Join me on this guided snowshoe walking holiday in the Beaufortain in the heart of the French Alps. This week is normally based in the delightful Hotel Les Ancolies*** in the centre of the village of Arêches-Beaufort.
Arêches-Beaufort
Arêches is a small village in the heart of the Beaufortain massif (mountain range). The Beaufortain is situated immediately to the South-West of the Mont Blanc massif and as a result is renowned for large snowfalls.
The village retains an authentic charm with traditional Savoyard wooden chalets blending into the slopes of the mountains. Areches is first and foremost a village that “lives” all year with a small ski area.
The Snowshoe Walks
Each day we will enjoy a snowshoe walk taking in the variety and beauty of the Beaufortain.
Our snowshoe walks will allow you to experience the peace and stunning beauty of the Alps. Some days we will have the imposing bulk of Mont Blanc as our backdrop. Other days will see us moving silently (well almost) through woodland with the chance to see deer, squirrels or other wildlife.
You will see old alpine chalets, the wood coloured by the passing years, with blankets of snow covering their roofs. Maybe we will picnic in the sun under their broad eves.
Comfortable Hotel Accommodation
Our snowshoe holiday is based from the Hotel Les Ancolies*** in the village of Arêches (c.1000 m above sea level) in the heart of the Beaufortain. The village is a real, authentic, Savoyard village without the trappings of the large resorts. The hotel is situated right in the centre of the small village with a sunny terrace and cosy bar area.
The Restaurant
Dinner is served in the hotel restaurant, “La Table de Josephine“. Here you can enjoy the excellent cuisine of Ludovic Blanc that has been recognised by Gault & Millau and as a “Table Gourmande” Logis. The restaurant uses the finest French products from Savoie which is acknowledge by the “Marque Savoie” since 2013.
Location
Arêches-Beaufort is about 30 mins from Albertville reached by a road that winds along the river Duron. In summer, it is possible to continue over the Cormet de Roselend and drop down past Chapieux to Bourg St Maurice in the Tarentaise valley. In winter this route is blocked with snow and will not open again until June.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and transfer to Arêches – Beaufort. Settle into your hotel and a chance to explore the village.
Day 2
Roche Pastire (2108m) via Le Col du Pré (1703m). Fantastic views of the mountains including Mont Blanc reflected in the turquoise waters of the Lac de Roselend.
Day 3
Today we will drive up to the Col des Saisies. Les Saisies is home to a large cross-country ski area on a broad ridge with great open views across to the Aravis mountain range and Mont Blanc. Just outside Les Saisies we will set off along a forest track that gradually rises across the mountain side. There’s a possibility we may see deer in the forest. Our route continues at moments in the forest and others with open views across the Val d’Arly. A short traverse takes us out on to a small spur and a lovely spot for a picnic. After lunch we climb gently across open slopes to reach the Chard du Beurre. Now we start our descent through open woodland with mountain ash, spruce and pine.
Day 4
The Lac de Clou below the Roche Plane.
Day 5
Departing from the hamlet of Le Dray we climb to Plan Villard. Passing through sparse pine trees draped in snow we arrive on more open slopes and views of the Legette du Mirantin. Return via the forests of La Frasse on a silent, snow covered route.
Day 6
The Lac de St Guerin. A very short transfer takes us to the hamlet of La Mappaz. In winter this is the end of the road.
Initially we follow the valley until a turn left takes us up to a clearing in the woods. From here we wind our way up through woods to emerge once more in the open surrounded by snow-covered pines.
Here we get lovely views across the valley. Our route now leads us gently along in the mountainside. I will find a spot to enjoy our picnic lunch quite possibly overlooking the lake with views up the valley towards the Cormet d’Areches and the Cret du Rey.
After lunch a short descent leads us down to a view point above the lake. We will now turn for home passing old chalets and a church built for workers during the construction of the dam.
Day 7
Lac de la Girotte.
Day 8
Departure after breakfast and transfer to airports.
Group size
Individual 1:1 guiding
Maximum group size 8
Duration
6 days guided snowshoe walks – 7 nights
Accommodation
I recommend the Hotel Les Ancolies *** – Areches-Beaufort
Meals
Dinner, Breakfast & Packed Lunch
Fees
The price indicated is for the group.
1 – 2 people: Euro 1500
3 – 5 people: Euro 1800
6 – 8 people: Euro 2400
