Mountain Adventure Holidays
Snowshoeing is the perfect winter activity for those who enjoy mountain walking. Each winter we find that more and more summer hikers are joining us in the snow in a bid to continue their passion all year around. Snowshoeing is a great activity and we organise a number of tailor-made snowshoe trips every year for those who want to set their own dates, and pace.
Booking a bespoke snowshoe trip means you can choose your companions and set your own goals for the trip. We have been guiding in winter since Tracks and Trails was set up in 2006 and as a result we have a wide range of itineraries which we can suggest at locations across the Alps. We can easily help you fulfil your aspirations to enjoy the mountains in winter.
Snowshoeing does not require previous experience as it is simply a case of walking in the snow, but with equipment that makes it easier to do so. You do, however, need a reasonable level of fitness to make the most of your trip, unless you would prefer our slow snowshoe approach which ensures as many cake and coffee stops as possible!
Any of our Scheduled Departure trips can be adapted to a bespoke trip. Please also take a look at the Itinerary section above for just a few ideas which may help you to make a start. Or if you already know what you want then get in touch with our office.
We can create bespoke adventure itineraries to suit most requests. We have extensive experience in the European Alps, and in particular in France, Switzerland, and Italy. In Scandinavia in winter we also have a breadth and depth of knowledge of running trips in Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
We will soon be giving suggested itineraries for your corporate event, but in the meantime please contact us to discuss your requirements.
The chance to spend a night in a mountain inn, isolated from the rest of the world by the snow and ice, is an opportunity not to be missed. Accommodation ranges from ancient monasteries to rustic wooden chalets, and state of the art igloos. It's a wonderful experience to come in from the cold to a warm welcome in the high mountains. You might want to consider including this option for one of the nights of your snowshoe holiday?
These 'refuges' are widespread across the Alps, but for ease of reference we have given a few options below that are easily reached from Chamonix Valley, in France. We find that with Geneva airport only 1 hour, 15 minutes away, that many of our guests 'pop' over to Chamonix from the UK for a few days of winter air. There are, of course, many other possibilities for a night or two in the mountains.
Below are a few wonderful options that are within driving distance of Chamonix Valley, France. There are many more possibilities across the Alps.
The Grand St Bernard Hospice, Switzerland is on a high pass linking Italy and Switzerland and is home to the world famous St Bernard mountain dog. The monks at the Monastery have been offering comfort to weary travellers since the 11th century. In winter it can only be reached by snowshoes or skis which makes it a wonderful destination for a night in the mountains. We can begin with a drive to Switzerland to visit to the Grand St Bernard Museum in Martigny. The perfect introduction to the Monastery and its history. We then travel a little further to begin our hike. The route climbs high above the tree line through a snow covered valley to reach the Grand St Bernard Hospice founded in 1049 where we spend the night. Ascent 544m.
The following morning we leave the monastery to explore further into this vast valley and network of peaks. Our route takes us initially down and then climbs to the Italian frontier and the Col Ouest de Barasson at 2635m. We are rewarded with excellent views into Italy, of the Mont Blanc range, and nearby summit of the Pain de Sucre. The perfect location to enjoy a picnic lunch and stillness of the mountains. Ascent 700m.
Le Refuge Tornieux, France is a characterful and cosy option for a great night in the mountains in Chamonix Valley. The refuge sits in a high bowl below the stunning Aravis mountain range with great views all the way back to Mont Blanc. There is an easy trail which ascends to the refuge and if necessary we could arrange to have some luggage delivered for you. Otherwise we hike up with what we need for the night. A pleasant evening can be passed here enjoying the local cuisine and wine.
Next morning, we can walk further into the high bowl and enjoy the views before we head back down to the valley. It is also possible to rent sledges and enjoy a 5 km trail from the refuge down to the parking area.
La Petite Auberge, Switzerland makes an excellent snowshoe destination and is suitable for all levels. We park below the lake and then climb steadily on a wide track to what is essentially a hidden valley surrounded by stunning peaks. The Auberge itself is situated in a quiet alpine setting by Lac de Tanay, Switzerland and you will be welcomed with excellent local cuisine. The building has been recently renovated and really is a glorious hideaway where we have never before met any snowshoers or skiers who are not 'locals' who share our secret.
