Snowshoeing - The Contamines-Montjoie reserve
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationLes Contamines-Montjoie / Mont Blanc Massif - France
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions8.85 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Escape to the heart of the Contamines-Montjoie nature reserve , a pristine wilderness facing the spectacular panorama of the Mont Blanc range . This snowshoeing trip immerses you in an intimate mountain environment, guided by a passionate mountain leader . In a small group of no more than 8 people , you'll explore exclusive routes, far from the beaten track, with the rare opportunity to observe alpine wildlife in its natural habitat.
Your high-altitude base camp is the Refuge des Prés , a renovated mountain chalet combining cozy comfort , eco-responsibility , and conviviality . From this welcoming location offering 360° panoramic views , you will enjoy personalized guidance and expert advice for a complete and serene escape.
Combining adapted hikes , nature immersion and eco-friendly accommodation , this winter adventure promises an authentic and rejuvenating break close to the peaks.
The highlights
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Breathtaking views of Mont Blanc from an eco-friendly mountain refuge surrounded by unspoiled nature
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A warm and authentic chalet, combining comfort and respect for the environment.
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Exclusive immersion in a nature reserve, with a group limited to 8 people
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average daily elevation gain: 365 m
- Average daily descent: 300 m
Management
French
English
Management :
- By a mountain guide
- Minimum 4 and maximum 8 participants
- Children aged 12 and over must be accompanied by a parent
This level of supervision guarantees you a high-quality stay.
Program
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A day of escape between history and wild nature
- Activity Snowshoes
- Positive elevation gain 730 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Take the legendary Roman Road , a path steeped in history, to set off towards the Rosière plateau .
The unspoiled and silent forest holds magical encounters in store: fresh hare tracks, chamois prints, or perhaps even the fleeting glimpse of a fox. Every step is a discovery, every clue a story to unravel.
Then, head towards Nant Borrant and the Bois de la Rollaz , where the snow-covered trees create a fairytale setting. After a final exhilarating climb , the spectacle unfolds: the Refuge des Près (1,935 m) , perched facing the snow-capped peaks. Here, the view is breathtaking, between majestic summits and an endless sky : the ideal setting to savor the moment, soothed by the silence of the mountains.
An effort rewarded by breathtaking landscapes!
Day 1 -
Return through the heart of the forest
- Activity Snowshoes
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A day filled with thrills and wonder!
Take a secret path through the Bois de la Rollaz , where the forest transforms into a winter playground.
Between gentle slopes and more challenging sections , let yourself be tempted by impromptu slides: a joyful way to experience the mountains!
Your route takes you to Notre-Dame de la Gorge , a place steeped in history and serenity, nestled among snow-covered fir trees. A magical moment to soak up the mystical atmosphere of this alpine sanctuary, before descending back to the car park in the mid-afternoon, your heart light and your cheeks rosy from the cold.
A playful and poetic adventure to end your stay in style!
Day 2
Note
The route may be adapted at any time by the instructor, depending on the weather or the technical and physical level of the participants.
Accommodation
Former alpine chalet ideally located in the heart of the Contamines Montjoie nature reserve, facing the Mont Blanc range.
This refuge has been designed to offer maximum comfort to its guests: optimal insulation, hot water, underfloor heating, soundproofing and ventilation of sleeping areas, pleasant volumes…
Access
To end the stay, return to the parking lot in the mid-afternoon.
Go to the starting point
From the train station to the starting point:
- By bus (Cars Région Haute-Savoie - Line Y82): Regular buses run directly from Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet train station to the center of Les Contamines-Montjoie and extend their route to the Notre-Dame de la Gorge terminus during peak season (summer/winter). The journey takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes (tickets cost approximately €3.00 to €6.00 one way).
- Free internal shuttle (Contamines Shuttle): During the tourist season, free shuttles crisscross the municipality between the village centre, the cable cars and the terminus of Notre-Dame de la Gorge.
- By taxi / private hire vehicle: The journey takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes from the Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet TGV station (estimated fare between €40 and €65 depending on the time slot).
Price details
The price includes
- The organization and supervision of the stay by a mountain guide
- Accommodation for one night at the Refuge des Près in a mixed dormitory
- Half-board accommodation at the refuge, as well as picnics and race food.
- Loan of snowshoes, poles, avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Personal drinks (bring euros)
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
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 to bring
Walking shoes
- Shoes suitable for snowshoeing (warm and waterproof, which support the ankle well).
- For new shoes, break them in to your feet first by wearing them beforehand.
- If you are prone to blisters: apply talcum powder to dry feet and inside shoes in the morning.
Backpack
- Minimum volume 40 L (better too big than too small). Allow enough space for the picnic.
- A tip for snowy conditions: even if you have a rain cover, always protect your belongings in a plastic bag (large)
garbage bag), inside the backpack.
Bag weight
Take your time packing your bag, choose each item with the thought that you will be wearing it on the first and last day.
With a little ingenuity, you can save weight on many things. Try to compress the
For business, a small bag is better balanced and the feeling of weight is significantly reduced.
Clothing to bring
We recommend that you pay particular attention to your equipment choices, as they greatly contribute to the success of your trip. Weight is a key factor; you should always consider the weight-to-comfort ratio to find a good compromise.
Because weather conditions can vary greatly, it's better to layer thin garments rather than one thick one. Staying dry is essential in all circumstances.
Textiles
Regarding underwear (T-shirts, boxer shorts, socks), avoid cotton which is heavy, cold and dries very slowly.
Opt for technical synthetic fabrics, or wool (merino). They are warmer, dry quickly, and don't smell!
For the day
- 1 long-sleeved technical T-shirt
- 1 thin fleece fur
- 1 pair of Gore-tex type trousers, 1 pair of long-legged underwear (synthetic fabric)
- 1 pair of wool socks
- 1 Gore-tex jacket
- 1 pair of fleece gloves, 1 pair of mittens, 1 pair of silk gloves
- 1 beanie, 1 scarf and/or 1 neck warmer (Buff type)
- 1 water bottle (1L minimum capacity, 1.5L is better!) preferably insulated
- 1 knife, 1 fork (spork type)
- Hat, sunglasses (category 3 minimum), sunscreen, sun protection lip balm
- Optional: camera, binoculars, etc…
For the entire hike
- 1 down jacket (or thick fleece)
- 1 pair of long-legged boxer shorts
- Spare clothes (T-shirt, underwear, socks)
- Flashlight, or headlamp
- Personal pharmacy *
- Ultralight toiletries kit, customizable for you! (including a technical towel)
- Sleeping bag liner (the lightest and most comfortable option remains the silk liner)
- ID + cash for personal expenses, tissues, toilet paper
- Gaiters if your trousers do not effectively cover the top of the shoe.
* Elastoplast, "second skin" dressings, compresses, medications for common ailments: diarrhea, constipation, headaches
Sore throat, headaches, pain, allergies, … and your personal treatment.
The guide has a first aid kit.
