Snowshoeing holiday in Châtel, in the heart of the Abondance valley
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationHaute-Savoie / French Alps
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions37.21 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
In the heart of the Abondance Valley , this 8-day, all-inclusive snowshoeing trip to Châtel invites you to explore diverse alpine landscapes : snow-covered forests, panoramic ridges, and secluded mountain pastures. Led by a certified guide , the five full-day hikes and one half-day outing are adapted to the weather conditions and the group's level, ensuring a friendly and safe experience . Each route reveals a facet of the local heritage: winter wildlife , stories of smuggling across the Swiss border, mountain traditions, and more.
Equipment is provided, and lunch breaks are taken either in the gîte or outdoors, depending on the program. Outside of the excursions, you can freely enjoy the marked trails , the wellness area in Châtel , or the activities at the holiday village .
Warm accommodation in a renovated gîte: comfortable rooms , homemade cuisine with Savoyard touches and a family atmosphere guarantee a well-deserved rest after exertion.
A stay combining nature, sport and relaxation , to experience winter in the mountains in a different way.
The highlights
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Guided snowshoe hikes led by a passionate professional, suitable for all levels
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Renovated rooms & local cuisine for a comfortable and friendly stay
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Nature, relaxation and entertainment: the complete mountain experience in Châtel
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
The snowshoeing excursions offered during your stay at the Le Gîte holiday village in Châtel are accessible to anyone who enjoys walking and discovering the snow-covered mountains in a friendly atmosphere. 😊
⛰️ The level is generally considered moderate , with routes adapted to the pace and abilities of the group. The outings primarily focus on discovering the landscapes, snow-covered forests, and panoramic views of the Abondance Valley.
👣 Walking times and elevation changes remain gradual so that everyone can fully enjoy the experience, even with a first experience in snowshoes.
🥾 However, good general physical fitness is recommended for walking on snowy trails for several hours.
🌨️ Depending on weather conditions and snow cover, the guide may adapt the routes to guarantee the comfort, enjoyment and safety of the group.
😊 Whether you are a beginner or used to winter walks, snowshoeing outings are a great opportunity to discover the mountains differently, in a warm and authentic atmosphere.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Average distance/day: 7 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 460 m
- Average daily descent: 460 m
Management
French
Qualified guides
a qualified professional mountain guide
Program
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Arrival
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Presentation and operation of the holiday village.
Welcome drinks
Day 1 -
Snowshoe hike (day trip)
- Transportation Car - 00h15 - 10km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Program: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: full-day outing with a picnic lunch. Wednesday: rest morning (market in Châtel) and snowshoeing in the afternoon. Modifications may be made depending on the weather and your feedback. For example, a morning and afternoon outing with lunch at the gîte instead of a picnic. With the guide's help, explore the variety of trails and panoramas in the area, as well as its many points of interest (heritage, wildlife, smuggling...). Their enthusiasm will reconnect you with nature. These are moderately challenging hikes; the guide will adapt the program and pace to the participants' level. They will also adjust the program and routes according to the weather conditions. Carpooling or travel with the guide is possible.
Day 2 -
Snowshoe hike (day trip)
- Transportation Car - 00h10 - 6km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Program: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: full-day outing with a picnic lunch. Wednesday: rest morning (market in Châtel) and snowshoeing in the afternoon. Modifications may be made depending on the weather and your feedback. For example, a morning and afternoon outing with lunch at the gîte instead of a picnic. With the guide's help, explore the variety of trails and panoramas in the area, as well as its many points of interest (heritage, wildlife, smuggling...). Their enthusiasm will reconnect you with nature. These are moderately challenging hikes; the guide will adapt the program and pace to the participants' level. They will also adjust the program and routes according to the weather conditions. Carpooling or travel with the guide is possible.
Day 3 -
Half-day snowshoe hike
- Transportation Car - 00h15 - 3km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Program: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: full-day outing with a picnic lunch. Wednesday: rest morning (market in Châtel) and snowshoeing in the afternoon. Modifications may be made depending on the weather and your feedback. For example, a morning and afternoon outing with lunch at the gîte instead of a picnic. With the guide's help, explore the variety of trails and panoramas in the area, as well as its many points of interest (heritage, wildlife, smuggling...). Their enthusiasm will reconnect you with nature. These are moderately challenging hikes; the guide will adapt the program and pace to the participants' level. They will also adjust the program and routes according to the weather conditions. Carpooling or travel with the guide is possible.
Day 4 -
Snowshoe hike (day trip)
- Transportation Car - 00h10 - 6km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Program: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: full-day outing with a picnic lunch. Wednesday: rest morning (market in Châtel) and snowshoeing in the afternoon. Modifications may be made depending on the weather and your feedback. For example, a morning and afternoon outing with lunch at the gîte instead of a picnic. With the guide's help, explore the variety of trails and panoramas in the area, as well as its many points of interest (heritage, wildlife, smuggling...). Their enthusiasm will reconnect you with nature. These are moderately challenging hikes; the guide will adapt the program and pace to the participants' level. They will also adjust the program and routes according to the weather conditions. Carpooling or travel with the guide is possible.