The next morning we can enjoy a wander further up the valley before descending back down to the auberge for a well-earned coffee. After re-fuelling we make our way back down to our vehicle. It is also possible today to have time to visit the Grand St Bernard Museum in Martigny to learn about the history of the Grand St Bernard Monastery and the famous rescue dogs of the same name.
Walking through the forest at night with the snow sparkling on the pine needles is one of the great joys of snowshoeing. If you are visiting Chamonix Valley, in France, we can arrange an evening snowshoe walk to a wonderful characterful Auberge where you can enjoy a delicious dinner of local food, while warming yourself before a log fire. It is something that all the family can enjoy with a snowshoe hike that can be adapted to suit you.
All you will need is warm clothes and a sense of adventure! We can provide all the snowshoe equipment including a head torch. We would meet you as the sun sets and head off to explore the snow covered alpine forests.
La Boerne is a refuge dating back to the 18th century. Located on high ground a few kilometres from Chamonix it provides a wonderful venue for dinner. At La Boerne you can 'feel' the mountain history, the culture that has shaped the communities of this alpine valley. The Auberge is in fact run by Gilbert, a High Mountain Guide, descended from a long line of famous climbers and guides of the Chamonix Valley. This is a true alpine experience and a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
La Vieilles Luge is an ancient farm chalet perched above Chamonix. The restaurant has an amazing ambiance, and dates back 250 years. It is run by a family who can trace their roots back to 1479.
Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in Western Europe and the world famous alpine town of Chamonix provides a stunning base for snowshoeing. This French town is full of character and history and makes a great location to spend a few days or a week of snowshoeing. Every time you look up you see 'it' there, a world of snow, ice and rock and dreams of mountain adventure.
With a wide range of accommodation on offer Chamonix suits all budgets and requirements. It is also only a 30 minute drive to Switzerland where we have the chance to conquer some peaks, or even spend a night in the world famous Grand St Bernard Monastery, a unique experience.
Below are just a few of the possible snowshoe routes that are available near Chamonix:
Chalets de Chailloux,france
If this is your fist time on snowshoes we will spend time making sure you are comfortable with the equipment. It really is simply a case of walking, but wearing an item of kit on your feet that makes it all easier. We spend the day enjoying a walk with views of the Mont Blanc massif from the Chalets de Chailloux, a fabulous vantage point that gives a wonderful photo opportunity to capture Chamonix valley and glaciers. Ascent 570m.
Today we could have a trip to Switzerland, and an ascent of one of the best viewpoints of the area. We head up initially through pine woods, watching out for squirrels and roe deer, and then into more open ground as we arrive at alpage. An alpage is where the sheep and cows graze in the summer months. We then wind our way to the summit which offers incredible panoramas of Mont Blanc, the Dents du Midi, and the Rhône Valley. Ascent 770m.
Chalet Loriaz is above the hamlet of Vallorcine. The Vallorcine valley, which means ‘valley of the bears', used to easily be cut off during the winter months due to it's access being two mountain passes. Unfortunately, because the locals used to pay their taxes in bear meat there are none left today! We leave the village to climb steadily on a good trail until we reach the open mountainside of the alpage at Loriaz. If the conditions permit we can also ascend the higher point of the Charmoz. Ascent 700m.
A truly beautiful ridge line which offers excellent views in all directions. Today we drive down the valley towards the market town of Sallanches where we take a small mountain road climbing to the parking at Le Perret. From here we pick up the forest trail which zigzags up the hillside to the ancient farms below the Tete Noire at 1691m, a fine summit in itself. We then leave the trees to discover what have to be some of the finest views of the Mont Blanc range. On one side the valley which leads to Chamonix, with Mont Blanc in the distance, on the other the Aravis mountains, and ahead the shapely mountain of the Croisse Baulet at 2236m. Ascent 680m.
Chamonix is easily reached from other European & Worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane. Geneva is the closest international airport, only 1 hour 15 minutes away by road, making shared transfers, buses or trains easy to arrange.
