A snowshoe journey through the French Chablais
This is a “must-do” winter journey for snowshoe enthusiasts, crossing the Chablais Mountains from the rustic village of Megevette in the Arve Valley to the sparkling shores of Lake Geneva. The Chablais region is celebrated for its superb snowshoeing terrain, with many high points offering breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc range.
Since we pioneered this route in 2009, it has become a classic for winter adventurers. Over six days, we cover a total of 84.5 km (53 miles), immersing ourselves in pristine alpine landscapes, quiet valleys, and sweeping mountain vistas. This journey combines challenge, beauty, and the joy of snowshoeing in one of the French Alps’ most spectacular settings.
Highlights
- A true mountain journey
- Explore hidden valleys and wild summits
- Visit quaint and characterful ancient villages
- Sample tasty local cuisine and culture
- Airport transfer to first hotel included
- Daily transfers of your luggage
- Only a day rucksack needed!
As we travel on our snowshoes from village to village we pass through remote valleys, under towering limestone cliffs and over high plateaus. Each day our luggage is taken by taxi to our next hotel - no heavy loads to carry!
Holiday Reviews
Grade: Advanced
READ GRADE DESCRIPTIONAt a Glance
| Holiday Type | Snowshoeing |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Group Size | 4-8 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 1620m (5313ft) |
| Countries Visited | France |
| Meet In | Geneva Airport |
Why book with T&T?
- Highly professional guides
- Personal service guaranteed
- Attention to detail throughout
- Explore off the beaten track
- Single rooms on request
- No surcharge guaranteed
Related Articles
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Snowshoeing in the Alps
02 Feb 2017
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Chablais Snowshoeing
12 Dec 2012
Dates and Prices
2027 Departures
2028 Departures
What's Included
- 7 nights half board accommodation 2** hotel or similar; breakfast, and dinner, based on twin rooms
- Professional guiding services of a qualified International Mountain Leader
- Daily luggage transfers to the next night’s accommodation
- Taxi transfer to Evian on the last day of snowshoeing
- Taxi transfer between Hirmentaz and Malatrix
- Snowshoe equipment - snowshoes, poles, snow shovel, avalanche probe and avalanche transceiver
- Group transfer from Geneva airport to our first hotel in Megevette
What's Not Included
- Lunches
- Travel Insurance - required
- Travel to & from meeting point
- Miscellaneous personal spending
Itinerary
Your guide will meet you in the hotel bar, at approximately 1900 hrs, in the tiny village of Mégevette, when you will have the chance will be available to discuss the itinerary and answer any questions about the week ahead. A group transfer from Geneva airport will be included in your trip cost, see our Trip Information for full details.
Today we begin our journey from west to east, and what a beautiful voyage it is. We leave our hotel and walk through the village, then we begin to climb while wandering through several hamlets where we can enjoy the local architecture of the old farm buildings. After a few km's (miles) we turn off onto a narrow trail into the forest and begin our climb through woodland. After a short time we pass the site of a memorial to the French Resistance which recounts how the local community fought and suffered during World War II. Soon after we are above the trees as we arrive at the Col de la Bray which sits at 1442m (4729ft), just below the summit of the Pointe des Jottis. From here we enter the open plateau that is home to an 'alpage', the ancient summer homes of the cow herders. We then head towards the frozen forest, and a wandering trail that takes us steeply down to the picturesque Chapelle de St Bruno by the edge of the lake. Here we are picked up in the village for our transfer to our overnight in a nearby hamlet.
Ascent: 1053m (3453ft) Descent: 819m (2686ft) Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) Duration: 6h30
This morning we have a short transfer to our start point at Malatraix where we begin our climb up the south face of the mountain to the vast spaces of the Trè-le-Saix, 1486m (4874ft). This is our only vehicle transfer of the trip and one which cannot be avoided due to limited accommodation options. The Malatraix area is popular with ski mountaineers and usually we have company as we climb. The views from the top are fabulous, and if it is a clear day we can see all the way to Lake Geneva. We then traverse the plateau and head for the Col de la Balme, 1445m (4739ft), and finally to Col de Seytrouset, 1564m (5129ft). Today involves no less than three Cols, and it is a spectacular walk. Once we gain our third Col we then begin our descent to the Dranse de Morzine. There is a sting in the tail though, as we have a short steep climb to our overnight stop in the ancient village of Biot!
