ancolies, located in Arêches-Beaufort.
If you arrive by train at Albertville station, you have two options to reach Arêches-Beaufort:
- You can take the regular shuttle bus connecting Albertville to Arêches.
- You can also take advantage of the private transfer arranged by our agency, departing at 5:30 pm from Albertville train station. This transfer must be booked at the time of registration.
Upon your arrival at the hotel, you will be greeted and shown to your rooms. We will then gather for a welcome drink, an opportunity to get to know the group, to present the itinerary of the stay, and to share a first friendly moment before beginning this week in the heart of the Beaufortain region.
Day 1 -
First steps on snowshoes towards the Col du Pré
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For this first hike, we set off from the hamlet of Boudin, a typical Beaufortain village clinging to the mountainside. With snowshoes on our feet, we make gentle progress along a snowy route towards the Col du Pré, at an altitude of 1,703 m.
As we climb, the landscape gradually opens up to reveal Lake Roselend and the surrounding peaks. We then continue towards the Entrus chalets, with magnificent views of the iconic peaks of the Beaufortain region, including the Pierra Menta, with Mont Blanc as a backdrop.
On the way back, we passed through the hamlet of Boudin and its steep, narrow streets, bathed in the beautiful light of late afternoon. A perfect first immersion in the snowy landscapes of the Beaufortain.
At the end of the day, it's time to relax with a wellness session at the spa, ideal for unwinding and recovering after this first snowshoe hike.
Day 2 -
Winter getaway to Lac de Clou
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For this new day of snowshoeing, we set off to discover a small, secluded lake, nestled in the heart of a pristine natural environment. Between spruce trees and snow-covered high-altitude peat bogs, we progress in a calm and wild atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle.
As you hike, beautiful panoramas unfold over the Beaufort valley, with the majestic Mont Blanc as a backdrop. A day spent in the heart of the winter landscapes of the Beaufortain region, amidst silence, wide open spaces, and snow-covered nature.
After this beautiful day in the mountains, we enjoy a relaxing moment at the spa, to unwind and pleasantly extend this day.
Day 3 -
Wide open spaces and panoramic views at the Col de Véry
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Between Beaufortain and Val d'Arly, the vast snowy landscapes will be the backdrop for this hike starting from the foot of the Col du Joly, which is closed to traffic in winter.
With snowshoes on our feet, we cross vast alpine pastures and gradually gain altitude until we reach the Col de Véry. Upon arrival, a superb 360° panorama awaits us, with Mont Blanc revealed very close by.
On the return journey, a change of atmosphere with a stop at the Beaufort dairy cooperative, to discover the secrets of making the famous Beaufort, nicknamed the "prince of Gruyères".
Day 4 -
Between alpine pastures and Lake Saint-Guérin
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Lake Saint-Guérin, one of the iconic sites of the Beaufortain region, will be the guiding thread of this snowshoe hike. In the 1960s, the massif underwent significant hydroelectric development, of which the Saint-Guérin dam is now one of the most remarkable remnants.
From the bottom of the valley, our route gradually leads us towards the Saint-Guérin basin, surrounded by vast snow-covered alpine pastures, at the gates of the Tarentaise valley.
Along the way, we pass near the chapel of Saint-Guérin, protector of the flocks, which testifies to the importance of pastoralism and mountain traditions in the Beaufortain.
After this day of hiking, it's time for well-being with a 50-minute Californian massage, a special moment to relax and recover gently.
Day 5 -
Final panoramic views from the heights of Arêches
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For this final snowshoe hike, we enjoy the Beaufortain landscapes one last time on a beautiful loop trail. Between snow-covered pastures and spruce forests, we gradually ascend to the heights overlooking the Arêches valley.
The landscape then opens onto a vast panorama, with Mont Blanc as a backdrop and, around us, some of the peaks we'd hiked throughout the week. A beautiful way to end our stay and enjoy the winter atmosphere of the massif one last time.
The trip ends in the afternoon. The itinerary for this last day has been adapted to facilitate your return to Albertville train station.
Day 6
Note
This program is given as an indication and may be adjusted by your guide to best adapt to the weather and snow conditions.
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 we can't use snowshoes.
The mountain in winter reveals a very different face from that of summer: the colours become softer and the sun, lower on the horizon, offers magnificent warm and golden lights, reminiscent of those of a sunset throughout the day.
Accommodation
You will be staying at the Hôtel Les Ancolies, a 3-star hotel located in the heart of the village of Arêches-Beaufort. With its chalet-style architecture and warm, family atmosphere, the hotel offers an ideal setting to relax after a day in the mountains. You will also appreciate its beautiful views of the mountains and surrounding landscapes.
Access
We welcome you on Sunday in the late afternoon, from 5:30 pm, at the Hotel Les Ancolies, located in Arêches-Beaufort.
Go to the starting point
From the train station, you have two options to reach Arêches-Beaufort:
- Private transfer organised by our agency: you can register for our transfer, with a scheduled departure at 5:30pm from Albertville train station.
- Line bus: you can take line 21 of the TRA Mobilité network, which provides the link between Albertville and Arêches-Beaufort.
If you are coming by car, you will be able to easily park your vehicle in the immediate vicinity of the hotel.
Price details
The price includes
- The costs of organizing and supervising the mountain outings by your guide
- Accommodation in a 3-star hotel in a double, twin or triple room
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 6
- Loan of snowshoes and hiking poles
- The transfers and visits scheduled in the program
- The welcome drink on the first evening
- Two spa access sessions
- A 50-minute Californian massage
- The tourist tax
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Single room supplement: €225 (subject to availability)
- Transportation to the meeting place.
- The private transfer, arranged by the agency, must be booked at the time of registration.
- Individual equipment
- Anything not mentioned under "Price includes"
Options
- Single room supplement : CHF205.83 / person
- Round-trip transfer between Albertville train station and the hotel : CHF18.30 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Valid identity card or passport.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
For your snowshoe hikes, we provide a pair of snowshoes and hiking poles.
Walking crampons are also available and can be provided if the terrain and snow conditions require it.
Equipment to bring
- 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.
- Toiletries (opt for the essentials, small sizes, samples and travel kits).
- Earplugs or ear pads (optional).
- Toilet paper + 1 lighter.
- Sunscreen + lip balm.
- Airtight plastic container (minimum capacity 0.5 l) + cup + cutlery.
- 1 headlamp or flashlight.
- 1 survival blanket.
- Camera, binoculars (optional).
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 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.
Remember to dress warmly before you get cold, but especially to remove layers before you get too hot. Sweat is the enemy of snowshoe hikers, as it dampens clothing that 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.
- 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.
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).
