Snowshoeing & Cross Country Skiing in Chamonix, France

Are you looking for a winter holiday but finding it hard to choose between snowshoeing and cross country skiing? This fantastic 8 day holiday combines aspects of both activities under the shadow of Mont Blanc, and is ideal for those with little or no previous experience in winter sports.

Highlights of the trip include learning the 'classic technique' of cross country skiing, spending an evening in an authentic, remote mountain hut and enjoying a Savoyarde meal while on a night snowshoe excursion.

An action-packed adventure week combining aspects of snowshoeing and cross country skiing

This trip requires a minimum of 4 clients to run. We take a maximum of 8 clients.

Day 1 Arrival

Day 2 
Introduction to snowshoeing & night snowshoe!
Today we head towards the Swiss border to the hamlet of Vallorcine which means the ‘valley of the bears'. Unfortunately because the locals used to pay their taxes in bear meat there are none left today! Here we put on our snowshoes and leave the village to head along the remote Berard Valley and explore a true winter wonderland.

Day 3 
Classic Skiing and afternoon in Chamonix 
Today is all about learning how to slide & glide! After organising our skis we take our time to learn and practice the 'classic technique' of cross country skiing (also known as Nordic Skiing). This ancient form of skiing is not only an excellent form of excercise but is easily tailored to your experience, fitness and enthusiasm! No ski experience is necessary to have fun on cross country skis!

Day 4 
Snowshoe Day - Mont Truc 1811m 
Our destination is Mont Truc which offers a 360 degree panoramic view taking in the high summits of the Domes des Miage and the Aiguille de Bionassay. We have a steady climb through the forests before emerging into the alpage of the Chalets du Truc and eventually to the peak itself. From this wonderful vantage point you can now view the Chains des Aravis, the Rocher des Fiz, Mont Joly and surrounding valleys and ski villages. Don't forget to watch out for the chamois! Ascent 700m.

Day 5 
Ski Journey 
The focus today is to practice our new skiing skills and to get to grips with different travelling techniques. That way we will feel confident and ready for slightly longer and more challenging journeys. Because our groups sizes are not large the sessions are always aimed to teach you at your individual level.

Day 6 
Val Ferret, Italy – Bonatti Refuge – Ski and Snowshoe day 
Today we travel through the famous Mont Blanc Tunnel into Italy. We ski along the beautiful Val Ferret with our journey taking us through the trees to the snowy meadows at La Vachey. In the afternoon we swap our skis for snowshoes, and head deeper into the mountains for a night at the famous Bonatti Refuge. The Refuge enjoys stunning views of the Mont Blanc Massif from the Italian side giving another perspective to this famous alpine range. It makes a fantastic overnight trip, with excellent accommodation (more like a hotel), Italian coffee and pasta to match!

Day 7 
Snowshoe and ski - Courmayeur 
After a relaxing breakfast in the high mountains we make our way back down to the Val Ferret valley floor and remove our snowshoes. We then need to return onto our skis to ski out and down the valley back to our transport. We complete our trip with a little ‘après ski’ celebration in the delightful Italian town of Courmayeur before returning to our Chamonix Valley accommodation.

Day 8 Departure

What's not included

• travel insurance
• lunch and drinks on the last day
• ski hire and avalanche transceivers (around €90 in total)