Ascent: 870m(2853ft) Descent: 1000m (3280ft) Distance: 14km (8.7 miles) Duration: 7h50
We leave the quaint village of Biot and climb past the old chalets to gain a track through the forest. We then head steadily upwards until we gain the alpage of Thex where we often stop under the eaves of the traditionally built farm buildings for a morning coffee and snack. After our coffee stop we make our way under the Pointe de Cercle until the Montagne de Drouzin, 1620m (53131ft). Here the views open up and we can often see all the way to the Jura mountains in Switzerland. A final short ascent, and we are on our way through the forest and down to the famous village of Abondance. We gain the Abondance valley by the north face of the Montagne de Drouzin until we reach the Alpages de Druges. We spend the night in the lovely village of Abondance which is well known for the cloisters at the Abbey and also for its cheese!
Ascent: 780m (2558ft) Descent: 700m (2296ft) Distance: 14km (8.7 miles) Duration: 7h00
This is one of our favourite days as we access the remote valley of Ubine. We begin by strolling past the famous 15th century cloister of Abondance with its ancient frescos. We then head along the road for a short distance as we climb to the hamlet of Mont with its immense chalets in the Chablais style. Colourful bee hives line our route and are usually roofed by a blanket of snow. After a climb through the forest, passing ancient chalets, we reach the ridge of Mont Chauffe at Col de la Plagne, 1546m (5070ft). Then its off down into the stunning valley of Ubine which is uninhabited in winter. After visiting the chapel with its beautiful stained glass windows, we then follow a cart track down to the village of Vacheresse where we spend the night. We are often accompanied on the descent by fellow snowshoers or ski mountaineers. It is always pleasant to compare notes with others in the mountains and chat about the highlights of the day.
Ascent: 780m (2558ft) Descent 880m (2886ft)) Distance: 16km (10 miles) Duration: 6h5
There are several ways to reach Mont Baron from Vacheresse. We choose to head up the Replain valley until we reach the foot of the summit slope. On our way we will pass many old farm buildings, and yet again we can enjoy witnessing the architecture of the area and the 'old life' of the mountain people. In the summer months these slopes are the home to large flocks of sheep, and also the local Abondance cows which produce the excellent cheese of the same name. You can tell an Abondance cow as she has a white face, but wears 'spectacles'! Nothing you can buy in an opticians, but instead she has large brown-coloured circles around her eyes, very distinctive! Once we reach the foot of Mont Baron we climb to the summit at 1556m (5103ft) and enjoy views of our route for the next day. Sometimes we can even see our hotel from the summit, but it requires a keen eye. Finally we begin our descent to the village of Bernex for the night.
Ascent: 900m (2952ft) Descent: 800m (2624ft) Distance: 12km (7.5miles) Duration: 6h00
Today we traverse Mont Benand at 1284m (5407ft), with its summit offering great views of the Gavot plateau and the enormous expanse of water that is Lake Geneva, known locally as Lac Leman. It is indeed one of the latest lakes in Europe. This is a beautiful traverse under the north face of the huge cliff of the Memises where we make our way down to Thollon at 937m (3073ft). At this altitude we may well have to cast aside our snowshoes as we make our way down to Lac Leman itself for a spot of toe dipping in the water! We then travel to the world famous spa town of Évian-les-Bains, where we spend our last night for easy transfer to Geneva airport the next morning.
Ascent: 524m (1718ft) Descent: 1110m (3640ft) Distance: 16.5km (10.3 miles) Duration: 6h50
Today is departure day after completing a true traverse of the Chablais region. Tracks and Trails services end after breakfast. In Evian we normally stay within easy reach of the train station for departures to Geneva on the French railway. However, you can take the morning ferry across Lake Geneva, and then catch the Swiss train system direct to the airport. A wonderful way to end the journey!
We aim to follow the itinerary outlined above whenever possible. However, your guide may need to make changes due to weather conditions or in the interests of the group's safety and enjoyment. Snowshoes are used to assist with winter hiking, but if there is insufficient snow to require them, the trip will still go ahead as planned. Our kit list includes microspikes, as these may be needed in low-snow or icy conditions. Please let us know in advance if you would like to borrow a pair.
