Mountain Adventure Holidays
This is now a 'must do' winter journey over the mountains between the French village of Megevette in the valley of the Arve in the west, through to the shores of Lake Geneva in the east. The Chablais area is renowned for its marvellous snowshoeing country and many of the high points give views to the Mont Blanc range. Since we pioneered this route in 2009 it has become a 'classic' for snowshoe enthusiasts. We will walk a total of 84.5 km (53 miles) through the mountains over six days.
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!
Your guide will meet you in the hotel bar 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. 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!
It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
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.
Our meeting point is the Auberge de Mégevette. Auberge is an interesting description to define as most are simply village 'hotels'. A dictionary definition would be an 'inn' in a French speaking area. The Auberge has en suite bedrooms, and dinner is traditional local dishes from the Savoyard region. It is run by the very helpful David and his wife Lydia.
There is a cosy bar which is often frequented by the locals. David is a butcher to trade, and he is normally the Chef who will be preparing your dinner.
Les Moineaux, is a family run hotel, which lies at the entrance to the village of Bellevaux, in the borders of the Brevon Valley. 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.
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 is quaint and quiet, and the only shopping experience is the local Boulangerie! The hotel is the only accommodation in the village offering basic but comfortable rooms which are all en suite and provides a good evening meal.
In Abondance we stay at the Hotel Le Mont Jorat which is right in the very heart of the village and opposite the 15th century Abbey. This family run hotel, which sits right by the river, is very welcoming. There are twenty-two bedrooms with en suite facilities. The hotel is the only accommodation in the village, and most basic on our Traverse of the Chablais, but nevertheless still offers a cosy bar and provides a good evening meal.
The hotel serves traditional local food so be prepared for cheese to feature in some form or another. Breakfast is buffet-style so you can eat as much as you wish. All good fuel for the day ahead.
Our hotel is situated in the old hamlet of Vacheresse with its traditionally built chalets. The Plein Soleil is a new building and is very comfortable with lovely views down the valley. Once again it is family run, and all of the bedrooms have en suite facilities.
This lovely 3* hotel is in a small hamlet beside then village of Bernex. It is family run, and we always receive a warm welcome. It has a great reputation for its meals, and dinner is to be enjoyed. Upon arrival you might want to take advantage of the spa with its jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.
Our hotel is near the centre of Evian-les-Bains, a short walk to the lakeside, and ideally located for the train station and onwards travel on your departure day. The hotel building has a modern spacious feel to it and although opposite the train station we have never noticed any noise from the tracks. We will eat dinner in a traditional restaurant in the town. If the Hotel Evian Express is not available then we would normally stay at the Hotel Alize which is also very nice. If this is the case we eat dinner at the hotel.
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.
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 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.
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 deliver 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 any eventuality.
Temperatures vary depending on the month, generally December, January, and February are colder, but by March and April the temperatures are warming up and spring is on the way.
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).
The above figures are a general indication only as the weather can vary considerably year on year for any given month.
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’.
Your guide will arrive at the ‘Welcome Meeting’ with only enough snowshoe equipment for those who have booked it via their Booking Form.
Equipment
Clothing
Comfort
Personal First Aid
Documentation
Additional Items
**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**
Leaders are all first aid trained and carry their own first aid kit
The image below gives examples of how snowshoes can be attached to your rucksack
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.
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.
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 £200.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Due to the specialised nature of our holidays, we co-sell a number of trips with 'partner' companies. These are carefully selected to ensure they reflect our ethos and standards in terms of the service we offer our guests. By encouraging other companies to sell our trips it means that your chosen holiday may reach its 'minimum' number earlier, allowing us to guarantee the trip and to give you the go-ahead to book your travel arrangements.
There may be occasions when our partners have helped book your accommodation and organise the logistics for your trip. On these occasions your hotel may have recorded your room reservation in the name of one of our partners.
We guarantee that companies with whom we work will offer the same package as Tracks and Trails Ltd. The price will be the same, though occasionally they may be operating in a different currency. Your itinerary and the items that are included, or not included in your trip fee, will also be the same.
We believe in team work, and enjoy working with other small high quality companies. If you have any questions about this policy please contact us and we will be happy to discuss it with you.
Prices may vary depending on date.
| From Price | £0 |
| Holiday Type | Snowshoeing |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Group Size | 8 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 1620m (5313ft) |
| Countries Visited | France |
| Meet In | Geneva airport, France |
