Prices from
400
Season
January to March
Duration
3 nights
Meals
Full-board
Group size
Up to 6 people
Accommodation
Pyrenean Barn
Location
France
Meeting point
Gare de Tarbes (station), Tarbes Lourdes Pyrenees Airport, Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, Walnut Grange, Sainte-Marie-de-Campan
Difficulty
All Levels : This trip is designed to match the participants fitness levels and aspirations.
Weekend escape
Throughout the weekend, you will experience one and a half days of guided snowshoeing in and around the Parc Natural des Pyrénées; exploring the valleys, mountains and stunning views of the Payolle area.
You'll learn about avalanche safety, about the environment of this area which has been shaped by years of mountain grazing and enjoy lunch with a view either in the sun, or in a traditional mountain cabane if the weather is more challenging.
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You can enjoy an aperitif in the nordic hot tub as you watch the alpenglow illuminate the mountains at sunset, followed by a three-course homecooked meal with delicious wine from the region.
There will be time to visit the Grand-Tourmalet ski town of La Mongie, with the impressive Pid du Midi Observatory or the nearby Spa Towns of Bagneres-de-Bigorre or Saint-Lary-Soulan at your leisure.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
- Accommodation - 3 nights staying in our Pyrenean Barn (twin share/double)
- International Mountain Leader - Professional, experienced and friendly English-speaking IML
- Transfers from meeting point (pick up and drop off)
- All local transport
- Snowshoes and winter walking poles
- Avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, shovel and probe)
- All meals specified in the itinerary
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?
- Flights/travel to the meeting point(s)
- Travel/rescue insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Meals/snacks/drinks not specified in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional Extras (eg massages, equipment hire)
DAILY PLAN
Day 1 - Thursday (Arrival day) Mountain chalet - twin share/double | NO Breakfast | NO Lunch | YES Dinner |
Day 2 - Friday Mountain chalet - twin share/double | YES Breakfast | YES Lunch | NO Dinner |
Day 3 - Saturday Mountain chalet - twin share/double | YES Breakfast | YES Lunch | YES Dinner |
Day 4 - Sunday (Departure day) N/A | YES Breakfast | NO Lunch | NO Dinner |
WHATS THE FOOD LIKE?
Simple mountain fare, delicious and hearty; using high quality local ingredients.
Breakfast
You’ll be served a good-sized continental breakfast: Homemade Granola, Fresh Bread - Spreads - Croissants - Eggs - Cereal - Fresh Fruit/Stewed Fruit - Yogurt - Freshly squeezed Orange Juice - Barista Coffee - Tea
Dinner
You’ll enjoy a three-course meal of regionally inspired food. We use wholesome, fresh and locally sourced ingredients and serve large portions to keep you well fuelled for the trip.
Typical menu
Starter: Soup and sourdough bread
Main: Homemade meatballs, with jacket potatoes and sauteed spinach and garlic
Dessert: Creme Brulee
Chalet La Friaz has an Honesty Bar which sells a range of beer, wine and spirits.
Please let us know of any dietary requirements that you have ahead of your stay.
WHAT'S THE ACCOMMODATION LIKE?
Throughout your trip you will stay at Chalet La Friaz. This nineteenth-century Savoyard chalet d'alpage sits above the village of Les Houches and is surrounded by nature.
Overview
What to expect:
Friday - Arrival day
Afternoon - early evening
You will be picked up from your chosen meeting point and transferred to your accommodation base for the weekend - Chalet La Friaz. Your winter adventure will get 'kick started' with a short snowcat shuttle up the final stretch to this mountainside cabin.
In the evening you'll enjoy a delicious three-course meal, followed by a trip briefing. Here your guide will distribute your snowshoe equipment and explain how to fit your snowshoes so that they correctly fit your walking boots. Discuss the plans for the weekend and answer any questions that you might have.
Saturday
This morning we will head down to the nearby village of Les Houches and catch a ski gondola up to the top of the mountain. We will then leave the skiers behind and leisurely snowshoe to the summit of Le Prarion, which sits at 1969m (6458 ft). From here, we have spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of some of the highest mountains in western Europe, including the highest Mont Blanc 4809m.
Along the way, you will be shown some mountain safety avalanche skills and have fun practising them. From here, we will either snowshoe down the quiet route back to Chalet La Friaz or take the lift back to the village.