Accommodation
We aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. Our trip fees are based on two people sharing a bedroom, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom. If you are booking as a single traveller you will share with someone of the same gender. A single room may be available for your private use, but requires early booking and will incur a supplementary charge. For further details refer to Trip Information > Single Supplements. Our suggested accommodation, listed below, is subject to availability at the time of booking and is an indication of our accommodation, not a guarantee. Note it is unusual to have air conditioning in bedrooms in the mountain areas where our trips take place. If you have any questions about the accommodation please contact us.
The Traverse of the Chablais is a wonderful point-to-point trip, travelling from one tiny village to another, where there are very few, and sometimes no, alternative options for our overnights. This means that on occasion we will stay in accommodation which will be characterful, and rustic, but with private bedrooms, and en suite facilities. On occasions when the accommodation is already fully booked we may have to spend two nights in one location, but will still snowshoe the route from point-to-point. The advantage is that you will have one night without having to re-pack your luggage.
Auberge de Mégevette, Mégevette
Our meeting point is the Auberge de Mégevette. Auberge is an interesting description to define as most are simply village 'hotels' or 'inn'.
The Auberge has en suite bedrooms, and dinner is traditional local dishes from the Savoyard region. Single rooms are not generally available and the accommodation is the only option in Megevette . It does, however, provide the opportunity to stay in a true mountain inn run by local people. There is a cosy bar which is often frequented by the locals.
Hotel Les Moineaux, Bellevaux
Les Moineaux, is a family run hotel, which lies at the entrance to the village of Bellevaux, in the borders of the Brevon Valley.
At Les Moineaux all the bedrooms have either a balcony or terrace and most have views of the mountains. All rooms have en suite facilities and satellite television. The hotel specialises in regional food, and there is a hearty breakfast buffet
Hotel Les Tilleuls, Le Biot
This family run hotel is in the village of Le Biot which is perched on the side of a mountain above the valley.
The village of Le Biot is both quaint and quiet. The Hotel Les Tilleuls l is simple, providing clean and comfortable rooms which are all en suite. It is the only accommodation option in this tiny village. A true Savoyard experience.
Hotel Le Ferraillon, Abondance
Hotel Le Ferraillon is a cozy, family-run 3-star chalet located in the heart of the Abondance Valley, near the Portes du Soleil ski area.
Hotel Le Ferraillon offers traditional Savoyard charm with modern comforts, it features warm wooden rooms, an indoor heated pool, spa, and fitness area. Guests enjoy hearty local cuisine in the on-site restaurant, including fondue and homemade desserts.
Hotel Plein Soleil, Vacheresse
The Plein Soleil is very comfortable with lovely views down the valley. This is a family run hotel and all of the bedrooms have en suite facilities.
Our hotel is situated in the old hamlet of Vacheresse with its traditionally built chalets.
Chalet Le Titlis, Bernex
Chalet Le Titlis is situated on the mountain side above the village of Bernex. This traditional chalet sits at 1100m (3608ft) and offers a wonderful panoramic view of the Dent d'Oche mountain.
Chalet Le Titlis has eight bedrooms and a capacity to take thirty-one people. We know you will receive a warm welcome from Cathy and Christian Birraux who run the chalet. The chalet also has an indoor swimming pool to help relax any aching muscles.
Hotel Littoral, Evian-les-Bains
We finish our trip with a night in the famous spa town of Evian-les-Bains where we head to the lovely family run 3* Hotel Littoral.
In 1953, Francis and Christiane Dufour settled down in Evian-les-Bains, taking over the Café de l’Union. They then decided to turn it into a restaurant, and eventually an hotel. In 1988, the Grivel neighbourhood was completely re-vamped which meant their Hotel de l’Etoile had to be taken down. Two years later, Chantal opened a brand new establishment, the Littoral hotel. Sévrine, Chantal’s daughter, is now running the hotel and continuing the family tradition.
There is a spa which is open to hotel guests, and costs 10€ per booking with a duration of between an hour to an hour and a half. A great way to ease your muscles at the end of a week of snowshoeing. The spa requires booking in advance.
