Snowshoeing - The Contamines-Montjoie reserve

Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).

In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.

It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.

ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.

Walking shoes

- Shoes suitable for snowshoeing (warm and waterproof, which support the ankle well).

- For new shoes, break them in to your feet first by wearing them beforehand.

- If you are prone to blisters: apply talcum powder to dry feet and inside shoes in the morning.

Backpack

- Minimum volume 40 L (better too big than too small). Allow enough space for the picnic.

- A tip for snowy conditions: even if you have a rain cover, always protect your belongings in a plastic bag (large)

garbage bag), inside the backpack.

Bag weight

Take your time packing your bag, choose each item with the thought that you will be wearing it on the first and last day.

With a little ingenuity, you can save weight on many things. Try to compress the

For business, a small bag is better balanced and the feeling of weight is significantly reduced.

We recommend that you pay particular attention to your equipment choices, as they greatly contribute to the success of your trip. Weight is a key factor; you should always consider the weight-to-comfort ratio to find a good compromise.

Because weather conditions can vary greatly, it's better to layer thin garments rather than one thick one. Staying dry is essential in all circumstances.

Textiles

Regarding underwear (T-shirts, boxer shorts, socks), avoid cotton which is heavy, cold and dries very slowly.

Opt for technical synthetic fabrics, or wool (merino). They are warmer, dry quickly, and don't smell!

For the day

- 1 long-sleeved technical T-shirt

- 1 thin fleece fur

- 1 pair of Gore-tex type trousers, 1 pair of long-legged underwear (synthetic fabric)

- 1 pair of wool socks

- 1 Gore-tex jacket

- 1 pair of fleece gloves, 1 pair of mittens, 1 pair of silk gloves

- 1 beanie, 1 scarf and/or 1 neck warmer (Buff type)

- 1 water bottle (1L minimum capacity, 1.5L is better!) preferably insulated

- 1 knife, 1 fork (spork type)

- Hat, sunglasses (category 3 minimum), sunscreen, sun protection lip balm

- Optional: camera, binoculars, etc…

For the entire hike

- 1 down jacket (or thick fleece)

- 1 pair of long-legged boxer shorts

- Spare clothes (T-shirt, underwear, socks)

- Flashlight, or headlamp

- Personal pharmacy *

- Ultralight toiletries kit, customizable for you! (including a technical towel)

- Sleeping bag liner (the lightest and most comfortable option remains the silk liner)

- ID + cash for personal expenses, tissues, toilet paper

- Gaiters if your trousers do not effectively cover the top of the shoe.

* Elastoplast, "second skin" dressings, compresses, medications for common ailments: diarrhea, constipation, headaches

Sore throat, headaches, pain, allergies, … and your personal treatment.

The guide has a first aid kit.