Snowshoeing - Escape to the Haut-Giffre
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationMont Blanc Massif - France / Samoëns
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions14.56 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
A first snowshoeing trip in the heart of the snow-covered mountains!
Do you dream of going on a mountain adventure, immersing yourself in winter landscapes and experiencing the freedom of snowshoeing, but the idea of several days away from everything intimidates you? This trip is for you!
This 3-day program invites you to discover the joys of winter hiking without sacrificing comfort. As you walk through the snow, let yourself be amazed by pristine panoramas, snow-covered forests, and the peaceful atmosphere of the great outdoors.
Each day is a new opportunity to take time, recharge, and fully enjoy the mountains.
As evening falls, return to the comfort of warm and easily accessible mountain huts to enjoy a well-deserved break after your days in the great outdoors. And for the more adventurous, a summit will add a welcome touch of challenge to this winter getaway!
A great way to take the plunge, so ready to put on your snowshoes and let yourself be guided?
The highlights
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A first snowshoeing trip that's accessible and doesn't focus on performance.
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Stunning destinations nestled in the heart of exceptional alpine landscapes
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Exceptional panoramic views of the Haut-Giffre valley and the Swiss peaks
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
- Good physical condition is desirable
- For snowshoe hikers, capable of navigating on a good, slightly uneven trail or off-trail.
- 300m to 600m of elevation gain on average and 3 to 5 hours of walking over several days
- Prior experience in snowshoeing is recommended
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average distance/day: 6 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 625 m
- Average daily descent: 300 m
Management
French
English
Our guides are qualified professionals with a passion for the mountains; they will lead you safely through the snowy terrain. Expert and attentive, they share their knowledge of nature, adapt the pace to your group, and ensure your comfort.
Their aim is to provide you with a unique experience, combining the discovery of landscapes, local anecdotes and total disconnection.
Program
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From Samoëns to the Bostan Refuge
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 4 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From the center of Samoëns , a short transfer takes us to the hamlet of Les Allamands (1,096 m) , the starting point of our winter adventure. Snowshoes on, we follow an old 4x4 track that winds through larch and fir forests. As we climb, gradually but steadily, the trees thin out, giving way to the beautiful snow-covered alpine pastures of La Golèse . The panoramic views of the surrounding peaks reward our initial efforts! We continue at a leisurely pace to the Refuge de la Golèse (1,912 m) , where we settle in to enjoy our first evening in the mountains.
For those who wish to extend the pleasure, a short loop towards the Cramots alpine pasture will allow you to discover new viewpoints on the alpine landscapes.
Day 1 -
From the Golèse refuge to the Bostan refuge: heading for the alpine heights
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, let's enjoy a beautiful mountain trek!
Although the Golèse and Bostan mountain huts are only 2 km apart as the crow flies, we opted for a wilder, more scenic route to fully appreciate the landscapes. Gaining altitude, we set off to discover the Tête de Bostan and the other side of the Giffre Valley . In the distance, the Swiss foothills dominate the Champéry region, offering a magnificent backdrop. We reached the Col de Bostan (2,092 m) , an ideal spot to enjoy our picnic with a view of the mountains. Then it was just a leisurely descent to the Bostan mountain hut (1,780 m) , our cozy retreat for the second night.
Day 2 -
From the Bostan refuge to Samoëns: learning to read the mountain
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For this last day, we are heading to Samoëns , focusing on discovery and learning.
Between snowy alpine pastures and forest passages, we enjoy one last time the wide open spaces and new views of the Mont Blanc range .
Accompanied by our mountain guide, we actively participate in preparing the route: map in hand, we learn to observe the terrain, to find our way and to adapt our progress to the weather conditions and the state of the snow.
A great opportunity to gain independence while benefiting from the experience of our guide!
After a lunch break in the heart of the alpine pastures, we begin the descent into the forest in the early afternoon to return to our starting point and conclude these three beautiful days of hiking.
Day 3
Note
The route may be adapted at any time by the instructor, depending on the weather or the technical and physical level of the participants.
Accommodation
Refuge de la Golèse: refuge located at the Col de la Golèse in the heart of the alpine pasture and offers an exceptional panorama over the Giffre valley and the Manche (Morzine).
Combining convenience and mountain charm, the guardians of La Golèse will welcome you to this idyllic alpine setting.
Bostan Refuge : Perched at 1,763 m altitude above Samoëns, this warm and welcoming wooden chalet has been welcoming hikers since the 1980s. With 72 beds and a sunny terrace, it offers accommodation and meals year-round. Ideal for a stopover on the way to other peaks.
Access
For the end of the stay, the return to Allamands is planned for mid-afternoon.
The return time is indicative : if you have a train or plane to catch, allow a safety margin.
Organization: A few days before your departure, the guide in charge of the group will contact you to answer all your questions.
Go to the starting point
🚆 Practical routes
Cluses — nearest train station (~20 km from Samoëns)
Annemasse — a little further away (~57 km) but also served
Bellegarde — possible if you arrive by TGV and then take a shuttle/taxi afterwards
🚍 Connections to Samoëns
Regional bus Y94 (from Cluses) or Y02 (from Annemasse) to Samoëns
Alternatively, taxi or private shuttle between the train station and Samoëns
✅ The bus drops you off at several stops in the village (including Bus Station, Grand Massif Express, etc.).
✈️ Airplane
Geneva International Airport (GVA) is the most convenient for Samoëns, located approximately 50–78 km from the village.
🚕 Transfer to Samoëns
Taxi or private transfer service
– Many companies offer direct transfers from the airport to Samoëns.
Train + bus
– From Geneva Airport, take a train to Cluses (via Geneva Cornavin and/or Léman Express).
– Then take the regional bus line Y94 or a taxi to Samoëns (20 km).
👉 This may require some coordination of connections, especially outside of ski season.
🚗 Route
Take the A40 motorway (Geneva ↔ Chamonix)
Exit n°18 Cluses-Scionzier, then direction Samoëns (approx. 20 min after)
📍 From Geneva city centre or airport: allow approximately 1 hour drive without traffic.
⚠️ In winter (from November 1st to March 31st), winter tires/chains may be mandatory on mountain roads.
🅿️ Free / Public Parking
Samoëns has several free or public car parks conveniently located in the village, often near the centre or services:
Tourist Office parking lot — free (~40 spaces) and close to the centre.
Parking de la Cour, Parking des 7 Monts, Place des Dents Blanches — municipal parking lots close to the centre.
Grand Massif Express parking — convenient if you are taking the cable car.
📌 Note: in some areas the local market (e.g. Wednesday morning) may temporarily reduce the spaces available.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a qualified mountain guide.
- Two nights half-board (dinner, breakfast and overnight stay) in mountain huts in mixed dormitories
- Picnics and race food
- Loan of snowshoes, poles, avalanche transceivers, shovels, probes
The price does not include
- The round trip to the meeting point
- Drinks and personal expenses (bring cash)
- 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 .