This afternoon you will have the chance to explore the world-famous mountaineering town of Chamonix at your own pace. Take the time to visit 'must see' attractions such as the Aiguille du Midi or Montenvers - Mer de Glace Train.
This evening we will meet together and have dinner and drinks at a restaurant in Chamonix (not included).
Sunday
Today we will drive out of the Chamonix valley and towards Geneva direction to access the beautiful Chaine des Aravis mountain range. This area is off the tourist beaten track and is a locals' favourite. Made up of an impressive 25km pre-alpine limestone outcrop and composed of a succession of parallel combes, alternating with summits, with the highest being Pointe Percée (2750 m), it makes for an impressive backdrop in summer and winter! Here we will begin our day snowshoeing through the forest before crossing onto glistening open rolling slopes.
For lunch, we will enjoy a delicious hearty traditional lunch in a charming mountain refuge before snowshoeing (or tobogganing!) back to the support vehicle.
This afternoon/early evening, you'll have the opportunity to learn how to build a snow cave (if snow levels permit). Followed by pre-dinner vin-chaud (mulled wine) and cooking entrée skewers around a fire pit as you watch the alpenglow hit the snow-clad mountains at sunset.
Monday - Departure day
After a leisurely breakfast, we will say our goodbyes, and you will take your transfer to Geneva airport (Switzerland) or Chamonix Sud bus/train station.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
• Warm insulating jacket (primaloft/down is recommended)
• Windproof shell or softshell jacket
• Rain jacket with a hood - Goretex (or equivalent)
• Long sleeve thermal tops – fleece or merino
• Waterproof trousers – Gortex (or equivalent)
While snowshoeing we recommend either a combination of a thermal layer and a waterproof hard-shell trouser or an insulated waterproof skiing pants
• Waterproof light-weight hiking boots or 2nd best option is goretex trail running shoes
• Backpack/Rucksack 20L-35L (We recommend one with a chest and waist belt)
• Dry bag or plastic bag to keep things dry in the backpack
• Water (bladder or bottles, 1L minimum)
• Running socks (multiple pairs) and thick winter socks
• Warm hat
• Buff/bandana
• Sports sunglasses – high protection (ones with multiple coloured lenses, are even better)
• Gloves (liner too if you get cold hands easily or two pairs)
• Head torch and batteries
• Casual clothing and 2nd pair of shoes (e.g trainers)
• Underwear
• Sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
• Toiletries
• Medication (please ensure you carry any medication you need and disclose details)
• Personal first aid kit (your guides will carry comprehensive kit)
• Emergency blanket
• Documents (passport, insurance details)
• Small plastic bag/dry sac (to keep documents safe & dry)
• Headtorch (with set of spare batteries)
• Mobile phone and charger
• Cash and credit card
No, unfortunately, due to the sometimes challenging nature of this trip, all participants must be 18 years and over.
Sure you can! A lot of people do, and it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Please see the grading of this trip and see if you meet the trip criteria/recommendations. If unsure, please email us we would be happy to help! We aim to group individuals of similar fitness levels to maximise everyone’s enjoyment and experience.
There are many world-famous sightseeing attractions that you can see on your own.
- Montenvers mountain railway, where you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Mer de Glace Glacier and visit the famous ice caves
- Aiguille du Midi 3842m; the world’s highest mountain peak served by an aerial lift system. This is the closest you can get to the summit of Mont-Blanc without hiking or climbing it.
- Tandem paragliding, rock climbing or mountain biking
- Exploring the many shops, restaurants in this charming mountain town
- Relax in the warm waters of the pools or have a massage at the QC Terme Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Spa
- Or perhaps travel further afield (on a coach) through the Mont Blanc tunnel and visit the nearby town of Courmayeur in Italy. This is a great day trip with good hiking, shopping and eating!
Yes, this is possible, subject to availability. Please advise us early (during the booking process) to avoid disappointment.
Maximum 6 people plus IML leader and group assistant.
The weather can change quickly in the mountains but on average you should expect temperatures of between 20-25 degrees Celsius (68-77 Fahrenheit) in June through to September.
You can choose to be picked up at Geneva Airport (at the designated pick up time), Switzerland or Chamonix Sud bus station, this is centrally located in Chamonix township.