New Year's Eve snowshoeing in the heart of the Beaufortain
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationBeaufortain Massif / Savoy
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions45.06 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Celebrate the New Year in the Heart of the Beaufortain: An Authentic Mountain Escape
Escape to the magnificent Beaufortain mountain range, a favorite among hikers, for an unforgettable New Year's celebration. This is your chance to reconnect with the authentic charm and traditional spirit of the mountains, far from the usual crowds. Brigitte will give you a warm welcome, and Alain, your passionate guide, will accompany you on an experience steeped in the unique history of pastoralism, skiing, and the majestic presence of nearby Mont Blanc.
Explore Untouched Winter Landscapes
Staying in a historic hotel in the valley, your adventure will take you off the beaten path to discover the serene beauty of the Beaufortain region. Each day, Alain will guide you on snowshoe hikes across different slopes, revealing new panoramas and immersing you in breathtaking winter landscapes. You'll experience the tranquil atmosphere of the mid-mountain region in winter, while savoring the rich flavors of the area's time-honored traditions.
The Taste of Mountain Life and Local Delicacies
You are entering the realm of the "Prince of Cheeses," Beaufort. After your invigorating hikes, Brigitte will be delighted to offer you delicious mountain specialties, perfectly complementing the simple and friendly atmosphere of a large chalet that exudes the scents of winter and the mountains. Prepare to embrace the true spirit of the mountains!
The highlights
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A New Year's Eve celebration focused on local produce and gastronomy, in the heart of the village.
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A true winter atmosphere at the foot of Mont Blanc.
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Accompaniment by a passionate local guide, an expert on the mountain range
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
For average walkers
Hiker level 2 on a scale of 5.
Mountain route with elevation gains of 400 to 600 meters/day.
Average elevation gain: 500 m Maximum elevation gain: 600 m
Average length: 10 km Maximum length: 12 km
Average time: 5 hours
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 467 m
Management
French
Your guide is a state-certified professional, specializing in snowshoeing and possessing extensive knowledge of the mountain environment. They ensure the safe running of your hikes by choosing routes, adapting the pace, managing logistics, and taking into account weather and snow conditions.
He also strives to maintain the group's dynamics and cohesion, while facilitating your discovery of the mountain environment and passionately sharing his knowledge of nature.
Throughout your stay, he remains available and attentive to make your experience as pleasant as possible.
Program
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Welcome and setup
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You are expected at the Hotel in the late afternoon from 5:30 pm. If you arrive by train you can choose to take the regular ALBERTVILLE / BEAUFORT shuttle or opt for the private transfer from the agency at 5:30 pm, at Albertville station.
Installation and welcome drinks.
Day 1 -
The pass of the meadow and the chalets of Entrus
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Starting from the historic hamlet of Boudin, a gentle climb along a snow-covered road leads us to the Col du Pré (1703 m), a superb pass in the heart of the massif that opens onto the vast Roselend lake basin. We continue towards the Entrus chalets. A breathtaking view then unfolds, encompassing the highest peaks of the Beaufortain, the famous Pierra Menta, and, as always, Mont Blanc. On the return, we take advantage of the setting sun to wander through the steep, narrow streets of the village of Boudin.
At the end of the day, let's gather around the festive dinner prepared by Jean Pascal and Brigitte and actively participate in this beautiful New Year's Eve celebration to move towards the next year.
Elevation gain: 450 m Length: 12 km Time: 5 hours
Day 2 -
Lake Clou seen from the hamlet of Chozeaux
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off to discover a small, secret lake hidden between spruce trees and high-altitude peat bogs covered in abundant snow... Quiet and peaceful places enjoying a magnificent view of the Beaufort valley and Mont Blanc!
Elevation gain: 550 m Length: 10 km Time: 5 hours
Day 3 -
Around the Alpine Pastures of St Guérin
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The Beaufortain massif was the subject of numerous developments in the 1960s to produce hydroelectricity. The Saint Guérin dam and lake are one example.
Our round-trip route begins at the bottom of the valley and opens into the Saint Guérin basin, dominated by vast alpine pastures bordering the Tarentaise Valley. We pass near the chapel of Saint Guérin, the patron saint of flocks...
Elevation gain: 400 m Length: 8 km Time: 4 hours
Day 4 -
Dispersion
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The stay ends after breakfast.
If you wish, you can stay an extra day and enjoy a day of skiing at the resort or spend a little time in nature.
Please note that in this case you will need to make arrangements to get to Albertville train station.
Day 5
Note
This program is indicative; it may be modified by your guide to adapt to weather and snow conditions.
SNOW COVER
We are primarily hikers, and even if there isn't enough snow, we will still run our trips. The winter atmosphere and light will be there, even if we can't use snowshoes.
The mountain is very different in winter, the colours are not the same as in summer, and the sun is lower on the horizon offering sunset lights throughout the day!
