Chamonix Mont Blanc Snowshoe Weeks 2016
France
In Brief
8 day holiday including 5 days snowshoe walking
in stunning mountain scenery in the Mt Blanc
region, Western Alps, France, Europe.
Snowshoeing means walking / trekking in winter
conditions, made easier by wearing snowshoes.
Led by an experienced British International
Mountain Leader (IML), enjoy an active,
wilderness mountain experience in a pristine
environment with almost no one else around. No
previous snowshoeing experience is necessary,
and equipment and tuition are provided. This is
ideal for any non-skier or summer hill-walker
who appreciates magnificent scenery, great
views and fresh air, away from the crowds.
The week is based in and around Chamonix, the mountain capital of Europe, in the shadow of Mont
Blanc, Europe’s highest peak. Catered accommodation is provided in a friendly chalet or small hotel.
Outline Plan
Day 1 – Arrival - meet at our accommodation in Chamonix on Saturday evening. After settling in,
there will be an introductory briefing over an aperitif with your leader (normally British International
Mountain Leader Phil Jarratt). This will include an introduction to the snowshoeing equipment, and
talking through the plan for the week, followed by a relaxed dinner.
Days 2-6 – Snowshoeing in and around the Chamonix valley. This will take the form of a series of day
walks, carefully chosen by the leader to fit with the aspirations of the group, and make the best of
the conditions.
The first day is likely to be fairly short in terms of walking, to allow plenty of time for instruction and
familiarisation with the equipment and techniques for safe and comfortable off-piste snowshoe
walking. As the group grows in confidence, and depending on your wishes, you may progress
through the week onto longer day walks, including perhaps the ascent of some seldom-visited peaks
and cols for unparalleled views of Mont Blanc and its neighbours.
Over the course of the week, we may well venture into neighbouring Switzerland and/or Italy in
search of the best snow and weather conditions, experiencing ever-changing panoramic views of the
mountains, and the different cultural identities of the Mont Blanc region.
Grade C tours include a 2 day snowshoe expedition, staying overnight high in the mountains at the
iconic Grand St Bernard Monastery on the historic pass and pilgrimage route across the Alps. This is
a unique Alpine adventure with great cultural interest, undertaken by the presenters of BBC’s Ski
Sunday programme back in 2012. Accommodation at the Monastery is included in the price of the
Grade C tours. This excursion is subject to conditions, and alternative destinations may be chosen.
Day 7 – At Leisure in Chamonix – after an active and rewarding week, relax and enjoy some of the
many delights Chamonix has to offer. These include the famous Aiguille du Midi cablecar with its
amazing views, soaking up the sun at a pavement cafe, or other activities such as skiing (downhill or
cross-country) or paragliding.
Day 8 – Departure – the tour ends with breakfast on the Saturday morning.
British-Snowshoe-Tours.com
e-mail: phil@british-snowshoe-tours.com
www.British-Snowshoe-Tours.com
Holly Tree Cottage, 17 Church Street, Bodicote, Banbury, Oxfordshire, UK
Tel : 07972 490801
g Grades:
Tour Details
Dates 2016
30th Jan – 6th Feb
6th – 13th Feb
27th Feb – 5th Mar
12th – 19th Mar
26th Mar – 2nd Apr
Grade B (moderate)
Grade C (strenuous)
Grade B (moderate)
Grade C (strenuous)
Grade B (moderate)
Prices (£ GB Pounds)
£ 950
£ 995
£ 950
£ 995
£ 895
Group Size: Min 4, max 8
Grade B (moderate) – suitable for anyone with
a fairly active lifestyle. 4-6 hrs actual walking
per day at a steady pace, with plenty of rests,
mostly on established trails, with some climbing
and descending (up to +600m vertical).
Grade C (strenuous) – a good level of
hillwalking fitness is required. Days will be
longer (6-8 hrs of walking), and may have a
slightly more ambitious objective (like a
summit), some steeper terrain with more
ascent and descent (up to +1000m), and is
likely to involve walking on untrodden snow.
Included:
- International Mountain Leader (IML) on all walking days
- 7 ngts catered accommodation (chalet, 2* hotel or equivalent), based on 2
sharing twin rooms, incl. breakfast and dinner on 6 ngts, and packed lunches
on walking days (x5).
- Equipment hire (snowshoes, walking poles, off-piste snow safety kit).
- Transport to and from the start and finish of the walk each day.
Not Included:
- Transport to and from Chamonix – flights, airport transfers, etc.
- Insurance (you must be covered for off-piste snowsport, including medical
and evacuation cover, in France, Italy and Switzerland
- Personal clothing and equipment (a kit list will be provided)
- Lift passes (ski lifts may occasionally be used)
British-Snowshoe-Tours.com
e-mail: phil@british-snowshoe-tours.com
www.British-Snowshoe-Tours.com
Holly Tree Cottage, 17 Church Street, Bodicote, Banbury, Oxfordshire, UK
Tel : 07972 490801