The trip

LEVEL**

Elevation: +/- 400 to 650m approximately per day.
Walking time: 4 to 5 hours per day depending on the group.
Type of trek: this tour is not technically difficult and is open to all, no prior experience of snowshoeing necessary.
Same hotel all week that permits a rest day at any point.

THE SNOW

With climate change, we can no longer be sure of the presence and quality of snow in the mountains, even in the Northern Alps. However, the mountains in winter, even without snowshoes, are still a treasure trove to be discovered. When snowshoes can't be used due to lack of snow, mini-crampons are available to ensure that you can practise in complete safety.

GUIDING

Number in a group between 6 and 12 people supervised by a qualified professional winter mountain leader, specialist in snow and avalanches.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation in a charming 3-star hotel in the centre of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. Rooms for 2 people with private bathroom (3 if there is an odd number of people).

Single room supplement on request.

MEALS

Breakfasts are taken in the hotel and dinners in a restaurant in the centre of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. For lunch, we take a picnic lunch of hot soup and regional produce.

MAPS

IGN Top 25 - 3531 ET Saint-Gervais-les-Bains et 3531 OT Megève

Practical information

ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT

Meet friday at 10am with your guide at the accommodation.

BY TRAIN

Outward journey (Friday): Departure from Gare de Lyon (Paris), arrival at Gare du Fayet (Saint-Gervais-les-Bains). Then bus, departure from Le Fayet station (Saint-Gervais-les-Bains), arrival at Saint-Gervais-les-Bains village centre.

Return journey (Sunday): Bus to Le Fayet station (Saint-Gervais-les-Bains). Departure from Gare du Fayet (Saint-Gervais-les-Bains), arrival at Gare de Lyon (Paris).

Please check your journey with the SNCF.

BY CAR

A40 motorway to Sallanches/Passy, then exit 21 towards Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. Hotel in the centre of the village of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains (74)

The tour ends on Sunday around 4pm at the hotel.

ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER

Extra night before or after your stay (based on a 2-person room): €83 in a B&B (subject to availability)

Saint-Gervais-les-Bains tourist office : +33 (0) 4 50 47 76 08

CONTACT US

If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible : +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07

Equipment & luggage

EQUIPMENT LIST

Material for snowshoeing (snowshoes and poles) is provided. However, if you have your own equipment and would like to use it you are free to do so. Avalanche safety equipment is also provided (transceiver, shovel and probe).

Clothing

• Waterproof ski or winter walking trousers
• Wind stopper or Goretex jacket
• Breathable or merino wool t-shirts
• Fleece or jumper
• Insulating down jacket
• 2 pairs of ski gloves and a warm hat
• Walking socks (1 pair per day)
• Sturdy waterproof walking boots

Other Equipment

• Rucksack minimum 35 litre capacity
• Sunglasses and ski mask
• Sun cream
• Water bottle and Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
• Knife and spoon
• Cup(s) for soup and coffee
• Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
• Survival blanket
• Identity card or passport
• Swimming costume, clean flip-flops suitable for aquatic areas and towel (for your shower before leaving the spa)

BACPACK

Bring a comfortable backpack of 35 to 40 litres for your avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, shovel and probe), personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, water, cup and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.