Snowshoeing, relaxation and spa treatments in the Mont Blanc region
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationSaint-Gervais-les-Bains / Mont Blanc Massif - France
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AgeFrom 14 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions59.25 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Treat yourself to a rejuvenating winter break in the heart of the Mont Blanc region . Staying in a welcoming chalet-hotel in Le Fayet , this stay combines the serenity of snowshoeing with the tranquility of exceptional moments, far from the crowds of Chamonix.
Guided by a local expert , you'll explore hidden trails suitable for all levels. From peaceful woodlands to panoramic ridges, your steps will lead you to Megève , Cordon , and Les Contamines-Montjoie . Each stage reveals the splendor of the neighboring mountain ranges—the Aravis and the Beaufortain —with the glaciers of the Alpine giant as a constant backdrop.
The stay is punctuated by a day of gentle adventure aboard the legendary Mont Blanc Tramway , a picturesque journey up close to the snow-capped peaks. To complete this experience, a morning of absolute relaxation awaits you at the Saint-Gervais Thermal Baths , where you can enjoy the benefits of a thermal circuit and balneotherapy . A balanced itinerary to reconnect with nature.
The highlights
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A stay in the heart of the prestigious Mont Blanc massif
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A scenic hike with the iconic Mont Blanc tramway
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Accompaniment by a passionate local guide, a native of the region
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
The walking pace is leisurely and steady, emphasizing discovery rather than athletic performance. The trip is classified as level 2 - intermediate.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 458 m
- Average daily descent: 458 m
Management
French
A state-certified professional and expert in the mountain range, your mountain guide guarantees your safety and comfort at every stage. Managing the pace, adapting to weather conditions, fostering group cohesion, and passionately sharing nature's secrets: they are there to ensure you experience a truly serene mountain immersion.
Program
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Welcome
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at the Hotel La Chaumière in Le Fayet at 6:30 pm with your guide.
Welcome and check-in, followed by a program presentation and dinner. Evening meals are taken in the charming restaurant located opposite the hotel, offering a variety of dishes showcasing mountain specialties.
Dinner takes place in the company of the guide, who will take the opportunity to finalize the last details: weather, atmosphere and level of the outings.
Day 1 -
Balconies overlooking Mont Blanc from Val Montjoie
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We will discover the Val Montjoie, venturing to its far end.
For the first group picnic, it is appreciated if each participant brings a specialty from their region of origin, in order to begin the hike with enriching cultural exchanges.
We begin at Notre-Dame de la Gorge (1,210 m), a splendid 17th-century Baroque church. Following the ancient path, mistakenly called the Roman Road, we cross over the Bon Nant stream, which roars below, to reach the Roman Bridge. The terrain then levels out, and we walk through the clearings of La Rosière.
A further climb leads to our highest point (1,584 m). The gentle descent of Combe Noire takes us to the Combe Noire waterfall. From clearing to clearing, we reach the Roman Bridge, then Notre-Dame de la Gorge.
Day 2 -
The Col de la Voza and an immersion at the foot of the Giant
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day in the Bionnassay Valley looks promising, on a route perfectly suited to snowshoeing.
After a picturesque access by small train from Saint-Gervais Le Fayet, we will move from clearing to clearing until we reach a viewpoint located at 1,900 meters altitude, famous among film buffs as the filming location for some scenes of the film Malabar Princess.
Facing the glaciers of Mont Blanc, this site offers a spectacular panorama that will leave no one unmoved. The view of these iconic peaks is also a unique opportunity to understand the region, both geologically and culturally.
A pleasant day of exploration, where the plateau blends harmoniously with the Les Houches resort and the famous Kandahar track, before descending back into the valley aboard the little train.
Day 3 -
Around the traditional Savoyard village, Megève
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 540 m
- Negative elevation 540 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we set off from Megève, more precisely from its hamlet of Leutaz (1,320 m). This area, renowned for its abundant snow cover, welcomes us for a day of exploration.
We first cross the Cassioz stream before embarking on a wilder route in the heart of the forest, which leads us, via the clearing of La Revenas, to the charming chalet of Barchamps (1,393 m).
The trail that opens up next leads us to the chalets of La Tête (1,584 m) and then Les Molliettes (1,564 m). We leave the main trails again to enter the wild and unspoiled Cirque des Chavannes.
After reaching a high point at 1,670 meters, we continue our progress from chalet to chalet: La Socquaz (1,610 m), Le Stiard (1,558 m) and finally Chevran (1,620 m), where the panorama of Mont Blanc on the Contamines-Montjoie side is offered in all its majesty.
The return journey is a gentle one along a pleasant forest road, concluding this day rich in landscapes and discoveries.
Day 4 -
Spa treatment at the Saint-Gervais Thermal Spa and hiking in the afternoon
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, relax at the Saint-Gervais thermal spa: a special moment to take care of yourself and enjoy a truly relaxing break in the heart of your stay.