The hotel is decorated in traditional alpine style, and is centrally located and very close to Lake Geneva. The hotel is 1km (0.6 miles) from the railway station, and is 500 metres (0.3 miles) from the CGN ferry terminal if you plan to finish the trip with a crossing to Lausanne, and then the train to Geneva.
Trip Information
Arrival
The Alps are easily reached from other European and worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane. Geneva is the closest international airport for this trip, approximately 1 hour by road.
For this trip we include a group transfer from Geneva airport in Switzerland to our start point at the small village of Megevette, which is north of the town of Saint Jeoire in France. The group transfer will be at approximately 17h30, though this may be earlier if the arrival times of the group members allow it. Make sure you allow enough time for your flight to make this departure time. If this is not possible we can give advice on how to get to Megevette by train and taxi. The journey from the airport to Megevette is approximately 1 hour.
Departure
We finish in the famous French spa town Evian-les-Bains and it is a fantastic end to the trip to catch the morning ferry across Lake Geneva and then the train to the Geneva airport. Timetables are available here. Please ensure that you have allowed enough time to travel to the airport for your return flight. Alternatively, you can travel to Geneva airport from the local railway station, but you may have to change trains.
If you choose to take the ferry and then a train to Geneva airport you need to buy a ticket at the ferry office or on board to Lausanne Gare, as this includes the cost of the Metro from the boat to Lausanne station. The ferry journey takes 35 mins and you can usually buy drinks/snacks on board.
When you get off the ferry at Lausanne there is a small park area of grass and trees which you can cut diagonally leftwards across, heading for Lausanne-Ouchy-Olympique where you take the Metro to Lausanne Gare (the train station). It takes about 2/3 mins to walk from the ferry to the Metro. The Metro station is in front of you as you arrive at the buildings and just left of the ‘Restaurant Le Pirate’. The Metro journey takes around 5 mins to Lausanne Gare.
The journey time from Lausanne Gare (the train station) to Geneva airport takes about 50-55 mins.
It is possible to buy a combined boat, metro AND train ticket to the airport.
It is your responsibility to ensure any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and the activity you will be undertaking. Tracks & Trails cannot advise on insurance policies or be held responsible if, in the event of a claim, your insurance is inadequate.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue It is a condition of booking you are insured for mountain rescue, medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. The exception to the mountain rescue insurance requirement is if the trip is taking place in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Ensure your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude can be checked in the 'At A Glance' box on the trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance Insurance should be booked as soon as we confirm your trip is going ahead. Deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the minimum numbers required. In this case we offer a full refund or the option to transfer to another trip.
Baggage Loss/Equipment Damage We advise insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage.
All the above is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further information on insurance options click here.
When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have the appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and the accommodation you will be staying in.
Generally clothing for snowshoeing should be equivalent to that used for walking in the mountains in winter. For this trip all the necessary snowshoe equipment is provided free of charge. This includes snowshoes, walking poles, snow probe, snow shovel, and avalanche transceiver. The carrying of this safety equipment is compulsory and demonstrates ‘best practice’.
If your shoesize is bigger than EU47 / UK 12 - please get in touch so we can make sure to supply you with the correct snowshoes.
Equipment
Snowshoes - supplied free of charge
Poles - supplied free of charge
Avalanche Transceiver - supplied free of charge
Shovel - supplied free of charge
Snow Probe - supplied free of charge
Rucksack – 30-35 litres, with waist and chest strap. Ideally it should have a system that allows you to attach snowshoes if it is necessary to carry them.
Rucksack – waterproof liner/cover
Winter Hiking Boots - warm and waterproof. They must cover your ankles. A 'stiff' B2 boot which takes a crampon is not advised.
Bags to waterproof items, such as documentation
Gaiters - useful on days with deep fresh snow
Emergency foil blanket
Micro-spikes - recommended for conditions when snowshoes are not practical. Please let us know if you'd like for us to supply some for you.
Clothing
Waterproof jacket - essential, this must keep you dry during a day of continuous snowfall or at least as dry as any waterproof jacket ever keeps you!