We find that many of our bespoke trips are based on the Scheduled Departures which we already offer on this website. Simply browse the Scheduled Departures and decide which one you would like as a private trip. The itineraries can be adjusted to suit your needs with 'rest' days inserted where appropriate, and the number of trip days either extended or shortened.
In this respect we find that the Traverse of the Chablais which is a six day mountain journey is popular as a bespoke trip. Also our centre based week Chamonix Snowshoe Adventure is also a great week for a private group. We can source a chalet or hotel which can be used as your base for this week.
Our totally bespoke trips are those where you have the ideas and the dreams and we discuss how these can be achieved. They could feature an element of our Scheduled Departure trip itineraries, but also include other optional activities, such as cross country skiing, alpine skiing, ice climbing, dog sledding, or maybe something more relaxing such as a visit to the beautiful spa at Pre St Didier in Italy, followed by compulsory gelato, to end your trip?
Every winter we spend time at Venabu, in Norway, a tranquil mountain hotel on the edge of the Rondane National Park. Here there are many activities available which can be included in a snowshoe trip, there is dog sledding, cross country skiing, horse drawn sleigh rides, yoga/pilates classes and massage available.
In other words 'Bespoke' means created and crafted just for you and your family or friends. A unique experience in the stunning mountains of the Alps or indeed farther afield such as Bulgaria or Scandinavia.
On all of our trips we aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, comfortable, characterful, family run accommodation.
We take time to research, update and view the best options available to us on every trip. Detailed below are examples of our favoured venues and those we intend to use. If unavailable at the time of booking we will use alternative accommodation of a similar standard.
The trip fees are based on two people sharing a room. However on many of our trips single rooms are available on request for a supplementary fee.
It is a condition of booking that you have appropriate insurance for your chosen activity, including emergency helicopter rescue, repatriation, medical costs, as well as trip cancellation/curtailment insurance in the event of you being unable to join/complete the trip.
Please read the relevant clauses which are numbered 10, 11, 11a, 12, and 22 and are set out in our Terms and Conditions.
We also recommend your insurance covers you for baggage loss/damage. Tracks and Trails Ltd are unable to accept responsibility for the loss or damage to any client equipment or luggage.
If you are booking on behalf of other people it is important that you ensure that insurance has been arranged by all others included in your Booking Form.
You should bring all insurance documentation with you at the time of the activity. If you fail to provide proof of insurance we reserve the right to ask you to leave the trip.
If you are joining a trip in the UK helicopter/mountain rescue insurance is not required as this is a free service.
For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.
On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.
The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person.
If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened.
Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.
After we have processed your booking we will send you a comprehensive clothing and equipment list that is appropriate to your trip and activity. There will be some items on this list that we strongly recommend and others which are suggested. Our list is based on our experience of what is needed for any particular trip, but it is not the definitive article! If you have items you like to use then do bring them, but be aware of over-loading your 'day' rucksack with items that are heavy and therefore making the trip more challenging.
Please contact us if in any doubt about what to bring.
For each of our trips there is a minimum number of guests required to book before we can 'guarantee' your trip will run. It depends on the particular trip in question, but it is normally 4. The maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page.
We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.
We go to great lengths to work with first class guides and instructors who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.
Please note your guide/instructor has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment.
For our walking, family, and snowshoeing trips your guide will be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. For our running trips your guide will be an International Mountain Leader, and an experienced mountain 'trail runner'.
If you have booked on a cross country ski trip you will be with a fully qualified professional BASI Nordic Ski Instructor or equivalent. BASI is the British Association of Snowsport Instructors.
This is a general statement with regard to luggage and is not specific to your trip. Please read on.
Point to Point
The majority of our point-to-point trips have luggage support which means your bags are transferred each day to the next accommodation and you only need to wear a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you might need during the course of the day.
On some trips which feature a night in a refuge/rifugio/hut your main luggage may not be available that evening due to lack of vehicle access. Your rucksack should be of sufficient capacity to carry a few extra items required for this overnight. Your trip itinerary will indicate on which nights you do not have access to your main luggage. If in any doubt please contact us.
