Snowshoeing in the heart of the secret Bauges mountain range
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationBauges Mountains / Savoy
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AgeFrom 13 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions83.42 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on a self-guided snowshoeing adventure in the heart of the Bauges Mountains , a protected area nestled between lakes and peaks , located between Annecy and Aix-les-Bains . This circuit immerses you in an authentic mountain atmosphere , passing through charming villages , snow-covered passes , and offering spectacular panoramas of the High Bauges , where the peaks soar above 2,000 meters. Each day offers a new stage , adaptable to your preferences and the snow conditions. You'll travel from village to village, along the trails of the Regional Natural Park , with the freedom to set your own pace. A warm welcome awaits you, with expert advice to help you optimize your route. A complete immersion in a hidden gem , ideal for lovers of unspoiled nature , winter tranquility , and the total freedom of snowshoeing.
The highlights
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Snowshoeing in the wild and unspoiled heart of the Bauges mountains
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High-altitude panoramic views of the peaks of the Hautes Bauges at over 2000 m
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Complete freedom to progress at your own pace, according to the snow conditions and your desires.
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
Each day you will have the option to choose between a classic and a spicy option. You must be able to read an IGN map and navigate.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 13 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 650 m
- Average daily descent: 717 m
Management
Your travel guide to take everywhere with you. 🗺️ We'll personally welcome you to give you your hiking kit and a briefing.
The kit includes: map with routes, guidebook, map holder, altimeter, compass. GPX track available on request.
Program
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Mont de Bellecombe (1095m) – Crêtes du Julioz (1520m) – Le Châtelard (800m)
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 25km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 367 m
- Negative elevation 635 m
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 465 m
- Negative elevation 794 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Your hike begins in the snow-covered alpine pastures beneath the west face of Trélod (2181m). From the Col du Golet de Doucy, you climb the Crête du Mt Julioz ridge before descending to the Col du Plane through beautiful forest scenery. The arrival in the old village of Le Châtelard, nestled between the Bauges mountains, is picturesque. A shorter, direct route via the Col du Plane is also available. Bed and breakfasts or hotels are offered.
Day 1 -
School (988m) – Col de l'Arclusaz (1770m) loop.
- Transportation Minibus - 00h10 - 12km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 456 m
- Negative elevation 456 m
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 871 m
- Negative elevation 871 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Easily accessible, this high valley is a place of ancient pastoralism (Bellevaux monastery). It is a major site in the Bauges Massif, offering on one side a splendid view of the Alps, and on the other an internal view of the Bauges.
Day 2 -
Jarsy (920m) – Croix d'Allant (1720m) loop.
- Transportation Minibus - 00h10 - 10km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 679 m
- Negative elevation 679 m
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 815 m
- Negative elevation 815 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
A superb classic route above Jarsy. Very panoramic, the beautiful shoulder of Allant allows you to climb up to 1700m. A hike surrounded by the great peaks of the Bauges, namely the "Bauges trilogy": Arcalod (2217m), Pécloz (2197m) and Trélod (2181m).
Day 3 -
Col and chalets of La Fulie (1400m) – Aillon-le-Jeune (1000m)
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 791 m
- Negative elevation 651 m
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 875 m
- Negative elevation 808 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
A beautiful traverse along a balcony trail leads to the Fulie alpine pastures (1400m) and then along the Aillon ridges (Mont de la Vierge) with their sweeping views of the Hautes Bauges, Mont Blanc, and Belledonne ranges, taking you into the "historic" Aillons valley. It was here that the Carthusian order established itself in the 12th century.
Day 4 -
Aillon-le-Jeune (1000m) – Pointe de la Galoppaz (1681m) – Les Déserts (1000m)
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 30km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 791 m
- Negative elevation 651 m
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 1073 m
- Negative elevation 933 m
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You will ascend to the wide Col des Prés, which resembles a plateau dotted with alpine chalets. Continue to the Col de la Buffaz and then the Pointe de Gallopaz, which offers a view of the Chambéry basin, the Hautes-Bauges mountains, and the Belledonne range. Small summit, grand panorama!
Day 5 -
Les Déserts (1000m) – Croix du Nivolet (1530m) – La Féclaz (1300m)
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 436 m
- Negative elevation 81 m
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 735 m
- Negative elevation 378 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
A route dominated by the ochre and grey cliffs of Mont Margériaz, perched above the hamlets of Les Déserts with the Belledonne mountain range as a backdrop. Optional ascent of the Croix du Nivolet (1530m). Then, the crossing of the Féclaz plateau.
