Mont Blanc Snowshoe Week

Snowshoeing is one of the fastest growing recreational sports in the world. During the winter months the Alpine landscape is transformed to a pristine white wilderness and the air is normally clear and still. Travelling through the quiet and serenity of the snow-covered landscape is a rewarding experience and snowshoeing greatly increases the potential to get out into the mountains. Modern snowshoes are light and easy to use so it is possible to progress very quickly from easy trails to steep mountain slopes. This week of centre-based, guided snowshoeing is designed to appeal to regular mountain walkers wishing to learn or develop basic snowshoe techniques as well as those with previous snow-shoeing experience. The series of tours that we undertake during the week will be flexible and will depend on the prevailing conditions at the time. The guides will make the final route decisions for each day based on their extensive local knowledge to ensure that we get the very best out of the week. During the week instruction will be given in the use of safety equipment and winter survival skills. After familiarising ourselves with basic techniques will then progress to steeper terrain, using ski roads where appropriate to access the best day-routes, leading to high viewpoints and summits. Ascending open, sun-drenched snow slopes above the tree-line, with breathtaking views of the Chamonix Aiguilles, the magic of snowshoe hiking will be immediately apparent. Returning to the valley each evening, our comfortable chalet base will provide a great place to rest and recuperate ahead of the next day's adventure.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1: Rendezvous at approximately 6.00pm in the group's chalet base in Argentiere above Chamonix. KE group package services begin with the evening meal. The guides will give a briefing on the days ahead and answer any questions.

Day 2: Introduction to snowshoe techniques and familiarisation with safety proceedures. Our walk today will offer stunning views over the valley and across to mont Blanc. Return to chalet for dinner.

Day 3: We head towards the Swiss border and the hamlet of Vallorcine. We climb steadily until we reach the open mountainside of the alpage at Loriaz. Ascent 900m. / 3000ft.

Day 4: Drive into Switzerland, for an ascent of Mont de l'Arpille, with a panoorama which includes Mont Blanc, the Dents du Midi, and the Rhone Valley. Ascent 770m. / 2500ft.

Day 5: Our goal today is the summit of the Tete de la Sallaz. We start from the high village of Romme which has a small ski area and head through the pine forest to open country . Ascent 700m. / 2300ft.

Day 6: We head off today for our overnight stay in the famous Grand St Bernard Monastery which sits on a high pass at 2469m. The monastery which is famous for its iconic mountain rescue dogs is reached via a climb to the Col Ouest de Barasson at 2635m.

Day 7: We cross into Italy and if conditions allow, we will make an ascent of Mont Fourchon at 2902m. At the end of the day we return to our chalet base in Argentiere.

Day 8: KE group package services end after breakfast.