Accommodation
You will be staying in a historic hotel located in the heart of the village of Arêches-Beaufort. The establishment offers a friendly atmosphere, decorated in mountain colours, and allows you to fully enjoy the authentic ambiance of a mountain village.
Accommodation is provided in double or triple rooms. Single rooms are also available at an additional cost, subject to availability.
Meals are taken at the hotel restaurant, which offers local cuisine based on good mountain produce.
If you have any allergies or special dietary requirements, please inform us when making your reservation.
Access
Welcome :
Day 1 in the late afternoon from 5:30 pm at the Hotel in Arèches Beaufort.
Car access:
Parking: You can park your vehicle without worry near your accommodation.
Train access: Albertville TGV station
You can register for the agency's private shuttle which will meet you at 5:30 p.m. or take the line bus between Albertville station and Arèches Beaufort, line open on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Albertville station (TRA MOBILITE network line 21).
Dispersion:
The last day in the morning after breakfast.
If you wish to stay longer, if you came by train you will need to arrange with the regular shuttles between Arêches and Albertville (TRA MOBILITE network line 21).
Go to the starting point
Train access: Albertville TGV station.
You can register for the agency's private shuttle which will meet you at 5:30 p.m. or take the line bus between Albertville station and Arèches Beaufort, line open on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Albertville station (TRA MOBILITE network line 21).
You can park your vehicle without worry near your accommodation.
Price details
The price includes
- Organization and supervision costs
- Food and accommodation (based on double or twin room) with full board
- the loan of snowshoes and poles
- the transfers and visits included in the program
- the welcome drink on the first evening
- New Year's Eve
The price does not include
- drinks and personal expenses
- Single room supplement €200 (subject to availability)
- the means of transport to the meeting place
- personal equipment
- everything not mentioned in the price includes
- Insurance
Options
- Round-trip transfer to Albertville train station : CHF18.30 / unit
- Single room supplement : CHF182.96 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
- Valid identity card or passport
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
For these snowshoe hikes, you will be provided with a pair of snowshoes and hiking poles.
We also have a stock of crampons if needed.
Equipment to bring
Equipment
o 1 backpack of 35/40 litres with a flexible frame, equipped with a waist belt and allowing the snowshoes to be attached.
o A large plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack.
o 1 pair of excellent quality sunglasses with side protection.
o 1 thermos or a preferably insulated water bottle (1.5 liters minimum).
o 1 Opinel-type pocket knife.
o 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) to put your money, identity card, health insurance card and assistance contract in.
o Toiletries (opt for the essentials, small sizes, samples and travel kits).
o Earplugs or earplugs (optional).
o Toilet paper + 1 lighter.
o Sunscreen + lip balm.
o Airtight plastic container (minimum capacity 0.5 l) + cup + cutlery.
o 1 headlamp or flashlight.
o 1 survival blanket.
o Camera, binoculars (optional).
Personal pharmacy
o Your usual medications.
o Pain medication: paracetamol preferably.
o Lozenges for sore throats.
o Elastic adhesive strip, Elastoplast type, 8 cm wide.
o Sets of adhesive bandages + disinfectant compresses.
o Double skin (Compeed or SOS blister type).
Clothing to bring
Clothes :
The principles:
For the upper body, the 3-layer principle allows you to manage almost all situations:
- a long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material (hollow fiber).
- a warm fleece fur jacket.
- a waterproof and breathable windproof jacket of the gore-tex type.
When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In rain, snow, or wind, simply add a waterproof jacket. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is an essential addition.
Remember to dress warmly before you get cold, but especially to remove layers before you get too hot. Sweat is the enemy of snowshoe hikers, as it dampens clothing that quickly becomes icy during breaks. Therefore, it's very rare to undertake a climb wearing a fleece jacket.
Avoid anoraks and ski suits, which are too warm and bulky.
The ideal list : (to be adapted according to the hike and the season)
o 1 sun hat or cap.
o 1 scarf.
o 1 bonnet.
o 1 pair of gloves or mittens for winter hiking.
o Short-sleeved T-shirts made of breathable material preferably
o 1 long-sleeved undershirt in breathable material or a shirt.
o 1 fleece jacket.
o 1 waterproof and breathable windproof jacket of gore-tex type with hood.
o 1 rain cape or a bivvy bag if you own the jacket above.
o 1 loose trekking pants.
o Hiking socks (1 pair for 2 to 3 days of hiking). Opt for wool or specific hiking socks. Be careful with cotton as it can cause blisters.
One pair of high-top hiking boots with good ankle support and waterproof soles (Vibram type). Remember to test new shoes and those that haven't been used for a long time beforehand. Boots and après-ski boots are absolutely forbidden.
o 1 pair of gaiters.
o Underwear.
o 1 pair of comfortable trousers for the evening.
o 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes for the evening.
