• Snowshoeing - Escape to the Haut-Giffre
  • Snowshoeing - Escape to the Haut-Giffre
  • Snowshoeing - Escape to the Haut-Giffre
  • Snowshoeing - Escape to the Haut-Giffre
  • Snowshoeing - Escape to the Haut-Giffre
Mont Blanc Massif / Samoëns

Snowshoeing - Escape to the Haut-Giffre

Réf : EFUGEY

In summary

  • Sports
  • Duration
    2 days
  • Level
    Confirmed

    Levels

    Snowshoeing

    Beginner
    For those wishing to walk for 3 to 4 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, or trails, or across rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
    Intermediate
    For those who wish to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of approximately 300 to 500 meters on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
    Confirmed
    For those wishing to hike for approximately 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 500 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in sports activities 1 to 2 times a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
    Advanced
    For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and 1,000 meters of elevation gain, off-trail or on rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports 2 to 3 times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
    Expert
    For those who want to hike intensely for 7 to 8 hours a day with over 1,000 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years.
  • Destination
    Mont Blanc Massif / Samoëns
  • Age
    From the age of 18
  • CO₂-Emissions
    8.85 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This group trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience a sporting adventure with other enthusiasts and be guided.
    Type of stay
    In a group
  • Languages
    🇫🇷
    French
    🇬🇧
    English

In a few words

In the heart of the Haut-Giffre , this snowshoeing trip offers a three-day immersion between snow-covered forests, wild alpine pastures and exceptional panoramas.

From Samoëns , you join the Allamands before gaining altitude to the Golèse refuge , perched at 1,912 m, in a preserved setting facing the surrounding peaks.

The next day, the route takes you to the Bostan refuge via the heights and the Bostan pass, at 2,092 m . A panoramic crossing that reveals the other side of the Giffre valley and the Swiss foothills overlooking Champéry , before descending back to the refuge.

For this final day, it's all about independence and navigation. Between alpine pastures and forests, you'll work with your guide to read the map and assess the terrain in order to plan the route best suited to the snow and weather conditions. A fun and practical way to develop your mountain navigation skills.

Combining adventure, learning, disconnection and contemplation, this stay favours small groups (8 people max) to guarantee conviviality and quality of supervision.

An authentic experience to discover the winter mountains in a different way, accompanied by an experienced guide.


The highlights

  • Wild crossing between the Golèse and Bostan refuges
  • Learning mountain orienteering in real-world conditions
  • Exceptional panoramic views of the Haut-Giffre valley and the Swiss peaks
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Photos

Sport

Level

Snowshoeing

Confirmed

Levels

Snowshoeing

Beginner
For those wishing to walk for 3 to 4 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, or trails, or across rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
Intermediate
For those who wish to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of approximately 300 to 500 meters on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
Confirmed
For those wishing to hike for approximately 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 500 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in sports activities 1 to 2 times a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
Advanced
For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and 1,000 meters of elevation gain, off-trail or on rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports 2 to 3 times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
Expert
For those who want to hike intensely for 7 to 8 hours a day with over 1,000 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years.
For those wishing to hike for approximately 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 500 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in sports activities 1 to 2 times a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.

The expert's opinion

  1. Good physical condition is desirable
  2. For snowshoe hikers, capable of navigating on a good, slightly uneven trail or off-trail.
  3. 600m to 700m of elevation gain on average and 4 to 5 hours of walking over several days
  4. Prior experience in snowshoeing is recommended

In figures

Snowshoes

  • Average duration/day: 5h
  • Average daily elevation gain: 650 m
  • Average daily descent: 650 m

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band : 1 supervisor for 4 to 8 people
Languages ​​spoken:
🇫🇷
French
🇬🇧
English
Supervisor

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.

Management

Security

The itinerary may be modified at any time by the professional supervisor depending on weather conditions and/or the technical and physical level of the participants.

Your guide is committed to providing you with an unforgettable experience.


A few days before your departure, the guide in charge of the group will contact you to answer all your questions.

Learn more about supervision

Program

Day 1
Day 2
  • map

    The Call of the Peaks - From Samoëns to the Bostan Refuge

    • Activity Snowshoes
    • Duration of the activity 5h
    • Positive elevation gain 700 m
    • Negative elevation 100 m
    • Accommodation Refuge
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch included
    • Dinner included

    A gentle start, an arrival at altitude


    Begin your adventure in the heart of Samoëns, where a short transfer takes you to Les Allamands (1,096 m) , the gateway to the great outdoors. From the very first steps, the ascent to the Col de la Golèse (1,671 m) unfolds before you, easy and gradual, like an invitation to escape. You'll be walking on the legendary GR5 , the Great Alpine Crossing that connects Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, and already feel the call of the peaks.


    After crossing a shoulder at 1,775 m , a magnificent spectacle unfolds before you: the Dents d'Oddaz , vertiginous cliffs rising proudly before you. The Bostan refuge (1,763 m) then appears, nestled in its alpine pasture, promising a warm evening and a well-deserved rest.

    Day 1

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

During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.

Access

Departure
66 place de l'Office du Tourisme 74340 Samoëns
Day 1 : 10h00
End of stay
66 place de l'Office du Tourisme 74340 Samoëns
Day 2 - 16h00

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

Access by train
Take the train toCluses

🚆 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.).

Access by plane
The nearest airport isGenève

✈️ 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.

Access by car
Travel to the place of stay with parking available

🚗 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.

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Price details

The price includes

  1. The trip will be supervised by a qualified mountain guide.
  2. Half-board (dinner, breakfast and overnight stay) at the Bostan refuge in a mixed dormitory
  3. Picnics and race food
  4. Loan of snowshoes, poles, avalanche transceivers, shovels, probes

The price does not include

  1. The round trip to the meeting point
  2. Drinks and personal expenses (bring cash)
  3. Anything not listed under "Price includes"

Options

  1. Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities
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A historic institution founded in 1821, our local partner is a key player in the Chamonix Valley. With a team of 160 high-mountain guides and 60 tour leaders, the company offers unparalleled expertise for exploring the peaks. While mountaineering and hiking are its historical cornerstones, the company has diversified its offerings to include trail running, mountain biking, and snowshoeing. The agency leverages its centuries-old heritage and professionalism to create exceptional mountain experiences tailored to all skill levels.
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