Waterproof trousers - in case of heavy snowfall
Trousers - windproof and warm
Thermal top - long sleeves
Thin fleece - long sleeves
Waistcoat - fleece/wind stopper
Gloves x 2 (one thick and one thin)
Over-mittens for colder days can be useful
Warm hat
Sun hat
Head/ear band
Duvet jacket (or second warm layer)
Scarf or 'Buff' for neck
Socks - 2 or 3 pairs
Comfort
Lip salve
Sunscreen - essential
Sunglasses - essential
Goggles - very useful in snowfall
Snack bars/chocolate
Tissues - we recommend biodegradable bags to dispose of rubbish
Anti-bacterial hand wash
Personal First Aid
Personal medication
Blister plasters (e.g. Compeed)
Painkillers/anti-inflammatory
Glucose tablets/Energy gel
2 x Rehydration sachets - eg Dioralyte
Throat lozenges
Antiseptic cream/spray
Documentation
Mountain Rescue/Ski Insurance documents - compulsory
Passport
Credit card
Cash - Euros
GHIC - if travelling from UK for medical cover
Additional Items
Slippers for use at accommodation
Clothing for use at accommodation
Hair dryer if required
Travel Kettle if required
Swimwear for sauna. This depends on which accommodation has been booked for your trip
Camera/ Book/Music
Toiletries – soap/shower gel; not all accommodation supplies these
Ear plugs - if room sharing
Small thermos for hot drinks
Head torch - plus spare batteries
Padlock - for luggage being transferred
1 Medium sized - kitbag/holdall/suitcase
Sit mat (optional)
Your luggage will be moved each day by a taxi driver. Please restrict yourself to one bag of approximately 15kg (33lbs) per person. Not all hotels have 'lifts' and you must be able to carry your luggage upstairs. There may be a charge imposed by the taxi company if you have more than 1 bag, and we would ask you to cover this.
**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**
Leaders are all first aid trained and carry their own first aid kit
On many trips there will be an element of 'group kit'. This kit will will be minimal and usually a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example, on a week-long trip you may carry a shelter for one day before passing it to the next person. If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items, such as a snow shovel, probe, spare ski pole etc.
For each trip a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm your trip will go-ahead. Minimum and maximum numbers are displayed in 'At a Glance' on the righthand of the trip page. If you book travel before we have emailed to confirm the trip is guaranteed we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. This trip has a single supplement of £270 in 2027 and £285 in 2028.
For these trips we supply, free of charge, all snowshoe equipment; snowshoes, hiking poles, avalanche transceiver, snow shovel and snow probe. The carrying of this equipment, worth £600 per person, is compulsory. We kindly ask that you take good care of the equipment supplied.
Avalanche Transceivers Wearing an avalanche transceiver is good practice in a winter environment. An avalanche transceiver is a device about the size of your hand which is worn under the top layers of your clothing. It emits a silent signal that can be picked up by anyone searching for you. You may have done previous snowshoe trips where the wearing of a transceiver was not compulsory, however, at Tracks and Trails your safety is paramount and wearing one is compulsory.
Snowshoes Our snowshoes are by TSL, the largest snowshoe manufacturer in the Alps. The model we use is high-end, versatile, comfortable and well-designed. You can view the snowshoes we use here.
Boots Warm and waterproof hiking boots are essential, these can be 'summer' or 'winter' boots. They must cover your ankles and provide support, it is not possible to low cut hiking shoes or trainers.
On this point-to-point trip you will have luggage support which means your bags are transferred each day to the next accommodation and you only need to carry a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you might need during the course of the day. Please refer to the kit list for this trip for guidance on the size of rucksack required.
As your luggage will be moved along the route by taxi we ask that you keep the weight to a maximum of 15kgs (33lbs), and ONE bag per person. Many of the taxi companies who move your bags impose a 15kg (33lbs) limit and restrict the number of bags simply because they have to unload and reload the vehicle many times each day. If you take more than one bag you may be asked to pay a supplement. Also with regard to weight be aware that you may have to carry your luggage to your bedroom, which may involve climbing several flights of stairs as not all hotels have elevators. Luggage on wheels is generally a good idea.
