New Year's Eve on snowshoes in the heart of the Giffre Valley
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationSixt-Fer-à-Cheval / French Alps
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AgeFrom 14 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions47.4 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Take time to recharge in Haute-Savoie to end the year far from the daily grind. For 5 days and 4 nights , immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the Giffre Valley , where the winter mountains reveal themselves in all their authenticity.
Strap on your snowshoes and explore pristine landscapes of frosted forests , soft alpine meadows, and panoramic ridges. From the Loëx plateau to the Joux Plane pass, passing through the heights of Samoëns , each route offers spectacular views of the Alpine peaks. Guided by a local expert, you'll progress at your own pace, enjoying anecdotes about local wildlife and Savoyard heritage.
After your excursions, return to the cozy comfort of an intimate cottage , perfect for conversation and relaxation. On New Year 's Eve, festivities begin with a warm and delicious dinner , celebrated in an unforgettable mountain spirit.
Easily accessible by train from Cluses station, this getaway perfectly combines fresh air, shared experiences, and a complete escape. An ideal break to ring in the new year close to nature.
The highlights
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The warm welcome and simple comfort of a small, typical holiday cottage in the heart of the village
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Selected routes on the high plateaus facing the Mont Blanc massif
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A warm and friendly New Year's Eve at the gîte to celebrate the new year together
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
The walking pace is leisurely and steady, favoring discovery over athletic effort.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 463 m
- Average daily descent: 463 m
Management
French
Your guide is a state-certified professional, specializing in snowshoeing and with extensive knowledge of the mountain range. They ensure the smooth running and safety of your hikes by choosing routes, adapting the pace, managing logistics, and taking into account weather and snow conditions.
He also ensures the group's energy and cohesion are maintained, while introducing you to the mountain environment and passionately sharing his knowledge of nature. Throughout your stay, he remains available and attentive to your needs to make your experience as enjoyable as possible.
Program
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Arrival and check-in at Sixt-Fer-À-cheval
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We will welcome you at the Auberge de Salvagny, in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, from 6 p.m.
After your arrival, you will be able to settle into your rooms before sharing a friendly moment around the presentation of the stay and the program of the week.
Dinner will then be served directly at the inn, in a warm and friendly atmosphere. You will enjoy hearty, home-style cooking, showcasing Savoyard specialties and local flavors.
Day 1 -
The Bostan plateau, at the gateway to the Haut-Giffre
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A beautiful snowshoe hike that gradually ascends to the vast snow-covered expanse of the Bostan plateau. Winding through spruce forests, clearings, and high-altitude pastures, the route offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. A day spent in the fresh air, in a wild and pristine winter setting.
Day 2 -
The Loëx plateau, a wild interlude
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
With snowshoes on our feet, we set off to explore the Loëx plateau, a vast, unspoiled natural area where snow-covered forests, clearings, and alpine pastures alternate. The route immerses us in a wild, Nordic atmosphere, perfect for observing wildlife tracks and for quiet contemplation. As we hike, beautiful vistas reveal the surrounding peaks: a gentle day in the heart of a silent and authentic mountain landscape.
After this beautiful day of hiking, it's time for the festivities! Your host will welcome you with an enhanced New Year's Eve meal, specially prepared for the occasion.
A warm and friendly moment to celebrate the arrival of the new year together, in the authentic atmosphere of our mountain lodge.
Day 3 -
The Eurtenne and Sales plateaus, facing the high peaks
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A beautiful day snowshoeing to discover the Euternne and Sales plateaus, between snow-covered forests and vast open alpine pastures. Gradually, the landscape opens up, revealing superb panoramas of the Haut-Giffre peaks. In the tranquility of these high-altitude spaces, we walk at the pace of the snow, among animal tracks and chalets slumbering under their white blanket. A luminous and refreshing hike, with a true taste of wild mountains.
Day 4 -
The "Perse Plane" sector and return
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A final snowshoeing escape in the Perse Plane area, where the mountains reveal a peaceful and unspoiled side. We hike between forests, clearings, and snow-covered alpine pastures, with beautiful views of the Haut-Giffre peaks. A gentle route, perfect for contemplation and sharing those last moments in the silence of winter.
The stay at the Auberge de Salvagny ended around 4:00 PM, with our heads full of memories after this last hike in the heart of the snowy landscapes of Haute-Savoie.
Day 5
Note
This program is given as an indication and may be adjusted by your guide to adapt to weather and snow conditions.
Snow cover:
We are, first and foremost, hikers: even with little snow, our trips will go ahead. The winter atmosphere and its unique light will still be there, even if the snowshoes have to stay put.
The mountain in winter reveals a very different face from that of summer: the colours become softer and the sun sets low on the horizon, offering warm and golden lights reminiscent of a sunset throughout the day.
