Great St. Bernard Pass
/ Valais
Snowshoeing trip around the Hospice of the Great St. Bernard
Réf : KHSZIR
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationGreat St. Bernard Pass / Valais
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AgeFrom 16 - 70 years
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CO₂-Emissions13.82 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Let yourself be transported by a timeless adventure in the heart of the Alps, on snowshoes. This route invites you to walk in the footsteps of early travelers to the iconic hospice of the Great St. Bernard Pass , perched at 2,473 meters altitude on the border between Switzerland and Italy.
For a millennium, this place, steeped in history and spirituality, has been tended by Augustinian canons dedicated to the tradition of hospitality. It serves as a warm refuge. Each day, from this exceptional base camp, you'll explore wild landscapes on daily excursions , combining physical exertion, serenity , and the discovery of mountain heritage. An authentic winter immersion to disconnect from everyday life and experience the mountains in a new way.
The highlights
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High mountain landscapes
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A comfortable, centuries-old accommodation high in the mountains
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A timeless place to recharge your batteries
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Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
For those wishing to hike for approximately 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 500 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in sports activities 1 to 2 times a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
The expert's opinion
- Physical condition: I am in good physical condition. I do some kind of sport at least once a week. I enjoy pushing myself with sometimes long efforts, but I sometimes need rest between activities.
- Elevation gain: 600m to 900m maximum per day
- Maximum duration of effort: 6 hours per day
- Experience required: Snowshoeing experience recommended
- Carrying method: Backpack
- Technical difficulties: Some sections may take place on steep slopes requiring a certain level of technical skill and physical fitness.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 617 m
- Average daily descent: 614 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band :
1 supervisor for 5 to 8 people
Languages spoken:
French
English
French
English
Accompagnateur en montagne
Accompagnateur en montagne
A professional snowshoeing instructor, he will share his passion for the mountains with you through numerous anecdotes.
During this stay, you will be accompanied by a mountain guide. He will be there to guide you, share his knowledge, and ensure your safety.
Program
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The Valley of the Dead
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at noon in the Bourg-Saint-Bernard parking lot. After lunch and the distribution of safety equipment (avalanche transceiver/shovel/probe), we'll put on our snowshoes and head towards the hospice. The route involves a steady climb through the infamous Combe des Morts (Valley of the Dead), a valley where many people have lost their lives in the past, as it can be prone to avalanches depending on snow conditions. Upon arrival at the hospice, we'll leave our belongings and take a break before setting off again, light and ready for a workshop on avalanche victim search and rescue.
Day 1 -
Window lakes
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 670 m
- Negative elevation 670 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we cross the frozen Great St. Bernard Pass to reach Italy. We leave the hospice behind us, with Mont Vélan towering above it. Our route follows the road (closed in winter) and then heads towards the Fenêtre de Ferret viewpoint. We then descend towards the Fenêtre lakes before returning below Tête de Fonteine and reaching the upper Fenêtre viewpoint. We arrive back at the hospice in the late afternoon.
Day 2 -
The drone valley
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 630 m
- Negative elevation 1170 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We leave the hospice via the Combe des Morts. Then we turn left into the Combe de Drône, which we follow uphill to the Lac de Grand Lé. The descent follows the same route.
Return to the starting point (the parking lot) in the afternoon around 4pm.
Day 3
Note
The program is provided as a guide only. The mountain guide may modify or adapt the itinerary daily depending on:
- weather conditions;
- snow conditions;
- the actual technical and physical level of the participants;
- security requirements.
Accommodation
🏔️ Mountain refuge - Days 1 to 2
The Hospice of the Great St. Bernard is a thousand-year-old Christian refuge located at an altitude of 2,473 meters at the Great St. Bernard Pass, on the border between Switzerland (canton of Valais) and Italy.
Founded in 1050 by Saint Bernard of Menthon to rescue and shelter travelers crossing this dangerous Alpine pass, it is today the highest inhabited place in Europe. Run by a community of Augustinian canons, the hospice perpetuates its tradition of hospitality by welcoming hikers, pilgrims, and those seeking spiritual retreat.