Day 6 -
La Féclaz (1300m) – short transfer to Revard (1500m) – Arith (900m)
- Transportation Minibus - 00h25 - 25km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 315 m
- Negative elevation 1091 m
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 419 m
- Negative elevation 1194 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A day of wide open spaces to reach the Refuge de la Plate (1340m) (staffed refuge – meals and drinks provided). In the afternoon: a crossing of the high plateaus offering exceptional panoramic views. You can reach the Col de la Cochette with views of Lake Bourget. Short transfer back to Le Châtelard.
Day 7
Note
It is possible that some stages of your trip may be modified if the accommodations initially planned are not available on your desired dates. In this case, we will always offer you equivalent alternatives, the location of which will have only a very limited impact on your itinerary. Rest assured that these adjustments are always made in your best interest, to guarantee your safety and comfort throughout your hike.
Accommodation
Access
You are expected on the first day dressed in hiking gear with your picnic packed.
Go to the starting point
SNCF train station Chambéry or Aix-les-Bains. Francony bus from Aix-les-Bains or Chambéry train stations, line 30. Timetables are available on the website www.francony.com or by calling +33 4 79 54 81 23. Please note: there are no buses on Sundays and public holidays. For train station transfers, please see the fares section.
Access by road: From Aix-les-Bains (30 kms), Aix Nord exit A41 motorway, follow the Bauges massif via Grésy-sur-Aix, Cusy, Lescheraines then Le Châtelard.
Parking: You park your vehicle at Châtelard, unguarded but safe parking opposite the Town Hall.
Price details
The price includes
Your welcome and briefing on the first day. Half-board in comfortable hotels and guesthouses – Luggage transfer – Necessary shuttles to and from your hike – Maps – Map holder – Topo guide – Compass & altimeter
The price does not include
Your picnics if not booked (you can order them at the stage or do your shopping) - The possible rental of snowshoes and telescopic hiking poles - insurance - drinks and personal expenses.
Options
- Extra night before your stay - Double / twin / triple or quadruple room : CHF69.52 / person
- Extra night before stay - Single room : CHF96.05 / person
- Additional night after stay - Single room : CHF96.05 / person
- Additional night after your stay - Double / Twin / Triple / Quadruple room : CHF69.52 / person
- TSL snowshoe and pole rental : CHF64.04 / person
- Picnic every lunchtime : CHF91.48 / 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 to bring
- 1 backpack of 30/35 litres with a flexible frame, equipped with a waist belt, with straps to attach your snowshoes
- 1 pair of hiking shoes that provide good ankle support and are waterproof, with Vibram-type soles (absolutely avoid boots and après-ski boots which are not suitable for snowshoes)
- 1 pair of high gaiters that cover your shoes and lower leg well
- 1 large plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack
- 1 pair of excellent quality sunglasses
- 1 thermos for a hot drink is essential in winter
- 1 small airtight plastic container, cup, knife and fork for picnics, and your preferred race snacks
- 1 survival blanket
- Toilet paper with a small resealable bag to take it back to a bin once used
- sunscreen and lip balm
Clothing to bring
Depending on the weather and the level of exertion, you can always choose the most effective clothing option. When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may suffice. In rain, snow, or wind, simply add a waterproof jacket. In very cold conditions, or during breaks at altitude, a fleece jacket is an essential layer under a windproof jacket. Choose quick-drying clothing and therefore avoid cotton. Opt for wool, silk, and synthetic fibers, which will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible. Sweat is the hiker's enemy, especially in winter, as it dampens clothing, which quickly becomes icy during breaks. Avoid anoraks and ski suits, which are too warm and bulky.
- a long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material (hollow fiber).
- a warm fleece or down jacket
- a windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket (Gore-Tex type)
- 1 beanie
- 1 pair of warm gloves (bring 1 spare pair)
- 2 short-sleeved t-shirts suitable for exertion (made of breathable material)
- 1 long-sleeved base layer also suitable for exertion
- 1 fleece or down jacket
- 1 windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket with a hood if possible (Gore-Tex type or equivalent)
- 1 protective cover for the backpack against bad weather (often integrated into the bag)
- 1 pair of trousers suitable for walking (jeans are not allowed, as they freeze when wet)
- 1 pair of waterproof and breathable overtrousers (Gore-Tex type or equivalent)
- 1 pair of warm underwear
- 2 to 3 pairs of hiking socks, high and warm, and suitable for walking
