Snowshoeing around the Aosta Valley, Italy
A fantastic 7-day snowshoeing holiday exploring the area around the stunning Artanavaz Valley, including glimpses of both Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, and some wonderful Italian Alpine hut accommodation at the Rifugio Bonatti.
£1095 or 1315€
The operators of this trip, Tracks and Trails, were featured in the Guardian Green Travel List, 2010, which picked out 75 of the best travel and tourism companies that demonstrated a "commitment to environment, community and place".
Detailed description of Snowshoeing around the Aosta Valley, Italy
This is a truly historical trip. An exploration of the area surrounding Aosta Valley in Italy, the route is believed to have been traversed by both Hannibal and Napoleon and was the winter garrison for what is now known as the Grand St Bernard Pass.
Not only will you get to enjoy some of the best views in the region (including both Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn), you'll also get to stay the night in the Rifugio Bonatti, an Alpine hut unrivalled in luxury.
A wonderful week of exploration and adventure around the historical Aosta Valley in Italy
Day 1
Arrival Etroubles
Day 2
Plan Puitz
You'll not venture far from your hotel today, instead opting to head to the village of St Rhemy - you'll get some fantastic views of the nearby valleys as you go.
Day 3
Notre Dame de la Neige
Today you'll venture out into Valpelline where you can start your climb to the Comba de Champillon
Day 4
Col Serena, Crevacol
Today's aim is to reach Col Serena, passing through the larch forests into the open bowl below the Col. Of course, the views will once again be fantastic.
Day 5
Val Ferret and ascent to Rifugio Bonatti
Perhaps one of the best hut experiences in the Alps, the Rifugio Walter Bonatti is built in traditional Valdotain style and filled with pictures taken by Bonatti himself. Expect hot showers, comfy beds and real Italian food.
Day 6
Col Entre Deux Sauts
Sadly say goodbye to the hut and step into Malatra Valleyas you make your way towards the Col Entre Deux Sauts. Mont Blanc loms large in the distance.
Day 7
Ars and the Rifugio Chaligne
Again, you'll not stray too far from the hotel today as you head for Chaligne - this involves a gentle climb and offers perhaps some of the best views of the entire trip.
Day 8
Departure
What's not included
- Travel insurance
- Lunches
- Avalanche Transceivers (around €50 for the week)
What price includes
- professional qualified International Mountain Leader
- half board accommodation in 2 star hotel/chalet
- snowshoes, poles, shovel and avalanche probe
Location
Plan your journey by train
Meeting point:
Etroubles, near Aosta Valley, Italy.
Martigny, Switzerland
Transfer to meeting point:
Guests make their own way to meeting point
Depending on the arrival times for the majority we can arrange to collect you in Martigny
How to get there:
Train from London to Martigny (via Geneva)
Plan your journey by train
Finish point:
An Hotel in Etroubles, near Aosta Valley, in Italy
Martigny in Switzerland
Transfer to finish point:
Guests make their own way to station
We can arrange a drop at the station at a time to suit the majority
How to get back:
Train from Martigny to London (via Geneva)
