Winter Escape on Snowshoes and Overnight Stay at the Bonatti Refuge in Italy
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationItaly / Aosta Valley
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions12.85 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
Immerse yourself in the heart of a pristine Aosta Valley , where authentic Italian charm blends with the magic of snow-covered landscapes. For two days, explore wild valleys on snowshoes, enjoying breathtaking panoramas: Mont Blanc , the Grandes Jorasses , and Mont Dolent will accompany you at every step.
Your adventure begins with a gentle ascent of the Val Ferret , before enjoying a traditional Valdostan lunch in a welcoming inn in Lavachey. Then, it's off to the Malatra Valley , a natural haven where the Bonatti refuge stands, nestled opposite the giant of the Alps. Here, everything is designed to amaze you: small groups of 8 people maximum , a dedicated guide attentive to your needs, and total immersion in the local culture, from traditional architecture and generous cuisine to a warm welcome .
A high-end stay, where every detail is designed to offer you a unique and unforgettable experience.
The highlights
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Exceptional panoramas: Mont Blanc, Grandes Jorasses & Mont Dolent as a backdrop
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Authentic Valdostan lunch in a typical inn in Lavachey
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Small group (8 people max) with a dedicated guide for a tailor-made stay
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
- For anyone in good physical condition
- Between 200m and 400m of elevation gain with 4 to 5 hours of hiking
- Discover the technique of snowshoeing uphill and downhill via varied and hilly routes.
- Carrying personal belongings in the backpack
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average daily elevation gain: 400 m
- Average daily descent: 400 m
Management
English
French
Management :
- led by a mountain guide, minimum 4 and maximum 8 participants
- Children aged 12 and over must be accompanied by a parent.
A few days before your departure, the guide in charge of the group will contact you to answer all your questions.
Program
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From Planpincieux to the Bonatti refuge: Valdostan flavors and alpine panoramas
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 25km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a short morning transfer, we begin our hike in the village of Planpincieux (1,564 m) , on the right bank of the Doire de Ferret.
An easy and varied route leads us gently to the Lavachey inn (1,642 m) , where we enjoy a delicious break featuring Valdostan specialties. On the menu: polenta, minestrone soup, and, to finish in style, Laura's famous tiramisu!
In the afternoon, we continue our trek through a magnificent larch forest before emerging onto the vast alpine pastures that stretch out at the foot of the peaks. The ascent leads us to the Bonatti Refuge (2,025 m) , a true haven of comfort in the heart of the mountains. Built in 1998 and belonging to the Aosta Valley Autonomous Region , this refuge is distinguished by its generous spaces and excellent amenities: hot showers, spacious dormitories, and a welcoming atmosphere. Its walls pay tribute to the famous mountaineer Walter Bonatti, through numerous photographs retracing his exploits and adventures.
A beautiful evening in prospect in an exceptional mountain setting!
Day 1 -
The Call of the Great Outdoors – Malatra Valley and Return to Chamonix
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 25km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A day spent between mountain peaks and wild valleys.
Upon waking, the Malatra valley unfolds before you like an endless playground . Depending on your desires and the conditions, you can extend the loop above the Bonatti refuge, exploring unspoiled landscapes where Mont Blanc stands guard in the background . Every step is a discovery, every glance lost in the immensity of the Alps.
The descent follows the left bank of the Dora , a peaceful path that leads you back to Planpincieux. You'll return to Chamonix around 5 pm , with a light heart and your head full of memories.
Day 2
Note
This program may be modified at the guide's discretion if mountain conditions, weather or the physical condition of the participants require it.
Accommodation
One night in a small (mixed) dormitory with half-board at the Bonatti refuge, a recent and comfortable mountain refuge.
Access
Go to the starting point
Clarification on parking in Chamonix: The city centre of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc being mostly pedestrian and regulated by paid car parks (Saint-Michel, Place du Mont-Blanc, Fond des Gires), free spaces in the immediate vicinity of the Place de l'Église are very rare.
Grépon Parking / Planards Parking (Free depending on the season / Periphery): Located at the southern entrance to the town centre (about 1 to 1.2 km, or 12 to 15 minutes on foot from the Place de l'Église), some outdoor spaces along the roadside or peripheral park and ride lots (Les Praz or Les Bossons sector, connected by the free Chamonix Bus with the guest card given by your accommodation provider) allow free parking without time-stamped charges.
Price details
The price includes
- The organization and supervision of the stay by a mountain guide
- Overnight stay with half-board (dinner and breakfast) at the Bonatti refuge in a mixed dormitory
- The picnics on days 1 and 2
- Return transfer by minibus from Chamonix
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Personal expenses and drinks (bring at least two liters of water)
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- 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.
• Health insurance card.
• Your travel insurance leaflet received upon registration (if you purchased this insurance through our offices) or your personal insurance (contract number + telephone number).
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Technical equipment :
- Snowshoes
- Sticks
- DVA (avalanche victim detector)
- Shovel + probe
Equipment to bring
⚠️ Importance of choice : Your equipment directly influences the success of your stay.
Weight = key criterion : Find the right compromise between weight and comfort .
👟 Walking shoes :
- Suitable for snowshoes : warm, waterproof, good ankle support .
- New? → Wear them first to break them in .
- Blisters? → Talcum powder on dry feet + shoes in the morning.
🎒 Backpack :
- Minimum volume 35L/40L (allow space for a picnic).
- Snow tip : Protect your belongings with a plastic bag (like a garbage bag) inside the bag.
Bag weight :
- Optimize each item : "Will I use it every day?"
- Tips :
- Pack it down as much as possible.
- Smaller bag = better balance → reduced feeling of weight.
Clothing to bring
🔹 Weather conditions :
Conditions can be very changeable → Opt for thin, layerable garments rather than one thick garment.
Stay dry in all circumstances.
Preferred textiles :
- Avoid cotton (heavy, cold, slow to dry).
- Prefer :
- Synthetic technical textiles.
- Merino wool (warm, quick-drying, odorless).
For the day :
- 1 long-sleeved technical T-shirt .
- 1 fine fleece fur .
- 1 pair of Gore-Tex trousers + 1 pair of synthetic long underwear .
- 1 pair of wool socks .
- 1 Gore-Tex jacket .
- Gloves : 1 pair of fleece gloves + 1 pair of mittens + 1 pair of silk gloves.
- 1 beanie + 1 scarf/neck warmer (Buff) .
- 1 insulated water bottle (1L minimum, ideally 1.5L).
- Cutlery : 1 knife + 1 fork (spork type).
- Accessories : cap, sunglasses (cat. 4) , sunscreen, lip balm.
- Optional : camera, binoculars, etc.
For the entire hike :
- 1 down jacket (or thick fleece).
- 1 spare pair of long underwear .
- Change of clothes (T-shirt, underwear, socks).
- 1 headlamp .
- Personal pharmacy :
- Bandages (of the "second skin" type), compresses, medications (diarrhea, headaches, allergies, etc.).
- Your personal treatment .
- Ultralight toiletries kit (technical towel, toilet paper).
- Sleeping bag liner (the lightest and most comfortable => silk bag)
- ID + cash , tissues.
- Gaiters (if trousers do not cover shoes well).
⚠️ Note : The guide has a first aid kit .