Access
Departure
Parking de Bourg-saint-bernard, Bourg-Saint-Pierre, 1946, Suisse
Day 1
: 12h00
End of stay
Parking de Bourg-saint-bernard, Bourg-Saint-Pierre, 1946, Suisse
Day 3
- 16h00
Appointment
Meet on day 1 at 12pm in Bourg-Saint-Bernard for the briefing and to check each participant's personal equipment.
Meeting point address: Bourg-Saint-Pierre, 1946, Switzerland. Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JzsTJZF6nMTptMHe8
End of stay
Return to the starting point on day 3 in the afternoon (around 4pm).
Go to the starting point
Take the train toOrsièresOrMartigny
From the train station to the starting point:
- By regional train + PostBus (TMR/Postal network): From Martigny, take the Saint-Bernard Express train to Orsières . Then take the PostBus (Line 272) towards the Great St. Bernard Pass/Aosta, and get off at the Bourg-St-Bernard stop. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Martigny (tickets cost approximately CHF 12 to CHF 18 / €13 to €19 ).
- By taxi / private hire vehicle: The direct taxi journey takes approximately 25 minutes from Orsières station (estimated fare between 70 CHF and 100 CHF / ~73 € to 105 € ) or 35 minutes from Martigny (estimated fare between 120 CHF and 160 CHF / ~125 € to 168 € ).
Travel to the place of stay
with parking
available
You will need to arrange for a personal vehicle with winter equipment to reach the starting point of the trip.
Would you like to travel on other dates?
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Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a state-certified mountain guide.
- Accommodation is available in the hospice and in dormitories (bunk beds are available).
- Half-board (dinner and breakfast) at the hospice and packed lunches on days 2 and 3
- Loan of snowshoes and poles
- Loan of rescue equipment (avalanche transceiver/shovel/probe)
The price does not include
- Day 1 picnic
- Transportation to the starting point of the stay
- Drinks and your race snacks (dried fruit, cereal bars)
- Your hiking equipment adapted to winter conditions
- 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 provided on site
- Loan of snowshoes and poles
- Loan of rescue equipment (avalanche transceiver/shovel/probe)
Equipment to bring
- High-top hiking boots suitable for snowshoeing ( warm and waterproof are essential ).
- Backpack with a minimum volume of 40L.
- Thermos or 1L water bottle ( No camelback ).
- Headlamp.
- Sunglasses (masks are preferable in snow and wind), sunscreen, lipstick.
- Ultralight toiletry kit.
- Personal pharmacy.
- Snacks for hunger pangs (cereal bars, dried fruit, etc.).
- Meat bag.
Bag weight:
Take your time packing your bag, choosing each item with the idea that you'll be carrying it for the duration of your trip. Organize it cleverly; don't pack your picnic or raincoat at the bottom. The goal is to balance it as much as possible to make carrying it as comfortable as possible.
Clothing to bring
Exploring the mountains in winter requires proper equipment to ensure the most enjoyable experience possible. Below is a list of minimum equipment you should bring on your adventure. You can add to this list, but be mindful of the final weight.
Essential personal equipment:
- Goretex type trousers + tights + gaiters or ski trousers ( must be warm and waterproof ).
- Waterproof hiking jacket, Gore-Tex type.
- Warm and "breathable" underwear.
- Polar or equivalent.
- Warm down jacket for the evening.
- “Buff” style hat and neck warmer to protect the face.
- A pair of warm gloves (waterproof overgloves in addition, mittens are preferable in very cold weather).
- Spare underwear to dry off in the evening.
Textiles:
When it comes to underwear (T-shirts, boxer shorts, socks), avoid cotton, which dries very slowly. Opt instead for synthetic technical fabrics or merino wool. They are warmer and dry very quickly.
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Jérémy team
• 6 stays
Located in Annecy, our local partner offers tailor-made trips and holidays designed by passionate professionals. They guide adventurers through the world's most beautiful mountain ranges, from the Aravis to Patagonia, including the Alps and Norway. Their certified guides lead climbs, ski touring expeditions, and authentic adventures. They prioritize total immersion and optimal safety to offer a unique and enjoyable mountain experience.
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