Snowshoeing weekend at the foot of Mont Blanc
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationMont Blanc Massif - France / Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions8.85 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Enjoy the beauty of the mountains during a snowshoeing weekend in the Contamines-Montjoie nature reserve . A wild and unspoiled area, ideal for getting away from it all. Savor the warm atmosphere of the Refuge des Prés , recently renovated for your comfort, where the wardens prepare delicious local and homemade dishes . A true delight for the taste buds!
For stays on December 31, 2026, January 23 and March 20, 2027, the weekend takes place at the Bostan Refuge and not at the Prés Refuge.
The highlights
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A wild setting in the heart of a nature reserve
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A warm and comfortable refuge
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A local guide who knows the area like the back of his hand
Photos
Josselin - verified review - february 2025
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
These trips are accessible to the widest possible audience and offer hikes of up to 6 hours per day, without any particular technical difficulty.
A good level of physical fitness is necessary to complete several days of hiking with at least 800 meters of daily elevation gain. Accommodation may be basic, or even camping. Regular practice of an endurance sport is recommended before departure.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average daily elevation gain: 540 m
- Average daily descent: 525 m
- Maximum altitude: 2237 m
Management
French
English
Your guide is a true enthusiast ! They will lead you along the trails and share their extensive knowledge of the environment . Beyond their expertise in safety and navigation, they will introduce you to the region's treasures: natural (wildlife, flora, minerals, terrain, etc.) and cultural (people, traditions, legends, cuisine, heritage, etc.). They will help you enjoy the group adventure and make your stay unforgettable .
Program
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Ascent to the refuge
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 785 m
- Negative elevation 50 m
- Maximum altitude 1935 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet in the morning at Notre Dame de la Gorge , in Les Contamines-Montjoie, the starting point for your wonderful weekend of snowshoeing . You'll ascend along the Roman road and then take a winding path through a wild area. You'll pass by the Chalets des Prés before arriving at the refuge in the afternoon.
Important! For stays on December 31, 2025 and January 31, 2026, the weekend will take place at the Refuge de Bostan, not the Refuge des Prés. The meeting point will be in Samoëns on Saturday.
Day 1 -
Hike to the Col de la Fenêtre and back
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 295 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Maximum altitude 2237 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
You'll spend the day exploring the beautiful landscapes surrounding the refuge. Depending on the group's level and the conditions, several routes are possible to ensure you have the most enjoyable day. For example, you could hike up to the Col de la Fenêtre and loop back through the forest to enjoy the snow on your return. The trip ends in the afternoon.
Day 2
Note
The elevation gains and walking times are given as a guide only. Depending on weather conditions and availability at the refuge, the route may be modified partially or entirely.
For stays on December 31, 2026, January 23 and March 20, 2027, the weekend takes place at the Refuge de Bostan and not at the Refuge des Prés.
Accommodation
You'll spend the night at the Refuge des Prés, right in the heart of the nature reserve near Contamines-Montjoie. This former alpine chalet has been recently renovated and offers all the necessary amenities to rest and recharge for the next day!
If the Refuge des Prés is unavailable, the stay will take place at the Refuge de Bostan, an equally idyllic setting.
Access
Please note: For stays on December 31, 2026, January 23, and March 20, 2027, the weekend will take place at the Refuge de Bostan, not the Refuge des Prés . The meeting point will be in Samoëns on Saturday.
Go to the starting point
Please note: For stays on December 31, 2026, January 23, and March 20, 2027, the weekend will take place at the Refuge de Bostan, not the Refuge des Prés . The meeting point will be in Samoëns on Saturday.
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a qualified Mountain Guide
- Dormitory accommodation at Refuge des Prés for one night (For stays on December 31, 2026, January 23 and March 20, 2027, the weekend takes place at Refuge de Bostan)
- Half board (dinner and breakfast)
- Lunch picnics and snacks during the hike
- Loan of snowshoes, poles and safety equipment
The price does not include
- Personal hiking equipment (shoes, poles, personal first-aid kit, etc.)
- Personal extras at the refuge (drinks, etc.)
- Transportation to the starting point of the hike and from the drop-off point
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
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.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Snowshoes
- Sticks
- Safety equipment
Equipment to bring
- Lightweight hiking backpack of approximately 30 to 40L. Bring a rain cover.
- Category 4 sunglasses preferred, and a case
- Sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 40
- Survival blanket
- Personal toiletry kit
- Bath towel
- Water bottle for the day's hike, minimum 1.5 L
- Thermos for hot drinks
- Multi-purpose knife
- Camera
- Meat bag
- Headlamp and spare batteries
Clothing to bring
- A beanie
- A hat or a cap
- A buff or scarf to protect against dust and sun
- Breathable and comfortable short-sleeved T-shirts
- Breathable and comfortable long-sleeved T-shirts
- Micropolar or equivalent (second layer)
- Fleece or softshell jacket
- Gore-Tex type protective jacket (third layer)
- A lightweight down jacket
- Hiking pants or ski pants
- Lightweight protective trousers, such as Gore-Tex.
- gaiters
Fleece tights or other
- Comfortable socks. Order one size smaller to avoid blisters.
- Comfortable and waterproof high-top hiking boots: don't start out in brand new shoes to avoid blisters.
- Comfortable shoes for the evening at the refuge
They traveled with us