The statistics given on your itinerary relating to ascent, descent and distance should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. This is a guideline to help you decide if, based on previous experience, your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. We ask you to note that the even the most modern of technology can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance.
Your guide will have all the maps necessary and you are not required to navigate. However, if you wish to arrive with maps of the route you will need two French IGN Carte de Randonnee:
Bonneville 3429 ET and Morzine 3528 ET
Winter mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley. In winter the weather can be everything from clear blue skies, and glorious sunshine, to heavy snowfall and strong winds. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for all conditions. In December and January they can range from -10°Celsius (14°F) to 3°Celsius (37.4F), in February from -5°Celsius (23°F) to 7°Celsius (44.6°F), and in March from 0°Celsius (32°F) to 13°Celsius (55.4°F).
Food On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes. If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us. We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water If the accommodation has a problem with the water supply they will post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water, otherwise it is normal to drink from the tap. Hotels - It is not uncommon for restaurants to charge for tap water at the evening meal. If this is the case then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost. Mountain Huts - If your trip features a stay in a mountain hut/refuge and the tap water is not potable then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost of bottled water at the evening meal. Sparkling water is not included in this option and any cost should be covered by you.
Plastic credit or debit cards or smartphone pay systems are increasingly accepted throughout the areas where we run trips. Some countries, such as Norway, are moving towards a cashless society. However, in Europe, in the mountain areas where we run trips, a small amount of cash in the local currency is useful. For example, if you stop at a family-run mountain cafe or farm they may not accept cards or smartphone systems, and cash will be necessary. We recommend having enough cash in the local currency to pay for a few snacks and drinks. Whether to bring cash or not is at your own discretion.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in your luggage. If your trip does not include luggage support carry a paper copy with you, but separate from your passport. You should check passport requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
NEW European Travel Regulations 2026 If you are travelling to Europe you may be impacted by a change to travel regulations. In the last quarter of 2026, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. It is your responsibility to check for updates with regard to the introduction date.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
If your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut a slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be useful for recharging phones etc. This type of accommodation will generally have electricity, but it may be limited in supply, and it is not always possible to charge items.
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. If you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor. We advise you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
GHIC For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC gives access to state healthcare in Europe either free or at a reduced cost. The GHIC is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
EHIC If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you should apply for a GHIC.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We operate a zero tolerance for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all items from the mountain, this includes toilet tissue, and those items you consider to be bio-degradable.
The waste water in mountain huts, also known as refuges/rifugios, often runs into nearby streams and rivers with a potential impact on the eco-system, though in many places steps are now being taken to avoid this. Whether or not your trip involves staying in a mountain hut we would nevertheless recommend you consider nature friendly sunscreens which only contain mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as oxide, and titanium dioxide.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means the price of our trips can change overnight. We have undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained.
We believe in team work, and enjoy working with other small high quality companies. All our trips are organised by Tracks and Trails, but you may be joined by guests from other companies. Partners are carefully selected to ensure they reflect our ethos and standards. By working with other companies your chosen holiday may reach its minimum number earlier, allowing us to guarantee the trip and give you the go-ahead to book your travel. We guarantee that companies with whom we work will offer the same price package. If you have any questions about this policy contact us.
If you would like help preparing for your snowshoe adventure you could consider booking a Quick Fix session with personal trainer Kate Brown. This is aimed at those who want to get ready for any of our winter activities. Your booking with Kate will involve a 45 minute 1:1 video consultation and action plan. You can read more about her ethos and experience here. We also offer free training videos on our YouTube channel - the following are aimed at those who snowshoe in winter, and hike in summer:
We go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation. Note your snowshoe guide has our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. This is particularly relevant in a winter environment where the snowpack can change on a daily basis. Your snowshoe guide will be a qualified International Mountain Leader. IML's are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, culuture and traditions. You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page.
We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons, the most important of which is food waste. Most people have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you purchase your own snacks rather than throw away items from the picnic lunch which we would supply. Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout the day. Buying snacks and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with local people and to practise your language skills.
If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. Each evening you can order a picnic/sandwich from your accommodation, or your guide/instructor will advise you of options such as a local shop or market. In all cases we would ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks the evening before you depart, and not in the morning when there may be a queue.