Centre Based
For our centre based trips, in other words where you are staying in the same accommodation all week, you are welcome to bring whatever luggage you require. However, do refer to the note below with regard to 'size' and the lack of elevators in some hotels.
Size of Luggage
Please note that many hotels do not have elevators. This means you may need to carry your luggage to your bedroom.
On our point-to-point trips where your luggage is 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 because they have to unload and reload the vehicle each day. If you take more than one bag you may be asked to pay a supplement.
Luggage on wheels is a good idea, and as stated you need to be able to carry your luggage to your bedroom which may involve climbing several flights of stairs.
We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons. We have found our guests have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you choose and buy what you require. Buying supplies and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with the local people and to practise your language skills.
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 your day of activity. 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 choose to order a picnic or a sandwich from the hotel, or your guide/instructor will advise you of other options such as a local shop or market and whether you need to purchase items in the evening or if the shop/market is open early enough the next morning not to delay your start. In all cases we would always ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks in the evening before you depart, and not on the morning of your last day when there may be a queue.
On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip.
We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day.
The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required.
It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card.
On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will only accept payment in the local currency in cash.
Food
On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes that reflect the culture of the country and for this reason many of our accommodation options will be family run with a reputation for the traditional food of the region.
If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy or intolerance to a certain food type which will make you ill the accommodation will cater for this as best they can, eg gluten free, nut free, lactose free.
If you are vegetarian then this is not a problem as the hotels/refuges are used to being asked for vegetarian meals. Our accommodation will try to cater for those with vegan diets but in remote refuges in the mountains this is more difficult. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet please contact us. Gluten-free diets will be possible with regard to the evening meals, but we would advise that you bring along some gluten-free snacks for your breakfasts and lunches.
If you have a 'special' diet which is NOT because of an allergy or intolerance, and is not 'veggie' then we apologise, but we cannot cater for this. The accommodation on the popular routes will be catering for many people each evening, in some cases up to 70/80 meals per night, 7 days a week, and realistically they cannot produce many different meal options unless the food will result in illness.
Water
The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel is having a problem with a remote mountain water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water. At all times you are welcome to ask your guide/instructor if the water can be drunk. We would ask, for environmental reasons, that you avoid using single-use plastic bottles, and bring a water bottle that can be used repeatedly.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required for visits to countries outside the EU, such as Norway. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. 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.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:
http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/
Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera.
If you wish to add on optional activities these can easily be arranged for you. In winter you could choose to experience a range of other winter sports. Depending on the location you are choosing for your trip these can include trying cross country skiing, dog sledding, ice climbing, glacier walking, or even sleigh rides. We can advise you on what is available in each location.
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.
For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance. Also note that if/when the UK leaves the European Union that the EHIC card may no longer be valid. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
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 would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.
You can read our full policy here.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means that the price of our trips can change overnight. We have, however, undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. In this respect we urge you to book early to ensure that you receive the price advertised on our website. 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 in your individual case.
The date range given below indicates the months when the activity can be undertaken. The prices indicated are for a half day/evening or full day of snowshoeing.
Equipment Rental If you require snowshoe equipment we can provide this at a rate of £15 per person per day, or £10 per person for a half day which is 3 hrs. We can also accept payment in Euros by prior arrangement. The snowshoe equipment package includes snowshoes, walking poles, avalanche transceivers (a location beacon), snow shovel and snow probe.
The Complete Package We can also quote you an all inclusive price which can include accommodation, snowshoe equipment hire, the guides fees and expenses and all logistics. We can also add on other winter activities such as cross country skiing, husky dog sledding, etc.
Maximum Numbers To ensure that you make the most of your snowshoe experience we take a maximum of 8 people per guide. We can, of course, accommodate larger groups but for reasons of safety and enjoyment this would require an additional guide or guides depending on the group size.
| From Price | What's your budget? |
| Holiday Type | Tailormade |
| Duration | How long do you have? |
| Minimum Age | Any |
| Countries Visited | Italy, France, Switzerland, Norway, Germany |