Transfers to the various hiking sites are provided by minibus. Depending on the number of participants, one of you may be asked to drive one of the organization's vehicles or to provide a transfer in your own vehicle. Reimbursement will be provided for any volunteer.
Accommodation
You will be staying at the Auberge de Salvagny, located in the village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. Housed in the village's former cheese dairy and awarded the Gîte de France 2 épis label, this inn offers a simple, warm and authentic atmosphere, ideal for relaxing after a day of snowshoeing.
Ideally located at the gateway to the largest nature reserve in Haute-Savoie, the inn is a true mountain haven in the heart of a preserved environment.
Access
Welcome :
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday in the late afternoon, around 6pm, at the Gîte-Auberge de Salvagny, located at 1152, route de la Cascade du Rouget, 74740 Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
If you arrive by train, an optional transfer is available at 5:30 pm from Cluses train station to the hostel. This optional transfer must be booked at the time of registration.
Dispersion :
The stay ends on day 5, around 4:00 PM at the hostel. If you opted for the transfer to Cluses train station, your arrival at the station is scheduled for around 5:00 PM.
Go to the starting point
If you arrive by train, an optional transfer is available at 5:30 pm from Cluses train station to the hostel. This optional transfer must be booked at the time of registration.
If you are arriving by car, you can drive directly to the Gîte-Auberge de Salvagny. As the inn is located in a mountainous area, winter equipment is mandatory (winter tires or chains). If you are using chains, we recommend practicing how to install them before your departure.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in comfortable cottages and shared rooms
- The trip will be supervised by a qualified mountain guide.
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 5
- New Year's Eve and its enhanced meal
- Loan of poles and snowshoes
- The transfers and visits scheduled in the program
- Organization fees
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- The supplement for a single room is €135 (subject to availability)
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Individual equipment
- Anything not mentioned under "Price includes"
Options
- Round-trip transfer from Cluses train station : CHF13.72 / person
- Single room : CHF123.50 / unit
- Additional night : CHF59.46 / 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 snowshoes, equipped with plate bindings and anti-slip tips, compatible with all mountain or trekking shoes, as well as rigid poles and specific hiking safety equipment.
- Snowshoes: TSL
- Poles: rigid, stronger than telescopic models
This equipment is provided free of charge. If you already have your own reliable equipment, you are welcome to use it. In that case, please let us know when you register, specifying what you will be bringing. This will allow us to better assess the group's equipment needs.
Equipment to bring
Equipment :
- 1 x 30-liter backpack with a flexible frame and a waist belt
- 1 pair of excellent quality sunglasses with side shields
- 1 thermos or water bottle, preferably insulated (1.5 liters minimum)
- 1 Opinel-type pocket knife
- 1 small pouch, preferably waterproof, to store your money, your identity card, your health insurance card and your assistance contract
- Toiletries (opt for the essentials, small containers, samples and travel kits)
- Earplugs (optional)
- Toilet paper and a lighter
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Cutlery
- 1 headlamp or flashlight
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
Personal pharmacy:
- Your usual medications
- Pain medication: paracetamol preferred
- Throat lozenges
- Elastic adhesive tape, Elastoplast type, 8 cm wide
- Set of adhesive bandages and disinfectant compresses
- "Double-skin" plasters (like Compeed or SOS Ampoules)
Clothing to bring
Clothing - The principles:
For the upper body, the 3-layer principle allows adaptation to almost all situations:
A long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material (hollow fiber)
A warm fleece jacket
A windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket, Gore-Tex type
When hiking in good weather and without wind, a base layer may be sufficient. In case of rain, snow, or wind, simply add a waterproof jacket. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket becomes an essential addition.
Remember to dress warmly before you get cold, but especially to remove a layer before you get too hot. Perspiration is the enemy of snowshoe hikers: it dampens clothing, which cools down quickly during breaks. It's therefore very rare to hike uphill wearing a fleece jacket.
Avoid anoraks and forbid ski suits, which are too warm and too bulky.
The ideal list (to be adapted according to the hike and the season):
- 1 sun hat or cap
- 1 scarf
- 1 beanie
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens for winter hikes
- Short-sleeved T-shirts, preferably made of breathable material
- 1 long-sleeved base layer in breathable material or a shirt
- 1 fleece jacket
- 1 windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket, Gore-Tex type, with hood
- 1 rain cape or a bivvy bag if you own the jacket mentioned above
- 1 pair of comfortable trekking pants
- Hiking socks (1 pair for 2 to 3 days of hiking). Opt for wool or socks specifically designed for hiking. Avoid cotton, which promotes blisters.
- One pair of high-top, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and Vibram-type soles. Remember to test new or long-unused boots beforehand. Absolutely avoid boots and après-ski boots.
- 1 pair of gaiters
- Underwear
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers for the evening
- 1 pair of lightweight and comfortable shoes for the evening