After a picnic lunch, we will set off on a revitalizing hike.
Day 5 -
The alpine pastures of the thing and the end of the stay
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We conclude our week by returning to the Contamines-Montjoie valley, starting from the hamlet of La Frasse (1,263 m).
The path winds through the forest before opening onto the Truc alpine pastures (1,760 m), giving the impression of being in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif, at the foot of the impressive Dômes de Miage. The contrast between the V-shaped valley, carved by the stream, and the U-shaped glacial valley of the Miage pastures is striking.
Depending on the conditions and their motivation, the bravest will be able to climb higher promontories, while the rest of the group will enjoy a quieter moment, to rest or simply savor the scenery.
Regretfully, we leave this spectacular place to descend back towards the forest cover.
The stay in Fayet ended around 4:00 PM, with our heads full of memories of this last magnificent stage.
Day 6
Note
The proposed program is for guidance only and may be adapted according to weather conditions, snow cover, or other local constraints. Your guide, drawing on their experience and professionalism, will adjust the program as needed: for example, by prioritizing a hike to a summit in good weather or a walk in the forest in less favorable conditions. These adjustments are always made in your best interest, to guarantee your safety and comfort. The level of the outings remains unchanged: these are gentle hikes, with elevation gains of approximately 300 to 500 meters, focused on discovery and contemplation.
Snow cover
We are, first and foremost, hikers: even if there is a lack of snow, especially at the beginning or end of the season, the trip will still take place. The winter atmosphere and light will be there, and you may need to carry your snowshoes on your pack to reach snowy areas. Since this hike began, it has rarely been necessary.
Accommodation
You will be staying at the Hôtel La Chaumière, located in Le Fayet. This historic establishment in the village has been run for years by Emmanuelle, Medhi, and their team. It offers simple yet welcoming comfort, where you can truly feel the spirit of the mountains.
The hotel has a sauna and a bar with billiards, for relaxing moments after hiking.
Individual bookings are grouped into single-sex rooms of 2 to 3 people.
For a single room (subject to availability), the reservation must be made at the time of registration.
Access
Welcome :
On Day 1, meet at 6:45 pm in Le Fayet, at the La Chaumière hotel, located a few meters from the Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet train station, with your guide.
Dispersion :
Day 6 around 4:00 PM.
Go to the starting point
Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet SNCF train station, a few steps from your accommodation.
Arrival by car: Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet train station
You are entering a mountainous area: winter equipment is mandatory (snow tires or chains). Remember to practice installing them before you leave.
Take the A40 motorway towards Chamonix, exit at junction 21, then follow the signs for Le Fayet and the train stations. The hotel is located just a few meters from Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet train station, with easily accessible parking nearby.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip is led by a passionate local guide who is a native of the region.
- Accommodation in a 2-star hotel
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 6
- Loan of snowshoes and poles
- The transfers planned in the program
- The round trip to the St Gervais Mont Blanc tramway
- The welcome drink
- The session at the St Gervais thermal spa (discovery tour)
The price does not include
- Transportation to and from the dispersal point
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Personal equipment
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Single room : CHF182.96 / person
- Extra night, room and breakfast for 2 people : CHF123.50 / unit
- Additional single night, room and breakfast : CHF90.57 / unit
- 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 TSL snowshoes, equipped with plate bindings and anti-slip tips suitable for all mountain or trekking shoes, as well as hiking poles and, if necessary, crampons, not forgetting the specific safety equipment for hiking.
Equipment to bring
Equipment :
- 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.
- Sunscreen + lip balm.
- Airtight plastic container (minimum capacity 0.5 l) + cup + cutlery.
- Camera, binoculars (optional).
For the evening at the accommodation:
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers.
- 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes.
- 1 toiletry kit.
- 1 headlamp or flashlight.
Personal pharmacy
- Your usual medications.
- Sets of adhesive bandages + disinfectant compresses.
- Double skin (like Compeed or SOS blisters).
- 1 pair of tweezers.
Clothing to bring
Clothes :
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.
Choose quick-drying clothes, so avoid cotton. Opt for wool (merino wool underwear is comfortable and doesn't develop unpleasant odors), silk, and synthetic fibers that will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible.
Remember to dress warmly before you get cold, but especially to remove layers before you get too hot. Sweat is a hiker's enemy because it dampens clothing, which 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 or neck warmer.
- 1 beanie.
- 1 pair of mittens with possibly silk gloves and an extra pair of gloves.
- Short-sleeved T-shirts made of breathable material are preferred.
- 1 long-sleeved undershirt in breathable material or a shirt.
- 1 fleece fur 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.
- 1 pair of waterproof and breathable overtrousers, Gore-Tex type.
- 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 used for a long time beforehand. Absolutely avoid ski boots, après-ski boots, and trail running shoes.
- 1 pair of gaiters.
