Snowshoeing weekend in the heart of the Chablais
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationHaute-Savoie / French Alps
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions10.39 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc , an authentic region offers outdoor enthusiasts snowshoeing excursions steeped in local tradition. Here, more than anywhere else, the mountains lend themselves to two-day snowshoe hikes, alternating between challenging ascents and gentle descents, allowing you to explore pristine landscapes. Enjoy a unique experience in a simple and welcoming mountain refuge, nestled in the heart of a village slumbering under the snow.
The surrounding peaks, accessible and varied , offer safe routes that reveal breathtaking panoramas. A weekend with the promise of a wonderful adventure , both simple and memorable , for all those looking to combine physical exertion with the pleasure of the mountains.
The highlights
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Breathtaking panoramas
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Accompaniment by a local guide
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Stay accessible by train
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
For athletic walkers
Hiker level 3 on a scale of 5.
It is best to have already practiced snowshoeing.
Average elevation gain: 400 m Maximum elevation gain: 500 m
Average time: 4 hours Maximum time: 5 hours 30 minutes
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 5 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 425 m
- Average daily descent: 510 m
- Maximum altitude: 1920 m
Management
French
You will be guided by Bernard, Jean Luc or Benoît, mountain guides from the region and specialists in winter hiking.
Program
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Escape to the Hanging Valley of Ubine
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 4 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 120 m
- Maximum altitude 1920 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Day 01: Saturday: Arrival at 09:30 at Thonon train station.
Transfer to Abondance.
We hike along the south face with a lovely view of Mont de Grange (2400 m), one of the highest peaks in the massif. We have a picnic lunch at Les Plagnes, then explore the hanging valley of Ubine. The village, slumbering under the snow, is dominated by the north face of Mont Chauffé. We settle into the refuge, then, for the more adventurous, we ascend Tête de Lachau (1920 m).
Elevation gain: +450 m or 920 m / -120 m or 600 m Length: 4 or 7 km
Day 1 -
Bise Alpine Pastures
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Maximum altitude 1808 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Snowshoe hike to the Bise alpine pastures, at the foot of the Cornettes de Bise cliffs, another majestic peak in the Chablais massif. Enjoy the wild atmosphere of this valley, which is rarely visited in winter. Alternatively, ascend the Pointe d'Autigny (1808 m), a remarkable viewpoint overlooking all the surrounding mountains. Then, enjoy some slides and toboggans on the descent. Transfer to Thonon train station.
End of stay around 4:15pm.
Elevation gain/loss: +400 m / -900 m
Day 2
Note
- This program is indicative and may be modified by your guide to adapt to weather and snow conditions.
CLIMATE – SNOW COVER
We are first and foremost hikers and if there is a lack of snow we still ensure the departure of our trips.
The winter atmosphere and light will be there even if you have to carry the snowshoes on your bag to reach the snow.
Accommodation
One night in a mountain refuge. There's a good chance we'll be the only ones there. We'll light a fire as soon as we arrive; it'll be enough to heat the common room and the dormitory. The toilets are unusable in winter (because of the freezing), so it's only possible to brush your teeth or roll around in the snow! The toilets are very basic!
Access
Sunday at Thonon les Bains station around 4:15 pm.
Return train:
Thonon 4:55 PM – Paris 9:22 PM
Thonon 4:55 PM – Geneva 5:27 PM
Thonon 4:30 PM – Lyon 7:22 PM
Go to the starting point
Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at Thonon les Bains train station.
People in cars will follow our minibus to Abondance.
Train access:
Lyon 06:38 – Thonon 09:29 (Via Geneva)
Geneva 08:32 – Thonon 09:29
Paris (Friday) 2:18 PM – Thonon 7:02 PM (Via Geneva)
Price details
The price includes
- Full board
- Accommodation in mountain huts, in dormitories
- Equipment rental, snowshoes and poles
- The framework
- Wine is recommended for fondue, but feel free to bring a specialty from your region.
The price does not include
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Cancellation, assistance, repatriation, and interruption insurance
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
- Pair of snowshoes
- Fastening system (adapts to all types of shoes)
- Ski poles
Equipment to bring
- 45L or 50L backpack, with straps for attaching snowshoes
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- gaiters
- Ski gloves
- Rain poncho or umbrella
- Flashlight
- Binoculars and camera
- Pair of Crocs
- Sunglasses
- Folding knife
- 1L water bottle or thermos
Clothing to bring
- Wool socks and a spare pair
- Microfiber underwear
- Cap
- Waterproof trousers
- High-neck sweater
- Fleece jacket
- Jacket or down jacket (Gore-Tex type)
- Bag sheet
They traveled with us