Day 5 -
Snowshoe hike (day trip)
- Transportation Car - 00h10 - 6km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Program: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: full-day outing with a picnic lunch. Wednesday: rest morning (market in Châtel) and snowshoeing in the afternoon. Modifications may be made depending on the weather and your feedback. For example, a morning and afternoon outing with lunch at the gîte instead of a picnic. With the guide's help, explore the variety of trails and panoramas in the area, as well as its many points of interest (heritage, wildlife, smuggling...). Their enthusiasm will reconnect you with nature. These are moderately challenging hikes; the guide will adapt the program and pace to the participants' level. They will also adjust the program and routes according to the weather conditions. Carpooling or travel with the guide is possible.
Day 6 -
snowshoeing day hike
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Program: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: full-day outing with a picnic lunch. Wednesday: rest morning (market in Châtel) and snowshoeing in the afternoon. Modifications may be made depending on the weather and your feedback. For example, a morning and afternoon outing with lunch at the gîte instead of a picnic. With the guide's help, explore the variety of trails and panoramas in the area, as well as its many points of interest (heritage, wildlife, smuggling...). Their enthusiasm will reconnect you with nature. These are moderately challenging hikes; the guide will adapt the program and pace to the participants' level. They will also adjust the program and routes according to the weather conditions. Carpooling or travel with the guide is possible.
Day 7 -
Departure day
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
On the day of departure, rooms must be vacated by 10:00 AM.
Day 8
Accommodation
Discover your accommodation, comprised of 23 rooms fully renovated since 2018, nestled at an altitude of 1200 meters , between Lake Geneva and the majestic Mont Blanc , in the heart of the most Swiss of French villages. Located in the charming resort of Châtel , the establishment invites you to enjoy a unique experience combining relaxation and activity. The team is delighted to welcome couples , families , and groups in a friendly and decidedly sporty atmosphere. Take advantage of an exceptional setting to explore the region's treasures, from breathtaking Alpine panoramas to unforgettable moments shared with loved ones.
Whether you're a nature lover, a mountain enthusiast, or simply seeking tranquility, this accommodation is the ideal starting point for memorable adventures. Treat yourself to a stay that combines comfort, authenticity, and a change of scenery in an exceptional setting.
Access
Here is a link for the bus line between Thonon and Châtel: https://www.evad.fr/line/ligne-12/
Go to the starting point
bus line 12 upon arrival of the TGV
Geneva - Thonon by train then bus line 12 towards Châtel
Free parking
Price details
The price includes
Full board accommodation (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Snowshoe hikes led by a qualified guide (activities included)
Snowshoe equipment (snowshoes and poles) is provided for the entire duration of the stay (activities included).
Access to the holiday village's activities and themed evenings (games, workshops, etc.)
Free shuttle service "with shoes on" between the car park and the starting points of hikes
The price does not include
- Drinks consumed at the bar.
- Tourist tax: €0.80 per day per adult
- Single room supplement €160 / week
Options
- 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
- The equipment is provided by the guide
Equipment to bring
🎒 In the backpack
- Sufficient water 💧
- Snack or picnic 🍫
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat 🧴🕶️
- Small first aid kit (bandages, disinfectant)
- Trail map or GPS hiking app 📍
Clothing to bring
Base layer (first layer):
- Long-sleeved T-shirt or underwear made of technical fibers (polyester, merino)
- Leggings or cross-country ski pants made of breathable material
- Thin thermal socks in merino wool or synthetic materials
- This first layer wicks away perspiration and keeps the skin dry throughout the effort.
Intermediate layer (mid layer):
- Lightweight fleece or zip-up fleece sweatshirt
- Fleece or brushed velvet trousers if you are very sensitive to the cold.
- Extra (thicker) socks to pack in your bag in case of extreme cold
- Fleece insulates against the cold while being breathable to wick away moisture from the base layer.
Protective layer (outer shell):
- Waterproof and windproof softshell or hardshell jacket
- Waterproof ski or snowshoe pants with suspenders
- Hiking overtrousers (optional for heavy snow)
- Gaiters to prevent snow from getting into shoes
- The goal is to block wind, snow and rain while maintaining breathability.
Essential accessories:
- A fleece hat or headband that covers the ears well
- Microfleece balaclava or neck warmer
- Pair of thin gloves (liner gloves) + waterproof and insulating gloves or mittens
- Category 3 sunglasses or sun goggles for glare protection
- Walking poles suitable for snow
- These small details make all the difference for your facial comfort and your extremities.
Shoes and socks:
- Waterproof mountain boots with crampon-compatible soles
- High thermal socks (one or two pairs depending on the duration)
- Wool or foam insoles for added comfort
- Test your shoes before you leave to avoid blisters.
In your backpack:
- A lightweight down or feather jacket for breaks
- Water bottle or thermos with hot drink
- Energy snacks (bars, dried fruit)
- Simplified first aid kit
- Extra layer (fleece or vest)
- Plan to bring a small 20–30 L backpack with this kit.
Additional advice:
- Adopt the "zipped" system: adjust the opening of the zips under the arms and at the fly to regulate temperature without removing layers.
- Bring a complete change of clothes (socks, underwear) to recover at the cottage without staying wet.
- Test your outfit during a short outing to adjust the layers.
- You are now ready to explore the magnificent snowshoe trails around the Gîte in Châtel with complete peace of mind.
