I provide private guided snowshoe walking in the 3 Valleys ski resorts in the heart of the French Alps.
Mark’s Snowshoe Walks
I offer:
- Full-day and half-day walks – mornings or afternoons
All the trips are “private” so the outing is entirely tailored to your wishes: as an individual, a group of friends or as a family.
You are very much in control, with the final choice of walk is normally made in discussion with yourself and on the current snow and weather conditions.
The snowshoe walks are chosen and adapted to your needs rather than following a fixed route or weekly programme.
I personally guide the snowshoe walks, except on the rare occasions I’m unwell.
I am a highly experienced and qualified International Mountain Leader / Accompagnateur en Montagne and have lived in the French Alps since 2005. Find out more …
The great advantage is tapping into my local knowledge. I’ve been guiding snowshoe walks in the 3 Valleys since 2005. I can and will get you “off the beaten track” as much as possible to places that are not shown on any resort map.
Why go snowshoeing?
Who is snowshoeing suitable for?
- Individuals, couples, families, groups of friends. It’s a great option for work colleagues as everyone can snowshoe together.
- Snowshoe walking is possible for all ages from young children to those who no longer want to ski or snowboard.
- I’ve frequently taken expectant Mums who have been advised not to ski or snowboard but want to benefit from the fresh mountain air.
- Snowshoeing is low-impact and makes a great option for those who have had knee problems skiing.
Wildlife and the Natural Environment
I will point out any wildlife we may see or the tracks that they have left in the snow. It’s a great opportunity to learn about aspects of the mountain environment in the Alps.
Naturally the wildlife prefers peace and quiet but with my local knowledge it’s normally possible to see some of the local wildlife.
We may see squirrels, mountain hares or deer. If we don’t actually see the animal itself I will point out their tracks in the snow. Other animals include foxes and wild boar.
On the full-day snowshoe trips there’s a good possibility of seeing ibex or even chamois.
Full-day trips from Courchevel or Meribel may well go to the valley of Champagny-le-haut. Here you may even get the chance to see the impressive Bearded Vulture (or Lammergaier) with its 2m 80 cm wingspan as it searches for its next meal. It’s pretty certain that we will see ibex and may be chamois.
Wolves have become common in the French Alps, and they have been sighted in 3 Valleys. They have been spotted by workers preparing the ski runs in the evenings and even by holidaymakers from their chalet whilst eating breakfast! Don’t worry, they are afraid of humans!
