Take your next step now …
Explore the beautiful Vanoise mountains in the heart of the French Alps on this six day guided snowshoe walking holiday.
The snowshoe holiday is based at the village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise gateway to the Vanoise National Park. The village of Pralognan is reached from the Tarentaise valley and the town of Moutiers. From here the road leads up past turnings to the large ski resorts of Meribel and Courchevel and through the village of Bozel with its Baroque church tower.? Pralognan is at the end of the road.
We start some of our snowshoe walks within metres of the hotel. We may have the opportunity to snowshoe to the Col de la Vanoise at 2500m at the foot of the Grande Casse, 3855m, the highest mountain in the Vanoise.
Wildlife in the Vanoise
The Vanoise is home to a large population of ibex (bouquetin), and chamois. The ibex is the emblematic animal of the Alps with it’s large scimitar shaped horns which on an adult male can be around 90cm in length. During the winter the ibex come lower down the mountains and we will have the opportunity to see them on some of our snowshoeing days.
The Vanoise is also home to at least three breeding pairs of the impressive Bearded Vulture (or Lammergaier) with its 2 m 80 cm wingspan.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Transfer to Pralognan-la-Vanoise. After a short briefing, it’s time to sample the fine cooking at the Hotel Grand Bec.
Day 2
A walk exploring the Doron valley, first through pinewoods draped in winter snow and then pristine snowfields with the mountains towering above. Depending on snow conditions, time and energy we may make it to the deserted hamlet of Prioux or even the Refuge of the Roc de la Peche.
Day 3
If conditions allow we head into the Vanoise National Park on the “Route du Sel” and in the “shadow” of the Grande Casse, the highest peak in the Vanoise at 3855 m, as far as the Lac des Vaches or even the Col de la Vanoise. An unforgettable day surrounded by the high peaks of the Vanoise.
Day 4
Champagny-le-Haut. Leaving the hotel, we pass the small village of Champagny and into the hanging valley of Champagny-le-Haut for a walk in a magnificent setting. The south-facing slopes of the valley are often frequented by ibex and chamois, benefiting from the sunny slopes that clear of snow more quickly. Typically, we may pay a visit to a wood carver tucked away in the hamlet of Friburge the only year-round inhabitant. Lunch at the Refuge du Bois.
Day 5
Leaving directly from the hotel we walk up through the forest above the village heading for the little chalets d’alpage La Montagne. There are superb views over the village and towards the Grande Casse and the mountain of the Grand Bec.
Day 6
Today we explore the mountain side above the small village of Chamberanger. The village is perched on a rock outcrop overlooking the valley above Bozel with its Baroque church spire. We will wend our way up through clearings and woodland, taking in the hamlets of Le Mollard and Plan Fournier.
Day 7
The hamlet of Tincave above the village of Bozel is the starting point for a final snowshoe adventure. Our route takes us up past the chalets of Le Pre to the Plan d’Allee. A well-deserved farewell dinner at the Hotel Grand Bec***.
Day 8
Transfer to Geneva airport.
Fees
The price indicated is for the group.
1 – 2 people: Euro 1500
3 – 5 people: Euro 1800
6 – 8 people: Euro 2400
